2007 NFC Championship Game

2008 American football postseason game June 2025 2007 NFC Championship Game border:none; center 275 Green Bay Packers wordmark.svg New York Giants wordmark.svg vertical Giants and Packers wordmarks New York Giants (5) NYG Tom Coughlin 10–6 Green Bay Packers (2) GB Mike McCarthy 13–3 3 3 14 0 3 23 0 10 7 3 0 20 January 20, 2008 Lambeau Field Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. 72,740 Terry McAulay Packers by 7.5 Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, and Chris Myers The 2007 National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game was an American football game played between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers on January 20, 2008, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States. The Packers finished the season 13–3, winning the NFC North, while securing the second seed in the playoffs. The Giants entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team, with a record of 10–6. They did not win the NFC East, which was won by the Dallas Cowboys, who secured the first seed in the playoffs via a head-to-head tiebreaker with the Packers. The Giants beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cowboys in the Wild Card and Divisional rounds, respectively. The Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round. By virtue of their higher seeding, the Packers were given home field advantage for the Championship Game. The game was a continuation of the two teams' rivalry, which included five NFL Championship Games from the 1930s to the 1960s. The game was marked by cold weather, with the wind chill factor bringing the temperature down to -23 F C, making it the second coldest game in Lambeau Field history. The teams went back and forth, with the Packers capitalizing on a 90-yard touchdown pass in the first half. The Giants leaned on their running attack, outgaining the Packers in rushing yards 114 to 28. Each team had mistakes: the Giants missed two field goals, including a possible game-winner at the end of the fourth quarter that led to overtime. The Packers had three turnovers, with Favre throwing an interception on the second play of overtime. The Giants won the game on a walk-off field goal by Lawrence Tynes four plays after Favre's interception, sending them to Super Bowl XLII, where they would beat the New England Patriots. The NFC Championship Game, which became part of the Giants–Packers rivalry, was notable for its competitiveness, cold weather, and impact on each team. The game helped establish Eli Manning's career, while for Favre, it became the last he would play for the Packers. He was traded during the offseason to the New York Jets, with Aaron Rodgers being named starting quarterback for the Packers. Background 2007 New York Giants season 2007 Green Bay Packers season The New York Giants were coming off of a Wild playoff berth in 2006 with a record of 8–8. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2006.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 1, 2025 2006 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees July 1, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250701215928/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2006.htm live The Giants began the season with two consecutive losses, including a 35–13 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The Giants then won six straight games going into their bye week to bring their record to 6–2. After their bye week, they split their remaining eight games to finish with a record of 10–6. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2007.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 1, 2025 2007 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees December 20, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081220144750/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2007.htm live The Giants were led by a productive rushing attack behind Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Reuben Droughns, who combined for almost 2,000 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/rushing.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2007 NFL Rushing July 10, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20241214192308/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/rushing.htm December 14, 2024 live Although the Giants did not win their division, as the Dallas Cowboys went 13–3, their record was good enough to secure the fifth seed and a Wild Card playoff berth. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/playoffs.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 1, 2025 2007 NFL Playoff Standings September 23, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240923214520/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/playoffs.htm live The Giants beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round by a score of 24–8, earning a match-up with the Cowboys. https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-ny-earns-third-c/176346912/ NY earns third chance to defeat the Cowboys Wilner Barry Associated Press January 7, 2008 July 10, 2025 St. Louis Post-Dispatch clipping Newspapers.com C3 The Giants beat the Cowboys 21–17 in the Divisional round to proceed to the NFC Championship Game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-mistakes-doom/176347308/ Mistakes doom Cowboys to early exit from playoffs Bump Lary January 14, 2008 July 10, 2025 Austin American-Statesman clipping Newspapers.com C4 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929040459/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-mistakes-doom/176347308/ September 29, 2025 live The Packers missed the playoffs in 2006 with a record of 8–8, after losing out the playoff tiebreaker to the Giants. