Two of the most storied franchises in the NFL will face one another on Monday night as the (6-6) Green Bay Packers take on the (4-8) New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
The Packers come into this game riding a three-game winning streak thanks to the improved play of quarterback Jordan Love. New York is on a two-game winning streak led by the undrafted Tommy DeVito, who is becoming a local Cinderella story in New Jersey.
This is a pivotal game for both teams as they look to make a push for the playoffs. Green Bay is currently in the seventh and final playoff position, and if New York has any chance of making a miraculous run to the playoffs, they must pull off an upset.
With playoff chances on the line in this game, here are four bold predictions for Monday night.
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Jalin Hyatt will score two touchdowns
In their 10-7 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 12, Jalin Hyatt had a coming-out party as he had five receptions for 109 yards. Not only was it the first 100-yard receiving day for the rookie receiver, but he became the first Giants player this season to eclipse the 100-yard receiving mark.
This week, Hyatt will go up against the Packers’ 10th-ranked pass defense but they could be without two starters as corner Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and safety Darnell Savage (chest) are both listed as questionable.
For the season, Hyatt has 17 receptions for 330 yards but has yet to find the end zone. That will all change on Monday night as the rookie receiver will score two touchdowns.
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Jordan Love will have three total touchdowns and 300 yards passing
As we mentioned previously, a huge reason why Green Bay has won three in a row is because Jordan Love is beginning to come into his own as an NFL quarterback. In the last three games, he’s completed 74 out of 108 passes for 857 yards with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions.
In addition to being able to beat teams with his arm, the 25-year-old quarterback is also effective in utilizing his legs, as he’s run the ball 39 times for 231 yards with two touchdowns on the ground.
New York’s defense has shown signs of improvement recently, but that was against teams that did not have a dual threat like Love. Look for Love to throw for two touchdowns, run for another one, and have 300 yards through the air on Monday night.
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Saquon Barkley will have over 150 yards rushing
Saquon Barkley can reach a milestone in this game, as he’s just 54 yards away from 5,000 career rushing yards. Since coming back from a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss three games, the 26-year-old running back is averaging 83 yards rushing over the last seven contests.
Now he’ll face the Packers’ run defense that’s allowing 136 yards per game which is 30th in the NFL. Barkley’s highest rushing total for the season occurred in Week 8 against the New York Jets when he gained 128 yards on 36 carries. He’ll set a new season-high in rushing yards this week as he’ll have over 150 yards on the ground.
Rashan Gary will sack Tommy DeVito three times
While Tommy DeVito is playing better than anyone could have imagined, at times, he holds the ball too long, which has led to numerous sacks. In the five games he’s appeared in, he’s been sacked 28 times.
The Packers pass rush is formidable but not elite, as they’ve registered 29 sacks on the year. But they have one pass rusher who is beginning to cause havoc to opposing offenses, and that’s linebacker Rashan Gary. Gary has nine of the Packers’ 29 sacks, including four and a half sacks over his past three contests.
New York’s offensive line has allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked 69 times, which is the most in the NFL, and they’ll once again be without right tackle Evan Neal (ankle).
Twice this season, Gary has recorded three sacks in a game. He’ll achieve this feat once again on Monday as he will take down DeVito three times.
Prediction: The Packers’ last two victories came against the Chiefs and Lions, who are both near the top of the power rankings. Although the Giants have played better in recent weeks, it’s hard to see them pulling off the upset.
Packers vs. Giants score prediction: Packers 28, Giants 24
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