NFL Playoff Predictions: Why Giants Will Down Packers for Massive Upset

The New York Giants are about to pull of the biggest of this playoff season. They will roll into Green Bay and take down the defending champion and one-loss Packers. 

The fact that the Giants matchup well with the Packers was on full display in Week 13, when they lost a thrilling game 38-35. 

That game was in New York, but the Giants have made enough improvements that they will overcome any disadvantages they gain due to losing the home field advantage. 

Pressure the QB

The Giants defensive line is finding its pass rushing stride. The Giants ended the season ninth in sack percentage, and over their last three games their sack percentage is 1.3 percentage points than it was for the season. 

The majority of this pressure is coming from the big guys up front. This is the foundation for success against the Packers.

This will allow them to hurry Rodgers without leaving themselves vulnerable to having their blitzing defense picked apart. 

Improved Pass Defense

The Giants struggled all season on defense. They secondary was ravaged by injury before the season even started, and it took them a while before they were able to hit their stride. 

But they did begin to find themselves, and it wasn't all due to their pass rush. The Giants finished the NFL 18th in yards allowed per pass, but their last three games they have allowed just 4.8 yards per pass. 

That is an outstanding number. The Texans and Steelers led the NFL with 5.6 yards allowed per pass. 

This improved defense will help the Giants slow down the Packers potent attack. 

Resurgent Run Game

The Giants have had a prolific passing attack all season. What hasn't been as consistent is their running game. 

The Giants are coming off of a game where they had a season high 172 yards rushing. That game marked the fifth time in their last six games that they had at least 100 yards rushing. 

They accomplished that just four times in their first 11. This will help them keep the poor Packers' defense off balanced, and allow the Giants to consistently move the ball. 

Prediction

This is going to be a close game that the Giants win in the fourth quarter. Last game, it was the Packers that pulled out the victory in the fourth quarter. That will not be the case this time. 

The Giants will be able to control time of possession with their running game, and this will allow them to wear down the Packers' defense. 

They also are now in a far better position to get a few key stops on the Packers. This will make all the difference, and it will be apparent in the fourth quarter.

Giants 31, Packers 27