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/playoffs.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 7, 2025 2006 NFL Playoff Standings November 12, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241112221556/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/playoffs.htm live They finished the 2007 season with a record with of 13–3, the same as the Cowboys, which included two losses to the Chicago Bears. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2007.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 7, 2025 2006 Green Bay Packers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees April 23, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200423115314/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2007.htm live Their other loss was to the Cowboys, which ended up being the tiebreaker for the first seed in the playoffs. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/playoffs.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 7, 2025 2006 NFL Playoff Standings https://web.archive.org/web/20241112221556/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/playoffs.htm November 12, 2024 live They won the NFC North division. With their head-to-head match-up loss, the Packers were given the second seed. Brett Favre, the team's starting quarterback, completed his 18th season with the Packers and finished in the top 10 of most season passing statistics. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FavrBr00.htm Brett Favre July 7, 2025 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 14, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110514005711/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FavrBr00.htm live https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/passing.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 7, 2025 2007 NFL Passing April 20, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200420205126/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/passing.htm live He was complemented by a defense that gave up the sixth least amount of points during the season. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/opp.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com July 7, 2025 2007 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics July 4, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170704175154/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/opp.htm live The Packers received a bye week in the Wild Card round before hosting the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round. https://www.newspapers.com/article/marshfield-news-herald-green-bay-poses-m/176346192/ Green Bay poses multiple matchup problems for Seattle Dougherty Pete January 11, 2008 July 10, 2025 Marshfield News-Herald clipping Newspapers.com 2B The Packers blew out the Seahawks 42–20 in what became known as the Snow Globe Game. https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2008/01/14/fans-have-snow-much-fun/46629920007/ The State Journal-Register Fans have snow much fun at Lambeau Field Trowbridge Matt January 13, 2008 November 22, 2024 February 2, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230202182547/https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2008/01/14/fans-have-snow-much-fun/46629920007/ live With their higher seeding, the Packers were scheduled to host the Giants at Lambeau Field on January 20, 2008, for the NFC Championship Game. The Green Bay Press-Gazette predicted cold weather for the game, with the wind chill factor bringing the daily low down to -22 F C; the National Weather Service issued a wind chill advisory prior to the start of the game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-title-game-at-a/174377329/ Title Game at a Glance January 20, 2008 June 17, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com https://web.archive.org/web/20250612192715/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-title-game-at-a/174377329/ June 12, 2025 live The Packers were 7.5 point favorites. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-nfc-championship/174377783/ NFC Championship Game Preview Associated Press January 20, 2008 June 17, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 7 Game summary thumb|right|Lambeau Field, shown here in 2011, was the site of the NFC Championship Game.|alt=The facade of Lambeau Field First half The Packers started the game with possession, although they were forced to punt after reaching mid-field. The Giants then proceeded to drive the length of the field, going 71 yards in 14 plays, before the Packers stopped them on the 11-yard line. The Giants attempted a field goal, which was converted by Lawrence Tynes for a 3–0 lead. The next three drives, two by the Packers and one by the Giants, ended in punts. The Giants gained possession at mid-field after the last Packers punt and again drove into field goal range. The Packers again stopped the Giants on third down, forcing another field goal attempt. Tynes made a 37-yard field goal to increase the Giants' lead to 6–0. