The New York Giants take on the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card week of the 2012 NFL Playoffs. At 10-6, the Falcons secured a Wild Card berth finishing second in the NFC South behind the New Orleans Saints. They’re coming off a 45-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 17 action.

The Giants clinched the NFC East championship last week with a 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

This NFL playoff game will be played on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM ET in Metlife Stadium (formerly the Meadowlands).

The Giants are on a roll. They are healthy, have Eli Manning at the helm and all the confidence in the world. Here are 8 reasons why the Giants will beat the Falcons in the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

1. Eli Manning
   Not only is Eli Manning having his best year, he’s been in this position before and succeeded in leading the New York Giants to a Super Bowl in 2007.And don’t forget that Eli is at his best when the chips are down, leading the Giants to 6 4th quarter comebacks during the 2011 NFL regular season. In head-to-head match-up with Falcons QB Matt Ryan, Manning has more completions (359 vs 347) and passing yards (4933 vs 4177).
2. Peaking at the Right time
   The Giants are coming off two impressive victories in must-win games (Week 16 vs NY Jets and Week 17 vs. Dallas Cowboys). The defense is healthy again, wide receiver Victor Cruz has been electrifying. He has 82 catches, 1536 yds, 9 TDs, a crucial 99 TD reception in week 16 against the Jets, and another for 74 yards against the Cowboys in week 17.The Defense is playing the best it has all season and the running game has significantly improved.
3. They’re Healthy
   RB Ahmad Bradshaw, DE Justin Tuck, DE Osi Umenyiora and TE Jake Ballad will suit up.
4. Giants Defense Is Back
   The Giants defense, ravished by injuries to key pass rushers, has been exploited by their opponents all year. If it weren’t for the All Pro play of of defense end Jason Pierre-Paul, the Giants wouldn’t be playing in the 2011 NFL playoffs.Last week, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora showed they were healthy enough to be major factors in the win over Dallas.
5. Deja Vu
   The Giants have been here before. Back in 2007, the Giants reeled off 4 consecutive victories and won the Super Bowl. 14 Giant players from that championship team remain.
6. 12th Man
   The Giants play at home. You can bet the crowd will be a factor.
7. Team Chemistry
   Those last two wins have the Giants believing they can go all the way.
8. Tom Coughlin
   You can be Coach Coughlin will have his players ready to execute a solid game plan.