The Giants host the Packers at Metlife Stadium on Sunday. After watching the coaches tape, here's what you need to know about the Packers:
When The Packers Have The Ball
The Spotlight: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is a dangerous player. His arm strength is elite, and he is always trying looking to get the ball down the field. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), on passes that travel more than 20 yards in the air, Rogers has completed 20 of 64 passes for 740 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.
He makes those types of plays without turning the ball over. He has only two interceptions versus 18 touchdowns. He is completing 64.5% of his passes and is averaging 256 yards per game. He is excellent at extending the play using his mobility and making seemingly impossible throws into tight windows for big plays. Rodgers is still a master at drawing opposing linemen offside.
The Matchup: Aaron Jones vs. Giants Defense
Aaron Jones is as dangerous as a receiver as he is as a running back. The Giants will likely use primarily zone coverage and rotate defenders on Jones when they go man to man. Jones has 35 catches for 354 yards. His 10.1 yards per catch is a high number for a running back. They use him in mismatches to make big plays over the top of the defense.
Jones is an elusive downhill runner who averages 4.2 yards per carry. Effective between the tackles, he makes defenders miss and get outside. He can run through arm tackles. According to PFF, about two-thirds of his rushing yards have come after contact. His 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for second most in the league. He also has three receiving touchdowns.
Schemes and Tendencies
* Under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, the Packers have altered their approach and are a run-first team. They are right around league average in terms of rush percentage overall and on 1st and 10. They like to run play action out of run looks (multiple tight end and full back personnel groups) in an attempt to get the ball down the field on go-routes and deep crosses.
* LaFleur has utilized scheme-based throws for Rodgers that gets the ball out of his hands faster. They use screens and other quick-hitters to gain easy yards. Despite Rodgers' big-play ability, Green Bay only has a league average 37 completions of 20 or more yards.
* The Packers rank only 18th in the league in yards per play (5.51) and 21st in yards per game (341.6). Thanks in part to their dedication to the running game, they do rank 6th in the NFL in time of possession.
* The Packers are converting only 33.6% of their third downs, which is tied for 25th in the NFL. Their 6.8% conversion rate on 3rd and 10 or more yards is last in the league. The Packers make up for it by being the third most efficient red zone team, scoring touchdowns on 67.6% of their red zone appearances.
* Some of these surprising offensive numbers can be attributed to Davante Adams' absence due to turf toe that kept him sidelined for four weeks in the middle of the season. In his three games since returning from the injury, he has 21 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown. Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard split the other receiver reps. The Packers are in 11 personnel (1RB, 1TE, 3 WR's) 60% of the time, according to PFF.
* Jamaal Williams has about half the carries of Aaron Jones, and is also used as a runner and receiver. He has 32 receptions, but only for 201 yards. The two are interchangeable in the offense. Williams has five receiving touchdowns and one on the ground.
* The Packers use 21 personnel 13.4% of the time, according to PFF. It's the 7th highest rate in the league in the league. Their fullback, Danny Vitale, has played 133 snaps this year and is used primarily as a blocker. He only has 7 catches for 97 yards, but he does have a reception for 27 yards this year.
* Jimmy Graham is the team's primary tight end and has 28 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns. He is a frequent target in the middle of the field and is dangerous running down the seam with his large catch radius.
* The Packers have one of the best tackle duos in the league with left tackle David Bakhtiari and right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who may not play on Sunday due to a knee injury. Alex Light could get the start. The Packers also claimed former Patriots offensive tackle Jared Veldheer off waivers, who recently un-retired. With 113 career starts, he has much more experience than Light. The Packers 2019 2nd round pick Elgton Jenkins has been an excellent pass blocker, allowing no quarterback hits or sacks from his left guard position, according to PFF.
