NFL Picks Week 9: Eli Manning in Prime Form To Take Down Tom Brady and Patriots

It's a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. 

The 5-2 New York Giants travel to Foxborough, Mass., to take on the 5-2 New England Patriots.

The Giants are on a roll, winning the last two games. The Patriots are coming off a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. I believe the Giants will win this game.

Let's go to the slides.

The Giants' Run Game Will Come Alive

For the last couple weeks, the Giants' running game has been horrible.

Both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have not showed up in any game. They are facing the New England Patriots, which is ranked ninth in the league in rush defense.

The Giants must somehow overcome their running woes and pound the rock against this tough running defense.    

Eli Manning

What has gotten into Eli Manning this season? 

Remember when Manning was getting booed every time he would throw a bad pass at MetLife Stadium?

Well you still hear it, but not as much anymore. Perhaps Manning has turned a corner in his career.

What happened the last time Manning faced the Patriots in a game that mattered? He threw a Super Bowl-winning touchdown pass to ex-Giant Plaxico Burress.

Expect Eli to have a huge game against the Pats, who have the worst pass defense in the league.

Stop Tom Brady

The last time Tom Brady faced the Giants, he was banged up pretty badly. 

I know the Giants are salivating at the chance to repeat their performance in Super Bowl XLII, but the Giants are ranked 21st in total defense, while the Patriots rank fifth in total offense.

We all know that Brady is the "greatest quarterback ever" according to some "experts" (I'm talking to you ESPN), but he is not bulletproof.

If the Giants can penetrate that offensive line of the Patriots, Tom Brady will feel sore the next day. 

Giants Will Pull out a Win

This game will be close if the Giants' defense plays at a high level. The Giants' offense will do its part, but the question is whether the Giants' defense will do its job.

When teams play the Patriots, they cannot make stupid mistakes. If they do, prepare to get blasted. Somehow and someway, the Giants get the win.