NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Victor Cruz and Players That Will Dazzle on Sunday

Victor Cruz has been an absolute beast this season for the New York Giants. He has dazzled all season long while proving he can be a star in the NFL.

He will continue to dazzle on Sunday and there will be a few others that will be just as impressive.

Victor Cruz

Let’s start with Cruz since we already named him as a player who will continue to dazzle. He caught 82 balls this year for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns.

His trademark salsa routine in the end zone will probably get him a gig on Dancing with the Stars in the immediate future. This will especially be the case if he can shine against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Sign him up.

People tend to forget that Eli Manning is a Super Bowl MVP. He does have characteristics of turning the ball over, but you have to believe he can match Aaron Rodgers point-for-point.

With the Giants rushing attack last in the NFL at 89.2 yards per game and the Packers pass defense last in the NFL at 299.8 yards per game, simple logic suggests that Manning will drop back and throw the ball an increased amount.

Anytime the Giants need a big play Cruz has been the guy to deliver. He may be dancing at Lambeau Field on multiple occasions on Sunday in their biggest game of the year. 

Jordy Nelson

Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver Jordy Nelson has turned into Rodgers’ favorite target. Nelson leads the Packers in catches (68), yards (1,263), touchdowns (15), yards per game (78.9), yards per completion (18.6) and 20-or-more yard receptions (19).

He’s the go-to guy this season.

Nelson will continue to play a high level against the Giants’ defense that is 29^th against the pass.

Expect a shootout in Green Bay.

Ray Rice

Baltimore needs to realize that their greatest chance of winning comes when Ray Rice touches the ball 20 times or more per game. In their losses (12-4) Rice rushed the ball 36 times.

It’s simple to realize this.

They need to stop trying to prove that Joe Flacco is a top-flight quarterback because he’s not. He can be a solid quarterback that can make big throws, but he doesn’t have that trait that proves he’s clutch.

Run the ball with Rice who has 1,364 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing this season. If you give the ball to your best player you will win on Sunday.

The road is empty for the Ravens this year. If they can’t make the Super Bowl there has to be some thoughts about what they’re doing over there. 

NFL Divisional Round Schedule

Sunday, Jan. 15 at 1:00 p.m. EDT on CBS: Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, Jan. 15 at 4:30 p.m. EDT on FOX: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers