New York Giants 2012 Schedule: Power Ranking Most Pivotal Matchups

How the Giants fare in the following five games will determine where they are seeded in the 2012 playoffs and if they make the playoffs at all. 

These are the games that will establish conference dominance and will shape the Giants' path to repeating as Super Bowl champions. And it's not going to be an easy path. The Giants have the toughest schedule in all football based on their opponent's 2012 winning percentage. 

This is a schedule loaded with tough games. Here are the five most important from that group, which is followed by the Giants' complete 2012 regular season schedule.

5. Week 17: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

This game could easily end up being the most pivotal game on the schedule for both these teams, or it could be completely meaningless. 

More likely than not, this game will have some sort of playoff implications when these two rivals meet. It is a fabulous way to end the season. 

4. Week 14: New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints

Here is another late-season matchup that is sure to have playoff implications. Yes, the Saints have some serious drama and question marks surrounding them as they enter this season, but they also have largely the same team that was so dangerous last year. 

The Giants will have the upper hand in this one since they are at home, and that is exactly why this game is so pivotal. They can't let the Saints have the confidence that they can go into New York and win. 

3. Week 8: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

It's the Giants and Cowboys; these games are always pivotal. Last year, their regular season finale determined the division winner. 

This year, their two matchups come far earlier in the season, and this is the second of those matchups. The Giants will be well-served to show the Cowboys they are still boss on the Dallas' home turf. 

2. Week 6: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

The Giants will be making their third trip to San Francisco in two years with this game, and you better believe that San Francisco has this game circled on their schedule. 

They will be chomping at the bit to gain some revenge on New York after they kept them from the Super Bowl just the season before. 

If the Giants can win this one, not only will it give them a huge confidence boost, but it will vastly deflate a key conference rival. 

1. Week 12: New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers

The past two Super Bowl champions will go head-to-head in Week 12. Just like the 49ers, you better believe the Packers have this one circled on their schedule after the Giants bounced them from the playoffs the year before. 

This game will be even more important for New York given that they are at home. They must protect that home field against other top teams. 

New York Giants 2012 NFL Schedule 

Week 1 (Wednesday, 9/5): New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Week 2 9/16: New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 3 9/20 (Thursday): New York Giants at Carolina Panthers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Week 4 9/30: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Week 5 10/7: New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Week 6 10/14: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 7 10/21: New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 8 10/28: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, 4:15 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 9 11/4: New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:15 p.m. ET CBS

Week 10 11/11: New York Giants at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 11: Bye

Week 12 11/25: New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Week 13 12/3: New York Giants at Washington Redskins, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Week 14 12/9: New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints, 4:15 p.m. ET FOX

Week 15 12/16: New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 16 12/23: New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Week 17 12/30: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m. ET, FOX