Keys For The Giants Defense
- Stay plastered to Green Bay's wide receivers until the whistle blows
- Limit the Packers top two playmakers: Davante Adams and Aaron Jones
- Put the Packers in third and long situations
View rare photos of the historic series between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers
New York Giants quarterback Benjamin Friedman runs the ball as he is tackled during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers Nov. 24, 1929 at the Polo Grounds in New York. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame fullback Alphonse "Tuffy" Leemans (4) scores the first touchdown, on a 6 yard carry, in a 17 to 23 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the 1938 NFL Championship played on Dec.11, 1938 at the Polo Grounds in New York.(Pro Football Hall of Fame via AP Images)
Members of the starting lineup of the New York Giants pose for a photograph in New York, Nov. 19, 1936. The Giants are preparing for their game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 22. From left to right, front row are: Tod Goodwin; Len Grant; Gaines Davis; Johnny Dell Isola; Mel Hein; Bill Morgan and Buster Mitchell. Stading are: Tilly Manton; Dale Burnett; Ed Danowski and Tuffy Leemans. (AP Photo)
FILE - In this Nov. 20, 1938, file photo, Green Bay Packers halfback Cecil Isbell (17) gains 10-yards against the New York Giants during the first quarter of a professional football game at the Polo Grounds in New York. (AP Photo)
FILE - In this Nov. 24, 1929, file photo, New York Giant's Benjamin Friedman is stopped after making a 10-yard gain against the Green Bay Packers during a football game at the Polo Grounds in New York City. The first season, 1920, the American Professional Football Association had 14 teams. Throughout a decade of flux, many franchises came and went.(AP Photo/File)
Only two feet short of a touchdown, Green Bay Packers Clarke Hinkle is shown as he was halted by the New York Giants in the second period of their championship game with the Packers, Dec. 11, 1938 in New York. The Giants won, 23 to 17. Other Packers players shown include Bud Svendsen (53); Cecil Isbell (17); and Bill Lee (40). (AP Photo)
Quarterback Cecil Isbell of the Green Bay Packers is stopped by New York Giants' Frank Cope after a two- yard gain in NFL title game at the State Fair Grounds in Milwaukee, Wisc., Dec. 11, 1939. The Packers won, 27-0, before a crowd of 32, 000 for the National Football League championship. (AP Photo)
Andy Uram of the Green Bay Packers cracks through a hole in the center of the line to run smack into Mel Hein (7) New York Giants center, in the first quarter of a National Professional Football League game in New York City, Nov. 17, 1940. Uram made just one yard on the play. The Giants won, 7-3. Identifiable players: Packers Pete Tinsley (21) guard Bill Lee (40) tackle and George Svendsen (66) center; Giants Jim Poole (23) end. (AP Photo)
The New York Giants defeated the Green Bay Packers, 15-3, in a muddy NFL game at the Polo Grounds in New York, Nov. 20, 1938. Ed Jankowski (7), of the Packers, gains 4 yards on a reverse play in the 1st quarter after his teammate Cecil Isbell (17) gave him the handoff. Ken Lunday (5), Giants guard, is attempting to tackle Jankowski with Henry Bruder (5) running interference for his Green Bay teammate. The Giant player in foreground is Jim Lee Howell (21). (AP Photo)
New York Giants cornerback Erich Barnes (49) defends a pass intended to wide receiver Boyd Dowler (86) during the 1961 NFL Championship Game in Green Bay, Wis., Dec. 31, 1961 The Packers defeated the Giants 37-0. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Allie Sherman, coach of the New York Giants, makes a cloud of vapor as he bellows a greeting to friends on arrival in Green Bay, Wis., Dec. 29, 1961. Sherman's Giants will play the Green Bay Packers for the league championship game on Dec. 31. (AP Photo/DVN)
Green Bay Packers' fullback Jim Taylor (31) takes to the air as he goes through the New York Giants defense for a five-yard gain in third period of NFL championship game at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 30, 1962. Identifiable Packers are Fred Thurston (63), Norm Masters (78) and Jim Ringo 951). Giants are Andy Robustelli (81), Dick Modzelewski (77) and Sam Huff (70). Green Bay won, 16-7. (AP Photo)
Green Bay Packers halfback Don McIlhenny (42) rushes the ball as he is pursued by New York Giants defensive end John Martinkovic (83) during an NFL game Nov. 3, 1957, Green Bay, Wisc. (Vernon J. Biever via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in New York, Nov. 22, 1967. The Packers defeated the Giants 48-21. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Del Shofner of the New York Giants makes a catch against the Green Bay Packers in a 16-7 loss in the 1962 NFL Championship on December 30, 1962 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants Hall of Fame halfback Frank Gifford (16) heads upfield during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers, Nov. 3, 1957. The Giants defeated the Packers 31-17 at Milwaukee County Stadium. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff looks to the officials during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in New York, in the 1960s. Exact date is unknown. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Halfback Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers holds onto the ball as tacklers of the New York Giants try to bring him down in a 0 to 37 win in the 1961 NFL Championship on December 31, 1961 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.(AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Del Shofner the New York Giants is tackled by Herb Adderley and Willie Wood of the Green Bay Packers in a 16-7 loss in the 1962 NFL Championship on December 30, 1962 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants defensive tackle Rosey Grier (76) takes the field before the 1962 NFL Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers in New York, Dec. 30, 1962. The Packers defeated the Giants 16-7. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Green Bay halfback Paul Hornung (5) cuts off tackle to gain ten yards and a first down in first half of National Football League Championship game at Yankee Stadium in New York, on Dec. 30, 1962. Giant defenders are Roosevelt Grier (76), Dick Modzelewski (77), Bill Winter (31), Erich Barnes (49) and Allan Webb (21). Packers won, 16-7, for their second straight championship. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle and backup quarterback Charlie Connerly during a 1961 game during a 20-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on December 3, 1961 at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
Y.A. Tittle, Giants quarterback, tosses a pass during warm-up in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Dec. 30, 1961. New York is in Green Bay to play Green Bay Packers on Sunday for National Football League title. (AP Photo)
