Big Game for Big Blue

It's amazing how much can change in a few minutes. Just 2 weeks ago, the Giants were well on their way to the 2nd seed in the NFC and a 1st round bye. Now in week 17, they need some help to make it to the playoffs. New York needs to defeat the Washington Redskins and Chicago would have to defeat the Green Bay Packers in order for them to capture the 6th and final spot in the playoffs.

If anything, history is on the Giants' side. The last time they needed a win in week 17 against the Redskins to get in, Tiki Barber ran for 234 yards to go along with 3 touchdowns en route to a 34-28 NY Giants victory. However, they would lose to the Eagles 23-20 in the 1st round in the playoffs. Coincidentally, if New York gets in this season, they would be facing those same Philadelphia Eagles. That season, the Giants didn't need another team to lose in order to get into the playoffs. This year, however, they do.

One thing that Big Blue has going for them is that the Bears already defeated the Packers in Week 3 by a score of 20-17. With the Bears already clinching the 2nd spot in the NFC and a 1st round bye, will they rest their starters or play the Packers tough so their bitter rival will not get into the playoffs? According to Chicago's head coach Lovie Smith, their sole intent going into that game is to win. That being the case, the Giants have to love that matchup.

It all comes down to 1 game. Don't worry about the Bears and the Packers, that what fans are for. Just take care of your own business. If you don't, no matter what happens in the other games, the Giants can't play the following week.