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Brett Favre completed a 90-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver, giving the Packers a 7–6 lead. The next three drives ended in punts, with the Packers regaining possession at mid-field. After a short drive, Mason Crosby converted a 36-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10–6. With just over a minute left in the half, the Giants drove 40 yards but a sack on fourth down forced a turnover on downs. The Packers ran one play before halftime. https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/280120009 ESPN.com Giants 23–20 Packers (Jan 20, 2008) – Play-by-Play June 10, 2025 January 21, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20250610175051/https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/280120009 June 10, 2025 live Second half The Giants started the second half with the ball and engineered a 12-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard rushing touchdown by Brandon Jacobs; the touchdown gave the Giants the lead again, 13–10. After a long return on the kick-off by Tramon Williams, the Packers started with a short field. The Packers scored six plays later on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Favre to Donald Lee. With the extra point, the Packers took the lead back, 17–13. On the next drive, the Giants started near mid-field and drove for a touchdown, another rushing score, this time by Ahmad Bradshaw, to bring the score to 20–17. The Packers tied the game on the next drive with a 37-yard field goal by Crosby. The Packers had two more drives before the end of the game, both of which ended in three-and-outs. The Giants remaining three possessions ended in a punt and two missed field goals, including a 36-yard attempt as time expired in the fourth quarter. Overtime The Packers won the coin toss before overtime and chose to receive the ball first. On the second play of the drive, after a short rush, Favre threw a pass intended for Driver but was intercepted by Corey Webster. On the ensuing drive, the Giants only gained five yards, setting up a 47-yard field goal attempt. Tynes converted the attempt to give the Giants the victory, 23–20. Box score #fff #eee New York Giants 2;text-align:center; NFC Championship Game – New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers – Game summary Giants 3 3 14 0 3 Packers 0 10 7 3 0 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 6:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. CST −1 °F °C, clear Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, and Chris Myers https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-names-and-number/176432303/ Names and Numbers January 20, 2008 July 11, 2025 Wisconsin State Journal clipping Newspapers.com E3 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929044409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-names-and-number/176432303/ September 29, 2025 live Terry McAulay 72,740 Sources: Pro-Football-Reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801200gnb.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com June 17, 2025 NFC Championship – New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – January 20th, 2008 January 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210117011757/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801200gnb.htm live and Green Bay Press-Gazette https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-giants-23-packe/176432808/ Giants 23, Packers 20, OT: How They Scored January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 6 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929060414/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-giants-23-packe/176432808/ September 29, 2025 live 1st Quarter NYG New York Giants – Lawrence Tynes 29-yard field goal, 4:50. Giants 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 7:48. 2nd Quarter NYG New York Giants – Lawrence Tynes 37-yard field goal, 11:41. Giants 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:04. GB Green Bay – Donald Driver 90-yard pass from Brett Favre (Mason Crosby kick), 11:18. Packers 7–6. Drive: 1 play, 90 yards, 0:23. GB Green Bay – Mason Crosby 36-yard field goal, 1:30. Packers 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 2:58. 3rd Quarter NYG New York Giants – Brandon Jacobs 1-yard run, 7:56. Giants 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 7:04. GB Green Bay – Donald Lee 12-yard pass from Brett Favre (Mason Crosby kick), 5:00. Packers 17–13. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:56. NYG New York Giants – Ahmad Bradshaw 4-yard run, 2:12. Giants 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 2:48. 4th Quarter GB Green Bay – Mason Crosby 37-yard field goal, 11:46. Tied 20–20. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 2:14. Overtime NYG New York Giants – Lawrence Tynes 47-yard field goal, 12:25. Giants 23–20. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:39. New York Giants stats Passing Eli Manning – 21/40, 251 yards Rushing Brandon Jacobs – 21 rushes, 67 yards, 1 touchdown Ahmad Bradshaw – 16 rushes, 63 yards, 1 touchdown Receiving Plaxico Burress – 11 receptions, 151 yards Amani Toomer – 4 receptions, 42 yards Steve Smith – 2 receptions, 25 yards Kevin Boss – 1 reception, 12 yards Ahmad Bradshaw – 1 reception, 9 yards Brandon Jacobs – 1 reception, 8 yards David Tyree – 1 reception, 4 yards Green Bay Packers stats Passing Brett Favre – 19/35, 236 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Rushing Ryan Grant – 13 rushes, 29 yards Brett Favre – 1 rush, −1 yards Receiving Donald Driver – 5 receptions, 141 yards, 1 touchdown Donald Lee – 3 receptions, 35 yards, 1 touchdown Koren Robinson – 4 receptions, 16 yards Greg Jennings – 1 receptions, 14 yards Korey Hall – 1 reception, 12 yards Bubba Franks – 1 reception, 11 yards Vernand Morency – 2 reception, 9 yards Ryan Grant – 1 reception, 11 yards Brandon Jackson – 1 reception, 1 yards Analysis Post-game analysis focused on the competitive nature of the game, the impacts of the weather, individual performances, and the question of Favre's future. The Green Bay Press-Gazette commented that it appeared neither team truly wanted to win, with each giving the other multiple opportunities to secure a victory. