The Giants return from their bye week to take on the 7-3 Packers Sunday night in what is a rematch of the NFC Championship game, which the Giants dominated, 37-20, at Lambeau Field. The teams also met during the regular season, when Green Bay knocked the Giants off 38-35 at MetLife Stadium in Week 13.

PACKERS

This time around, the Packers believe they have a defense that can do more than just hold its own and complement one of the league's most potent offenses. They rank 16th in the NFL in total defense, a vast improvement over their dead-last ranking last season. At different points during their 24-20 win over the Lions on Sunday, Green Bay had six rookies on the field on defense, and was without All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews for the second straight week and Charles Woodson for the third consecutive game. Now riding a five-game winning streak, defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his defense believe they're much improved from last season, writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

When the biggest question coming out of a victory is your kicking situation, then things are going pretty well for you. That was the case for Mike McCarthy Sunday after six-year veteran kicker Mason Crosby missed two more field goals against the Lions. Crosby has now missed five of his last 10 field goal attempts and is only 11-of-18 this season. But McCarthy is sticking with Crosby, via Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin.com.

COWBOYS

Dallas has climbed to a game behind the Giants without running back DeMarco Murray, who's missed the five games with a sprained foot. He'll also likely miss the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Redskins. And it looks like the Cowboys will be without left tackle Tyron Smith because of a knee injury, according to Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

REDSKINS

Washington safety Brandon Meriweather made his season debut Sunday against the Eagles. He then suffered a knee injury and said it wasn't a big deal after the game. But it is. Meriweather tore his ACL and is out for the season.

GIANTS



Giants hold players-only session to 'clear the air' before tough six-game stretch

Eli Manning throws live ball in practice, dismisses dead arm talk



David Wilson responds to coaches' comments, wonders how he can show improvement



Chris Snee expects a '(ticked) off' Packers team Sunday night



Kenny Phillips hopes to play against Packers

Justin Tuck says Giants can be 'best team in the league' if they play their style of football

Keith Rivers held out after bye-week car accident

Jorge Castillo: jcastillo@starledger.com; twitter.com/jorgeccastillo

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