Green Bay Packers versus New York Giants: Who wins?

With the Green Bay Packers hosting the New York Giants today at Lambeau Field, we here at Lombardiave take a few moments to predict the outcome of this NFL Wildcard Weekend matchup that many are saying will be the best of the weekend.

Here’s how we think things will happen …

Kenn Korb: In what is obviously the most intriguing contest of the Wild Card weekend, we get to see a classic “unstoppable force versus immovable object” matchup.

Green Bay comes in off running the table for 6 straight victories, behind Aaron Rodgers (past 6 games: 15 TDs, 0 INTs) and an offense which has not only woken up but has found an assortment of lethal ways to attack opposing defenses. The Giants meanwhile have defied the odds to create an elite defense through a massive influx of expensive free agents; whether against the run, or pass, they’ve proven more than capable of disrupting even stalwart offenses.

They know hosting that Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate achievement. The road ahead is going to be a bumpy one. The Giants are coming to town, and they won’t be at all timid to step up to the test. Rodgers and the offense will have to continue to stay hot against the best overall defense in the playoff field. The Packers/defense will have its hands full and it will take a collective effort to force stops and get the ball back in the hands of its leader.

If the defense comes up with a few big plays, they manage the clock, and win the special teams battles, I think the Pack comes out on top.
If they have no answers for the Giants’ offense, and don’t take advantage of opportunities, or have any giveaways,  it could spell the end for the Green Bay Packers.
I can’t say It will be pretty, but I believe Rodgers will lead his team to a win.
Packers 31 Giants 24
Rodgers 26/38, 302 yards, 3TD 
Manning 22/37, 246 yards, 2TD 2TO

Ralph Mancini: Two familiar foes will renew their acquaintances Sunday afternoon in a game featuring two teams that present a contrasting set of strengths and weaknesses.
The Packers undoubtedly possess the more explosive offense that can light up any opponent with their plethora of weapons directed by the masterful – and MVP-worthy – Aaron Rodgers.
The Giants, on the other hand, bring their second-ranked defense to Lambeau Field in their bid to put an end to Green Bay’s six-game winning streak with their group of showstoppers, including Olivier Vernon, Damon “Snacks” Harrison and Janoris Jenkins on the back end.

At this stage, I don’t see any defense holding down a Packers’ attack that has gone over the 30-point mark in their last four games. In the process of generating that offensive production, the Packers have shredded top defenses along the way, including the Seahawks and Vikings.
So while the Giants have the personnel to make this a close contest for about a half, I don’t envision the Big Blue Wrecking Crew’s offense going blow-for-blow with the home team throughout the afternoon.
I’ll take the better quarterback – Aaron over Eli – in this one.

Packers 34 Giants 26

Thomas Friesen: If the Packers are going to have success against the Giants, expect the ball to move up and down the field all day. The defense, while decimated by injuries, has actually done a respectable job keeping points off the board early on in games during this win streak. That is a result of Rodgers putting points on the board early and limiting the time the defense spends on the field. It’ll be high scoring, but Eli will throw a key interception, Aaron won’t, and the Packers will move on to Dallas, winning this one 24-20.

Josh McPeak: This is by far the best game of the weekend. It feels like a heavyweight championship boxing match. I really feel the winner of this game has a great shot to represent the NFC in Houston. Green Bay’s secondary really concerns me. Somehow they have been patched together and been a part of six straight wins. What really concerns me is how many wide open touchdowns have been overthrown by the opposing team over the last several games. Is this the week they connect?

Aaron Rodgers has been brilliant. I think he has put all of his leadership critics to bed. It’s now time to put all of his postseason critics to bed as well. Just go win the whole damn thing! Giants have failed to score thirty in one game this season, but haven’t given up thirty in one game at the same time. That changes on Sunday.

Packers 30 Giants 23

Brad Miller: Oh how times have changed. 6 weeks ago the Packers were left for dead. Now, they will host a Wildcard game against the New York Giants.

The Packers have a 6 game win streak, a lot of momentum and a home game. The Packers have MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers, NFL top TD catcher in Jordy Nelson and new Pro Bowler Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

The Giants have great receivers led by Odell Beckham Jr, 2 time Super Bowl Winning QG Eli Manning and potent defense.

Expect the Packer’s offense to continue to be efficient as it has been during their 6 game win streak.

Expect more pounding in the run game with Aaron Ripkowsli.
The Packers should win the time of possession game which will minimize the time their defense will be on the field.

This should be a close game but look for the Packers to move their win streak to 7.

Packers 27 Giants 20

Freddie Boston: This is it. Forget the history, forget Week 5.

This is a classic matchup of a great offense up against a high quality defense. But it’s at Lambeau, the home of the two-time (and maybe soon-to-be three-time) MVP, whose performances have inspired a six-game winning streak. These Giants can play defense, but they ain’t no ’85 Bears. At home, with Rodgers playing at such a high level, give me the Pack.
Packers 28, Giants 17

Raymond T. Rivard: Whenever a top-rated defense matches up with one of the top-rated and hottest offenses in the entire league, something’s bound to give.

Today, it will be that Packers offense, at Lambeau Field, that shows the rest of the league that this Packers team is ready for prime time.

Nobody, including the Giants, want to play Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

We’ll see why today. The Packers will play a tight first half with the Giants, but break out in the second half to win this first round game going away.

Packers 35 Giants 17