When the New York Giants offense takes the field on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers in their wild-card game at Lambeau Field, there is a good chance that Paul Perkins is standing behind quarterback Eli Manning as the starting running back. There is also a good chance he’s nervous.

Perkins was handed a starting role in the regular-season finale on the road against the Washington Redskins. All he did was become the first Giants running back to rush for 100 yards in a game this season. The rookie had 102 yards on 21 carries despite admitting he was more nervous for the game than other since high school.

Given the way things have unfolded and the progress Perkins has made -- he’s increased his yardage total each of the past six games and shown improvement with his blocking -- it’s hard to imagine he won’t be starting against the Packers. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

“Hopefully, I’m better,” Perkins said Sunday about the possibility of a playoff start after his best output as a professional. “But the environment is going to be crazy."

The Giants' backfield is still likely to include a mix of Perkins and Rashad Jennings, who was the starter (when healthy) until the regular-season finale. The versatile Bobby Rainey could also be sprinkled in as a two-minute back, a role he’s filled for much of the season when Shane Vereen was sidelined.

But Perkins appears to have proved he’s capable of handling an even bigger role in the biggest games.

“We went back and looked at the film [from Sunday]. I thought Paul did some good things on tape. Found some runs nicely,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “Rashad [Jennings] ran the ball hard and physical. We’re excited about both of those guys and also the impact Bobby Rainey can make."

The Giants and the rest of the NFL are getting a better sense of what Perkins can do in recent weeks. He’s had 15, 11, 15 and 21 carries the past four weeks, when he’s had his four most productive games.

Perkins has averaged 4.1 yards per carry since returning from the bye week and having his role increased. Jennings has averaged 3.5 yards per carry during that same span.

It has become crystal clear who the more effective runner is right now: It’s Perkins.

The Giants need more success on the ground than they had in their last visit to Green Bay in Week 5, when they ran for 43 yards on 15 carries. The Packers have the eighth-ranked run defense, allowing 94.7 yards per game.

The Giants finished 29th in rushing offense at 88.3 yards per game. They’re going to lean on Perkins, their most elusive runner, in an attempt to jump-start their rushing attack in the postseason. He provides an impressive combination of size, speed and youth to the Giants’ running game. Several players even mentioned him when they were surveyed about the team’s most improved player this season.

He’s done enough to warrant a bigger role, a starting role. And it’s more than just what he’s shown on the field.

“I mean, I’m just going out here practicing, working hard,” Perkins said after Sunday’s win over the Redskins. “It doesn’t mean anything if I don’t do it next week and follow it up.”