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-we-had-our-chan/176432560/ 'We had our chances' Vandermause Mike January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929042127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-we-had-our-chan/176432560/ September 29, 2025 live However, in the end, with the game going to overtime, being won on a walk-off field goal, the cold weather, and Favre's legacy in the balance, the newspaper noted that it would be a game to remember for many years. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-giants-have-answ/176432940/ Giants have answer to every challenge Carpiniello Rick January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 12 The weather ended up making the game the second coldest in Lambeau Field history up to that point, with temperatures dropping from -1 F C at kick-off to -3 F C by the end of the game (the wind chill dropped as low as -24 F C by the end of the game). The weather was so cold, that Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin's face became bright red during the game, creating a lasting image that represented the challenging conditions that players and personnel faced on the field. Sports commentators noted that the weather conditions also likely impacted the game, including on the late missed field goals by Lawrence Tynes. Regarding Favre's future, the Packers quarterback had just completed one of his most productive seasons of his career, finishing in second place in MVP voting. https://www.nfl.com/news/sports-illustrated-names-brett-favre-2007-sportsman-of-the-year-09000d5d804cb300 NFL.com Sports Illustrated names Brett Favre 2007 Sportsman of the Year December 4, 2007 July 21, 2025 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2007.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2007 Awards Voting July 21, 2025 However, the team had drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and Favre had been contemplating retirement since at least 2006. https://www.packers.com/news/the-once-in-forever-aaron-rodgers-pick Packers.com Christl Cliff Cliff Christl July 21, 2025 December 3, 2020 The once-in-forever Aaron Rodgers pick https://bleacherreport.com/articles/430992-brett-favre-a-timeline-of-the-goodand-the-bad BleacherReport.com Brett Favre: A Timeline of the Good and the Bad Robeson Andrew July 21, 2025 August 6, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20230129202500/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/430992-brett-favre-a-timeline-of-the-goodand-the-bad January 29, 2023 live Even though his teammates stated their belief he would return, the way the game ended, with Favre throwing an interception (similar to the end of the 4th and 26 playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles) strengthened the belief that he would not commit to another season and retire. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-another-playoff/176432705/ Another playoff run ends on bad Favre throw Demovsky Rob January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 4 https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/comparing-aaron-rodgers-drama-filled-offseason-with-brett-favres-in-2008-what-qb-can-learn-from-predecessor/ CBSSports.com Comparing Aaron Rodgers' drama-filled offseason with Brett Favre's in 2008, what QB can learn from predecessor Jeff Kerr May 26, 2025 July 21, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250711130206/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/comparing-aaron-rodgers-drama-filled-offseason-with-brett-favres-in-2008-what-qb-can-learn-from-predecessor/ July 11, 2025 live Favre noted after the game that his decision would be made quickly, after talking with the Packers coaches. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-favres-decision/176432595/ Favre's decision should be quick one Dougherty Pete January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 Plaxico Burress led the offensive output for the Giants with 11 catches for 151 yards; both figures tied or set playoff records for players against the Packers. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burress-burns-pa/176432880/ Burress burns Packers Pelissero Tom January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 11 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929050831/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-burress-burns-pa/176432880/ September 29, 2025 live https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-offense-goes-now/176432761/ Offense goes nowhere fast in second half Goska Eric January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 6 https://web.archive.org/web/20250930014838/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-offense-goes-now/176432761/ September 30, 2025 live Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for a strong running game, gaining 130 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. This contrasted strongly with the Packers run game, with Ryan Grant only gaining 29 yards on 13 rushes for the whole game. The lack of a running game forced the Packers to be one-dimensional and rely on the passing game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-title-hopes-pick/176432646/ Title Hopes Picked Off: Part 1 Dougherty Pete January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 1 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929070638/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-title-hopes-pick/176432646/ September 29, 2025 live https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-title-hopes-pick/176432663/ Title Hopes Picked Off: Part 2 Dougherty Pete January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 The offense then fell apart in the second half, with the Packers having one of their worst playoff halves in history. Sports commentators noted that Favre appeared to be pressing his performance, trying to do too much and force throws to his receivers. His final performance was surprising, considering his past success at Lambeau Field in cold weather games. