How will the ball fall?

Of all the games that could change the playoff picture in the AFC, none of them will match the sheer hatred inherent in this week's doomsday game in the NFC East. Most of this year, fans and analysts alike have had no idea who would step up and claim the playoff ticket from the division, a task made no easier by the neck and neck slug-fest played by the giants and Cowboys on December 11th. New York won the contest 37-34 by way of a missed game saving field goal by Dallas, the second such ending for the Cowboys in as many weeks to that point. In winning that game, the Giants snapped a four game skid that allowed Dallas back into the race. In losing that game, the Cowboys lost their second straight in continuation of their inconsistent and unorganized play. You would think that would make the week 17 match-up anti-climactic. You would be wrong!

Of the two teams, Dallas has performed better versus their 2011 opponents forcing 39 more points than they have allowed. Conversely, New York, who is in first place by virtue of holding the all-important tie breaker over Dallas, has allowed 23 more points than they have forced.

That said, the Giants have scored 363 points so far this season, a mark that outranks the Texans, Ravens, Steelers, Broncos, and 49ers, all of which are also first in their divisions. In fact, only the Packers, Saints, Patriots, Chargers and Panthers have scored more NFL wide this year. The Cowboys have scored 355 points, a respectable amount at this point, but a total that ranks near the league average.

So then... will New York's 28th ranked defense allow Dallas to to score more points as they have done all season? Or, will New York's 7th ranked offense edge out Dallas' 10th ranked defense?

Alas, Dafoozball will break the media confusion. NYG 36 DAL 13