New York Giants football coach Allie Sherman, wearing stocking cap, shakes hands with Vince Lombardi, coach of the victorious Green Bay Packers, on field after NFL championship game on Dec. 30, 1962, in New York's Yankee Stadium. Green Bay won the game played in bitter cold, 16-7, for their second straight NFL championship. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle and head coach Allie Sherman during a 20-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on December 3, 1961 at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants' linebacker Sam Huff (70) puts his crushing hug on Green Bay Packers' Jim Taylor (31), Sept. 4, 1962, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won, 20-17. (AP Photo)
Green Bay Packers Fred Carr (53) and Willie Wood (24) close in on New York Giants Joe Morrison (40) just after Morrison caught pass from Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton, not shown, Morrison made about four yards on the play in the first quarter of exhibition game, Aug. 8, 1970, Green Bay, Wisc. (AP Photo/Paul Shane)
New York Giants running backs Doug Kotar (44) and Joe Dawkins (26) clutch hands during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in Milwaukee, Wisc., Nov. 23, 1975. The Packers defeated the Giants 40-14 at Milwaukee County Stadium. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) eludes Green Bay Packers defensive end Alden Roche (87) during an NFL game at Green Bay, Sept. 19, 1971. Tarkenton passed for 236 yards and four touchdowns in the Giants 42-40 win over the Packers. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
The New York Giants Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) prepares to take the snap from center Greg Larson (53) during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Sept. 19, 1971. The Giants defeated the Packers 42-40. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
New York Giants Phil McConkey carries the ball for short yardage as John Dorsey (99) and Delbert Fowler (56) of the Green Bay Packers bring an end to the play in the NFL pre-season game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 17, 1985. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Giants running back Rob Carpenter (26) is met by Green Bay Packers linebacker Rich Wingo (50) during an NFL game in East Rutherford on September 26, 1983. The Giants defeated the Packers 27-3. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver John Jefferson (83) is wrapped up by New York Giants defensive back Bill Curry (29) during an NFL game, Nov. 8, 1981. The Packers defeated the Giants 26-24 at Milwaukee County Stadium. (AP Photo/Vernon Biever)
The New York Giants coach Bill Parcells is the recipient of another container of iced water by the Giants Harry Carson during the last minutes of the 55-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Dec. 20, 1986 in East Rutherford. The win gave the Giants the home field for the upcoming post season play. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) and quarterback Scott Brunner (12) watches his field goal attempt during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in East Rutherford on September 26, 1983. The Giants defeated the Packers 27-3. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey heads for the Astroturf at Giants Stadium as he's sacked for a 2-yard loss by the New York Giants George Martin in the fourth quarter of NFL game at East Rutherford, Sept. 27, 1983. Dickey was able to lead the Pack to only three points while passing for 283 yards in the 27-3 loss to the Giants at East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Brad van Pelt (10) of the New York Giants leaps to block a second quarter field goal attempt by the Green Bay Packers Jan Stenerud during their game at East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 20, 1982. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Paul Coffman (82) of the Green Bay Packers is brought back to earth after missing a pass attempt in the fourth quarter against Beasley Reece (28) and Bill Currier, behind Coffman in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Oct. 5, 1981. The Packers beat the favored Giants 27-14 at Giants Stadium. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Tim Harris (97) chases New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) during a 55 - 24 victory on Dec. 20, 1986, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants safety Brent Alexander hits Green Bay Packers receiver Robert Ferguson after making a 24-yard catch in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 14-7. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)
New York Giants cornerback Geoffrey Pope warms up by a heater during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) high-fives Kevin Boss (89) during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls signals during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants' Eli Manning celebrates after the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday Jan. 20, 2008 (AP Photo/David Duprey)
Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre throws during the NFC Championship football game against the New York Giants in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday Jan. 20, 2008 (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants players huddle before the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to hand the ball off during the first half of the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass in front of Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman during the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw a pass as he runs from Green Bay Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins (77) during the NFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre (4) and New York Giants' Jeff Feagles (18) run off the field as the first half ends during the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) walks off the field past New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, right, after throwing an interception in overtime in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) celebrates with holder Jeff Feagles after kicking the winning field goal in overtime during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20 and advance to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) runs from Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (80) after intercepting a pass in overtime during the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) celebrates with teammates after kicking a field goal in overtime during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20 and advance to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. Giants' Michael Strahan is at right. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin smiles as he stands in the locker room with players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, right, after their 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with teammate Amani Toomer (81) after their team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with fans after his team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20 and advance to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after his team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with defensive end Michael Strahan (92) after the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20 in overtime. