Elite Sports NY’s 2016 NFL Playoffs preview, predictions: Eli Manning looks for third title

NFC Wild Card

5. New York Giants (11-5) @ 4. Green Bay Packers (10-6)

• Sun, Jan. 8, 4:40 p.m. ET, FOX

For the game of the week, we head over to Lambeau Field. It’ll be Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers, yet again.

Many folks have already tabbed the winner of this one as the NFC Champion, riding the very familiar script that a hot team will bust through. Green Bay has won six straight while Eli has made a career of playoff road games.[sc name=”Giants Center Right” ]

To us, this one’s a flip of a coin. We wouldn’t be shocked about either outcome.

For New York, most of the ingredients are there. Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Paul Perkins (who’s presence could mimic Ahmad Bradshaw), and, most importantly, a dangerous defense are all in tow. The problem — as it’s been all season — is this offensive line.

Manning and the Giants offense will, once again, face the loose, two-man under look from Dom Capers all day. If New York’s O-Line doesn’t suddenly come together in a magical way, we’ll take Rodgers to make just a few more plays in a game that’ll favor the big play.

While we’ll root for New York, we’ll take Green Bay thanks to the Giants line and A-Rod.

Should the Giants win, we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if they run the table. Stranger things have happened (2007, 2011).

Packers 17, Giants 13

6. Detroit Lions (9-7) @ 3. Seattle Seahawks (10-5-1)

• Sat, Jan. 7, 8:15 p.m. ET, NBC

The 12th Man hasn’t been quite the same this season. These Seattle Seahawks aren’t what they used to be.

Russell Wilson is still employed, however.

Matt Stafford and the Detroit Lions are no joke. Even without Calvin Johnson, Stafford has shown his clutch abilities time and again this season. But what about Jim Caldwell? His big game abilities have been pointed out in the past and fans have to be worried about his composure on the sideline in a tight spot like this.

Give us Wilson and a tough defense to win one at home.

Seahawks 24, Lions 17

[sc name=”Generic Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2017/01/06/elite-sports-ny-2016-nfl-playoffs-preview-predictions-eli-manning-title-851/4/” text=”AFC Divisional Round” ]