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The NFL playoffs are here, and there are some tasty matchups to look forward to. The most intriguing showdown is scheduled for Sunday at 4:40 PM ET, and it will showcase the New York Giants and their stellar defense against the red-hot Green Bay Packers. Can quarterback Aaron Rodgers continue to carry the Packers?

 

Game of the Week
New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
Favourite: Packers -4.5

The 10-6 Packers will roll into this game on a six-game winning streak. Aaron Rodgers has a lot to do with that. The 6X Pro Bowl quarterback might be playing the best football of anyone in the league right now. He’s thrown for 15 touchdowns and no interceptions during the team’s hot streak.

The 11-5 Giants have been powered by a defense that’s 10th in the league in yards allowed and second in points allowed. They’ve allowed an average of 14.3 points per game over their last seven contests. They’ll have to find a way to slow down Rodgers – something no team has been able to do since November 20.

 

Game with the Biggest Spread
Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Favourite: Steelers -10

The 10-6 Dolphins are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2008, but they’ll be without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The bigger concern might be their defense, which is 29th in yards allowed and 18th in points allowed.

The Steelers are red hot right now. While the Packers and their six-game winning streak gets all the attention, the Steelers head into the playoffs with a seven-game winning streak. Their top-notch offense is well established, and their defense has shined recently. They’re allowing just 17.3 points per game over their last seven games.

The Dolphins beat the Steelers in Week 6, when running back Jay Ajayi exploded for 204 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be the Steelers’ No. 1 priority on Sunday.

 

Game with the Smallest Spread
Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans
Favourite: Texans -4

The Raiders are 12-4 and heading into the playoffs for the first time since 2002, but they're in trouble. Their top two quarterbacks, Derek Carr and backup Matt McGloin, are injured. Carr is out and McGloin is highly questionable, which has left the team with no choice but to play rookie Connor Cook. That’s a tall order for a player making his NFL debut. Cook will have to go on the road to face a Texans team that led the NFL in total defense.

The good news for the Raiders is that the Texans have quarterback quandaries of their own. Brock Osweiler, who was benched, could be back in the saddle, as Tom Savage is still recovering from a concussion. Osweiler had a terrible season, compiling a meager 72.2 quarterback rating while completing just 59% of his passes.

Oakland beat Houston 27-20 in Week 11; however, that was in Mexico City, and the Raiders had Carr at the helm.

 

*Odds as of January 5, 2017