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan kisses the George S. Halas Trophy after his team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, left, celebrates in the locker room with kicker Lawrence Tynes, right, after their 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre looks on during the NFC Championship football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, smiles with his dad Archie Manning following his team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20 and advance to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, celebrates in the locker room with Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, left, after their 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates with teammate Michael Matthews (88) after scoring a second-half touchdown during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, left, catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris (31) during the first half of the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin watches during the second half of the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks on as the Green Bay Packers defense stops Giants running back Brandon Jacobs during a first half run in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross, bottom, breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones during the first half of the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, right, passes the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Favre completed 29-of-38 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers beat the Giants 35-13. The victory allowed Favre to become the winningest quarterback in NFL history.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan looks on during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, right, passes the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, left, during fourth-quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Favre completed 29 of 38 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers beat the Giants, 35-13. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) throws a pass between the hands of New York Giants defender Osi Umenyiora (72) during fourth-quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007. Green Bay won 35-13. Favre became the winningest quarterback in the NFL with the victory. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Green Bay Packers' William Henderson is flipped by New York Giants' Will Peterson (24) on a run in the first half Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)
New York Giants linebacker Kawika Mitchell (55) and safety James Butler (37) tackle Green Bay Packers tight end Donald Lee during third quarter NFL football Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Packers beat the Giants 35-13. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning, left, looks to pass the football under pressure by Green Bay Packers' A.J. Hawk during firs-half NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre congratulates New York Giants quarterback Kurt Warner after their game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, in Green Bay, Wis. Favre left the game with a head injury in third quarter and did not return. The Giants won, 14-7. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) breaks away for a 52-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 14-7. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)
New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey catches a touchdown pass in front of Green Bay Packers' Michael Hawthorne (27) in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 14-7. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers runningback Ahman Green fumbles the ball when he is hit by New York Giants' Gibril Wilson (28) and Will Allen (25) in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 14-7. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) pats New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) after Strahan sacked him for the NFL sack record during the fourth quarter Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The sack gave Strahan 22.5 sacks for the season surpassing New York Jets Mark Gastineau's NFL record of 22 sacks. Giants defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (97) congratulates Strahan.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Travis Beckum runs past Green Bay Packers' Charlie Peprah for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
THe New York Giants defense wraps up a Green Bay Packers running back during an NFL football game on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a 37-yard touchdown pass in front of Green Bay Packers safety Charlie Peprah, left, during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) knocks the ball away from Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates a late fourth quarter touchdown during the NFC Divisional game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers on Jan 15, 2012 in Green Bay. The Giants defeated the Packers 37-20 to advance to the NFC Championship game. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers is sacked by New York Giants' Michael Boley, center, and Corey Webster, right, during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 37-20. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants' Kenny Phillips celebrates with fans after New York defeated the Green Bay Packers 37-20 in an NFL divisional playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a 37-yard touchdown pass in front of Green Bay Packers safety Charlie Peprah, left, during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks catches a 37 yard touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts in front of Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, right, after throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants fans in the stands during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Eli Manning throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) drops a pass under New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) celebrates after catching a 37-yard touchdown pass during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz reacts after making a reception during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Giants fan Kevin Bock shows off his blue cheese hat before an NFL divisional playoff football between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle breaks away from Green Bay Packers cornerback Micah Hyde (33) and Tramon Williams (38) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz reacts after a reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
An interior view of Lambeau Field during an NFL football NFC wildcard playoff game Jan. 8, 2017 between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 38 - 13. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Football fans in team jerseys walk outside Lambeau Field before an NFL football NFC wildcard playoff game Jan. 8, 2017 between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 38 - 13. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
When The Giants Have The Ball
The Spotlight: Edge rusher Za'Darius Smith
The Packers' decision to spend in free agency on two pass rushers this past offseason has paid dividends. Za'Darius Smith, acquired after leaving the Ravens, lines up primarily at right defensive end. He has 10 sacks and 13 quarterback hits while lining up about 75% of the time over right tackle, according to PFF.
