Eli Manning N.Y. Giants
Eli Manning has also calmed down in the pocket during the streak, only tossing one interception compared to 15 in the previous six games. Reuters

Bouncing back from a 0-6 start, the New York Giants look to continue their three-game winning against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.

In two of the last three weeks New York has faced Minnesota and Philadelphia’s back-up passers, winning both, and next up is Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien filling in for the injured Aaron Rodgers and Seneca Wallace.

Despite the poor start to the season, the Giants are only two games behind Dallas and Philadelphia in the NFC East. A victory over Green Bay sets up a huge matchup against Dallas next week.

Green Bay also has to keep pace within its division, sitting one game back off first-place Detroit.

Tolzien leads a Green Bay squad that’s dropped two straight, and he’ll try to stop the bleeding until Rodgers returns from a collar bone injury. After Wallace went down with a groin injury, Tolzien stepped in against Philadelphia last week, going 24-for-39 for 280 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

The Packers fell 27-13 partly due to Tolzien’s miscues, but ahead of his first career NFL start the former undrafted Wisconsin passer has reportedly impressed Green Bay coaches with his preparation. In two seasons as a starter with the Badgers, Tolzien threw for 5,164 yards and 32 touchdowns.

All of the Philadelphia loss can’t be pinned on Tolzien, as the Packers defense let up 204 rushing yards despite a nine minute possession advantage. Some injuries along the frontline might not improve the defense’s showing on Sunday. Linebacker Nick Perry is doubtful with foot and ankle knocks, and second-string linebacker Andy Mulumba is questionable with an ankle injury.

Cornerback Casey Hayward is also listed as out with a hamstring strain.

Despite an ugly 24-20 victory over Oakland last week, the Giants defense has found its form at the midway point of the season. During the streak New York’s forced four interceptions, sacked opposing quarterbacks nine times, and hit them another 19.

New York’s defense is relatively healthy other than defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and corner Corey Webster. Limited to start the season with a bad back, Pierre-Paul is questionable with a shoulder injury, and Webster is out with groin and ankle injuries.

The Giants offense welcomed running back Andre Brown last week with open arms, as the fifth-year back totaled 115 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. Quarterback Eli Manning might rely on Brown with top receiver Victor Cruz failing to reach the end zone for five straight games, and receiver Hakeem Nicks unable to score a touchdown at all this season.

Manning has also calmed down in the pocket during the streak, only tossing one interception compared to 15 in the previous six games.

Betting Odds: New York favored by 4.5 points

Over/Under: 42 points

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Channel: FOX

Watch Online: NFL Sunday Ticket

Prediction: Green Bay 30, New York 24

NFL National Football League