The Packers try to keep their unbeaten train rolling Sunday afternoon at New Jersey's Meadowlands as they take on the reeling New York Giants, losers of their last three games.

Both teams have the same strengths and weaknesses. Both teams are in the top five in the NFL in passing offense; both are in the bottom five in rushing offense. Neither team defends the pass particularly well, which could lead to a shootout.

The one theme that is starting to be discussed more and more is whether or not the Packers can finish the season unbeaten.

"It's not about not talking about it," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on Wednesday. "Right now we have other goals. We're trying to wrap up the division, get a home playoff game secured, and if we're fortunate enough to be sitting at 14 or 15-0, then we'll talk about it a little bit."

"Talking about 16 is very immature and premature," wide receiver Greg Jennings said. "We're not going to overlook one team thinking about going 16-0."

The Packers have certainly gotten the attention of the national media, as the team's mid-week media availability was attended by more reporters than at any point in the season. As an aside, it is always funny to watch the local television reporters intermingling with the national ones, because believe it or not, the network reporters don't have the foggiest idea of the real stories that permeate the locker room.

Also, whereas a two-man crew is a luxury at the local level, ESPN rolls into the locker room with a producer, camera operator, reporter, and sound technician. The only thing better than the absurdity of the entourage are the inane questions asked. This week's dumb question was when one perfectly coiffed talking hairpiece asked Rodgers to asses the Tim Tebow phenomenon.

That question, mercifully, was politely declined.

Three key matchups:

New York QB Eli Manning vs. Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers: Obviously the two don't play head-to-head against each other, but Manning has been playing with a chip on his shoulder all season, asserting himself as the elite signal caller he says he is. Manning is fourth in the NFL in passing yards; Rodgers is third. Manning is third in passer rating; Rodgers is first. Manning, perhaps by virtue of his lineage, doesn't like taking a backseat to anyone, no matter if he isn't having the MVP type of year Rodgers is having. It is what fuels Peyton's little brother.

Green Bay CB Tramon Williams vs. New York WR Victor Cruz: Cruz is having a breakout year, placing in the top ten in most receiving categories. He has been slowed in practice by a hip injury, but will play Sunday. Cruz helped Manning bend the New Orleans defense in last week's loss, catching 9 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, one week after going over the century mark in the Giants loss to the Eagles. Williams will need some help from his safeties over the top, which has been an issue at times this season.

New York DE Justin Tuck vs. Green Bay RT Bryan Bulaga: By Tuck's own admission, he hasn't been very good this season. Tuck has been slowed by a nagging ankle injury, and looks like a shell of his former self. Formerly one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, Tuck has just two sacks on the season. With Osi Umenyiora out with a knee injury, the onus on Tuck to produce has never been greater. The makeshift Packers offensive line has gotten by this year on the legs and smarts of their quarterback, but still Packers fans panic when the pocket collapses around Rodgers, as it is wont to do. Bulaga this season has been the most consistent performer in just his second year.

NFL Team Ranks:

Total offense: Packers, 4 – Giants, 11

Passing offense: Packers, 3 – Giants, 4

Rushing offense: Packers, 28 – Giants, 32

3rd down offense: Packers, 3 – Giants, 18t

Total points scored: Packers, 1 – Giants, 16t

Total defense: Packers, 30 – Giants, 28

Passing defense: Packers, 31 – Giants, 26

Rushing defense: Packers, 13 – Giants, 24

3rd down defense: Packers, 29– Giants, 14

Total points allowed: Packers, 13t – Giants, 27

Other key games around the NFL:

(7-4) Atlanta at (8-3) Houston: The Houston Texans have to feel as if they are snake bitten. After just missing the playoffs year after year, most around the NFL felt that this was finally their season. The Texans began 3-3, but then started to find their footing, having won their last five games. However, star wide receiver Andre Johnson missed six games because of a badly sprained ankle and 2010 NFL leading running back Arian Foster has been slowed by a hamstring injury. But those injuries almost pale in comparison to the beating their quarterbacks have taken. First, Matt Schaub was lost for the season with a foot injury, and then backup Matt Leinart broke his collarbone last week. Enter T.J. Yates. Good luck with that. Prediction: Falcons 21, Texans 13

(7-4) Cincinnati at (8-3) Pittsburgh: This game is nothing short of critical for the playoff hopes of both teams, and is a rematch of their contest Nov. 13 when the Steelers held off a furious rally by the Bengals, winning 24-17. The Steelers have won three straight over Cincinnati, as well as eight of their last 10 meetings. The Bengals are hanging on to the final playoff spot in the AFC by just one game, with the Jets, Titans, and Broncos right behind. Cincinnati's calling card has been the come-from-behind win, having been victorious four times already this year in games they trailed at halftime. Andy Dalton is making a strong case for offensive rookie of the year with 16 touchdown passes. Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 24

(7-4) Detroit at (8-3) New Orleans (8-3): The Lions have been reeling after beginning the year 5-0, having lost four out of their last six; and having lost defensive star Ndamukong Suh for two games (pending appeal) down the stretch after he stomped on Evan Dietrich-Smith's arm on Thanksgiving Day. New Orleans is flying high after throttling the Giants 49-24 this past Monday night. Drew Brees passed for 363 yards and four touchdowns, and Sunday he faces a Detroit secondary that has been depleted by injuries. The Lions were a team that was poised to make that next step just one month ago; right now they look like they have two left feet. Prediction: New Orleans 45, Detroit 31

Broadcast information:

Television: WITI – FOX 6; Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), and Pam Oliver (sidelines)

Local Radio: WTMJ – AM 620; Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play) and Larry McCarren (analyst)

National Radio: Westwood One; Kevin Kugler (play-by-play) and Mark Malone (analyst)

For what it's worth:

Now that the Packers are into December, coach Mike McCarthy has shortened practices by about 30 minutes to help keep players fresh. The strategy seems to be working; Green Bay has gone 15-7 in December and January since McCarthy took over in 2006.

My prediction:

Packers 37, Giants 24