Smith can win bending the edge, but he also plays with excellent power at 6-4 and 272 pounds. He can put tackles on skates and ride them back to the quarterback. His length and power make him a formidable opponent.
The Matchup: Edge rusher Preston Smith vs right tackle Mike Remmers
The Packers' other big free agent acquisition, former Redskin Preston Smith, has 10.5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits, according to PFF. He will mostly be lined up over right tackle Mike Remmers. Smith wins mostly with his speed and bend off the edge. He is a relentless pass rusher and forces tackles to maintain good footwork and other fundamentals to keep him off the quarterback.
Schemes and Tendencies
* The Packers aren't a heavy blitz or stunt team, but they will use both to create extra opportunities against opposing quarterbacks. Both Smiths have gotten sacks rushing inside off of tackle-end twists, where the inside tackle will try to screen off the offensive lineman assigned to block the ends coming inside. According to PFF, the Packers get pressure on 37.55% of opponent's dropbacks, which ranks 10th best in the league. It will be critical for the Giants to pass these stunts off properly to keep the pressure off Daniel Jones.
* The Packers are also strong inside. Nose tackle Kenny Clark only has 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits, but he is constantly trying to collapse the pocket and take away the space a quarterback needs to step up to avoid the Packers' edge rushers. Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster join Clark on the three-man defensive front.
* The Packers are allowing 4.8 yards per rush play (5th worst in the NFL). The Packers have only forced six rushes for negative yards this year, which is the fewest in the league. The league average is 23. At the same time, opponents have only five runs of 20 or more yards, which is tied for fifth fewest in the league. Opponents just seem to grind out moderate gains, which would explain the Packers league-worst 6.73 yards allowed per play on first down. More than 50% of opponents' runs go for four or more yards, which is the highest percentage in the league.
* The Packers have a familiar face at inside linebacker, B.J. Goodson, who is a thumper. Blake Martinez plays next to him and leads the team in tackles with 108.
* The Packers play mostly zone defense, playing man to man only about 30% of the time. They play mostly single high zone in cover three, but will mix in two deep coverages as well. Even though a big focus has been put on the Packers rush defense, their pass defense has allowed 7.64 yards per play, which is ranked 26th in the league.
* The Packers top cornerback, Jaire Alexander, has had some spectacular games. He often draws the opposing team's best player. Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams is the team's other outside cornerback and has only allowed 21 catches for 290 yards all season, according to PFF. Kevin King plays the nickel spot and leads the team with three interceptions.
* The Packers have allowed 43 completions of 20 or more yards, which is tied for 8th most in the league. Opposing quarterbacks have a 116.7 quarterback rating on such throws.
* Veteran free agent addition Adrian Amos and rookie first round pick Darnell Savage comprise a solid safety duo. Amos is plays the run well, and Savage is good in coverage.
* The Packers red zone defense has been very good. They only allow 22 points per game, 14th best in the NFL. The Packers are 10th best in the league in term of red zone defense, allowing touchdowns on only 48.65% of opponents' trips.
Keys For The Giants Offense
- Succeed with the run game on early downs
- Keep Green Bay's edge rushers off Daniel Jones
- Make big plays down the field in the pass game
Giants vs. Packers Broadcast Info: TV channel, Radio Station and Live Stream.
