NFL Week 13 Picks: Packers Will Knock Giants Further out of Playoff Race

A couple weeks ago, this Sunday's showdown between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants looked like a can't-miss matchup.

I guess it still is, but for different reasons. The Packers are still marching toward the second undefeated regular season in the last five years, but the Giants have fallen on hard times and are quickly falling out the NFC playoff picture. They've lost three games in a row, and will have to do something no other team has been able to accomplish this season to avoid four.

The oddsmakers don't like the Giants' chances. Per Bodog, the spread for this game has the Packers favored by 7.5 points, which is a pretty high number once you consider this game will be played in the Giants' backyard.

Might the Giants upset the spread? For that matter, might they upset the Packers?

Um, no.

I hate to say it, Giants fans, but the G-Men are going to be outgunned and outmanned when they step out onto the field Sunday. The Packers are a better team in just about every area, and they are also a healthier team.

Above all, the Giants obviously have to be afraid of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' high-powered offense. There is no stopping them. The best the Giants defense can do is limit the Packers and hope that Eli Manning can match Rodgers step for step.

I have a hard time seeing how the Giants are going to stop the Packers; I think we can expect the Packers to mimic what the New Orleans Saints were able to do against the Giants previously on Monday night. You're going to see extra protection to help keep the Giants defensive line away from Rodgers, and you're going to see Rodgers find his receivers with ease.

The only real hope is that Rodgers will slip up and make a mistake or two. Seeing as how Rodgers has been supremely efficient from the word go this season, I think that's a fool's hope.

Changing gears over to the Giants offense, things shouldn't be nearly as hopeless.

Eli Manning has also been playing at a high level this season, and I don't see why he wouldn't be able to handle a Green Bay defense that ranks 31st in the NFL against the pass. If Manning plays a great game, the Giants are going to be able to keep this game close.

However, the problem is that Manning is indeed going to have to play a great game. The Giants' rushing attack has been missing in action all season and Manning can't afford to make any mistakes against a Packers defense that leads the world in interceptions.

For what it's worth, I don't think this game is going to be a blowout—the Giants are going to be outmatched, but they're not going to be helpless. 

They will lose, though. And yes, the Packers will cover. I have a feeling it's going to take a late score to get the job done, but a cover is a cover is a cover.

As for the Giants, well, better luck next year.

Packers 34, Giants 24