Giants story lines

Win and in, lose and hope

The NFL officially confirmed Tuesday that the Giants would clinch at least a wild-card playoff spot by beating the Packers on Sunday. But even if they lose, they still won't be eliminated.

For them to get in after losing to the Packers, they'd have to beat the Redskins and hope that either the Bears beat the Packers, or have the Bucs finish with wins over the Seahawks and the Saints and have the Saints lose to the Falcons on Monday night. The Giants still can finish with either the No. 2, 3, 5 or 6 seed in the NFC. But if they lose both of their remaining games to end up 9-7, they will not make the playoffs.

Rodgers ready to play

The Giants won't be lucky enough to face backup quarterback Matt Flynn on Sunday. At least not right away. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a concussion two weeks ago, told a Milwaukee radio station last night that he's been cleared to play and will start.

The Packers' playoff hopes dwindled with Rodgers sidelined thanks to losses to the Lions and Patriots, and the Bears have clinched the NFC North title. But the Packers are just a game behind the Giants for the last wild-card spot, and Rodgers certainly gives them the best chance to beat the Giants. The Packers are expected to announce Wednesday that he passed his post-concussion exams.

was a little less complex than expected. Doctors first thought they would have to use mosaicplasty to repair the articular cartilage injury - essentially a cartilage transplant from one area of his knee to another - but they were able to complete the procedure using only microfracture surgery, a source said.

The start of next season still could be in jeopardy for Smith. He'll be on crutches for six weeks before starting a long rehab. He also will be a free agent after this season, unless the Giants sign him or put a franchise tag on him.