Fresh off the heels of a convincing win in Dallas last week that saw the New York Giants clinch the NFC East, Eli Manning and Co. looked ready to play for a championship. The defense is truly the key for a squad that has battled defensive inconsistencies all year long. The boys looked rejuvenated out there this week holding a talent-packed Atlanta team scoreless (only points Atlanta got were off a safety), while making a number of critical plays on 3rd and 4th down which changed the complexion of this game totally . I don’t know what to chalk up the resurgence to, is it the fact that the Giants feel there better than there record says and want to prove that to the rest of the league? Is it the inspired play of Eli Manning which has him as an elite fantasy quarterback? Is the better play solely due to the surging defense? Or is the fact that the Giants, for the first time in years, seem to have a reliable receiver core putting up huge fantasy numbers? Whatever it is, the Giants are looking eerily similar to the ’07 team that won the Super Bowl.
I don’t think it is one thing with this bunch, I think it’s a lot of little things coming together to form a better overall team. That was evident in the complete game they played against Atlanta, a game which should give the squad a considerable amount of momentum heading into a week 13 rematch with the Green Bay Packers. That game quickly turned into a shootout with Aaron Rodgers (MVP Frontrunner) managing to hold onto a victory (with an impressive last minute drive) that he almost let Eli Manning and the Giants snatch away. A Packers loss would also of ruined their chance at perfection (something the Chiefs would later have the honor of doing). I’m expecting a similar type of game this time, with the difference being the improved Giants defensive line (featuring Jason Pierre-Paul & Justin Tuck). Those who are counting the Giants out and don’t even think they should have beat Atlanta couldn’t be more wrong. The Giants dominated Atlanta and I fully expect them to give Green Bay a fight for their lives.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers 24 – New York Giants 28
Although both offenses have big days, the Giants defense makes a big play late to preserve a win for the underdogs’. The Giants book a spot in the conference championship.
Top Fantasy Picks
Aaron Rodgers: The guys a lock for 300+ passing yards and 2+ touchdowns. He’s a must pick for any fantasy football playoffs roster.
Eli Manning: Expect another big day out of him, 350+ passing yards and 3 touchdowns. I’d pick him ahead of Rodger’s as I believe Eli will out-duel the Packers quarterback in this rematch.
Hakeem Nicks: Nicks made a few big plays in the Wild Card round in route to 6 catches, 115 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. I look for him to be the main target again this week which makes him a great and underrated fantasy pick.
Jordy Nelson: Nelson and Aaron Rodgers just have that chemistry and it has resulted in Nelson putting up an average of 13.5 fantasy points per game. I look for him to have a 6 catch, 80 yard type day.
Brandon Jacobs: The unsung hero of last weeks win. I look for Jacobs to keep pounding the ball up the middle. I’m predicting another 100 rushing yard performance this week making him a solid fantasy sleeper pick. This game could very well come down to his (and Ahmad Bradshaw’s) ability to run the football.
-Glen G
