I expect the New York Giants to put up more of a fight than they did in last week’s 49-24 loss to New Orleans, but I don’t expect it to be enough to derail the Green Bay Packers perfect season when the two teams hook up in East Rutherford later today.
Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell challenged his troops this week, questioning their effort in that Monday night loss to the Saints. But does that ever work? Players will check their ego’s for a while, then as soon as they hit some difficulty, they slip back into that feel sorry for themselves mode.
Neither team is healthy, but the Giants are in far worse shape, missing several players either for the week or for the season. The Packers will play without Josh Sitton, Chad Clifton, Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk, but they’re already proven they can get it done without all four.
Eli Manning (95.6 QB Rating) is having his best season as a pro, but Aaron Rodgers (127.7 QB Rating) is also having his best season and he just happens to be the best quarterback in football today.
The Giants may get a boost today with the return of Ahmad Bradshaw in the backfield. He’s missed the last four games with a stress fracture to his foot. In his absence, Brandon Jacobs has averaged just 48.5 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry.
The Packers, with 17 straight wins overall and 11 to start this season, are rolling. They can wrap up a playoff spot with a win today. A win and a Detroit loss and the Packers wrap up the NFC North Division title.
The Giants have some dangerous receivers and Eli Manning won’t likely get shut down today. But look for the Packers to do enough to win and extend their perfect season to 12-0, heading to the last quarter of the season.
My Prediction
Green Bay Packers 38, New York Giants 24