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-favre-unexpected/176432740/ Favre unexpectedly falls flat in clutch Woods Mike January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 5 Individual plays and players were highlighted during the post-game analysis. Favre's 90-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver, which was the longest in Packers' playoff history at that time, was identified as a key play of the game, while Favre's interception in overtime was a crucial mistake. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-the-insider/176432719/ The Insider Demovsky Rob January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 4 https://web.archive.org/web/20250930063102/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-the-insider/176432719/ September 30, 2025 live Favre noted that the interception came about because he did not throw the ball wide enough, which gave the defense an opportunity to catch the ball. Tynes' multiple misses in the fourth quarter could have been huge momentum swings, however the Packers were unable to capitalize on these mistakes. Tynes was also highlighted for coming through in the end and not letting his earlier misses phase him. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-pair-of-misses-d/176432912/ Pair of misses didn't ruin Tynes' confidence Christopherson Brett January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 12 Two fumbles also were costly, for different reasons. First, Favre was intercepted in the fourth quarter, although R. W. McQuarters fumbled the ball on the return and the Packers recovered it. Second, on a punt return, the Giants fumbled the ball and Jarrett Bush tried to pick the ball up instead of falling on it and missed, allowing the Domenik Hixon to recover it and retain possession for the Giants. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-game-changing-fu/176432840/ Game-changing fumble eludes Bush Vandermause Mike January 21, 2008 July 11, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 8 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929044736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-game-changing-fu/176432840/ September 29, 2025 live Other than the beginning of the second half, the Packers defense performed well, with Tramon Williams, A. J. Hawk, Atari Bigby all noted for their performance. Outcome After their victory, the Giants moved on to Super Bowl XLII, where they faced the New England Patriots. The Patriots, under Tom Brady, had completed a perfect 16–0, the first time an NFL team had a perfect regular season record under a 16-game season. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-7 NFL.com July 10, 2025 King Peter 2007 New England Patriots https://web.archive.org/web/20251102172412/https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-7 November 2, 2025 live The Patriots also won two playoff games to advance to the Super Bowl, meaning that they were attempting to become the first NFL team to win every regular and postseason game in a season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3637864/2022/09/28/2007-new-england-patriots-16-0/ The New York Times Why the 16–0 2007 Patriots aren't worth celebrating for New England fans: Buckley Buckley Steve July 1, 2025 September 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20250929062951/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3637864/2022/09/28/2007-new-england-patriots-16-0/ September 29, 2025 live The teams played a competitive game; after the Patriots took the lead late in the game, the Giants drove down the field and scored. Their drive was aided by the famous Helmet Catch, which helped the Giants secure a 17–14 victory and the NFL Championship. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/plays-3 NFL.com David Tyree Helmet Catch in Super Bowl XLII July 1, 2025 Wingo Trey Trey Wingo After the season, Favre announced his retirement. Just a few months later, Favre rescinded his retirement and publicly stated his desire to return to the Packers for the 2008 NFL season. The Packers publicly committed to Aaron Rodgers as Favre's successor. After much discussion, Favre agreed to a trade to the New York Jets and Rodgers was reaffirmed as the starter for the Packers in 2008. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/08/08/look-back-brett-favre-trade-jets-10-years-later/924042002/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 1, 2025 August 8, 2018 Take a look back at the strange moment the Brett Favre era officially ended with the Green Bay Packers Radcliffe JR https://web.archive.org/web/20241226133642/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/08/08/look-back-brett-favre-trade-jets-10-years-later/924042002/ December 26, 2024 live Rodgers led the Packers to the playoffs in the 2009 season and then won Super Bowl XLV in the 2010 season. https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/cardinals-top-packers-in-ot-51-45/article_6743eab4-d872-5dad-b346-7e22efdc1941.html East Valley Tribune Cardinals top Packers in OT, 51–45 Baum Bob January 10, 2010 March 14, 2025 August 29, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240829195125/https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/cardinals-top-packers-in-ot-51-45/article_6743eab4-d872-5dad-b346-7e22efdc1941.html live https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/super-bowl-xlv-recap/ CBSNews.com Packers Beat Steelers 31–25 In Super Bowl XLV July 1, 2025 February 6, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614172303/https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/super-bowl-xlv-recap/ June 14, 2024 live Legacy The game has been characterized by multiple sports commentators as one of the greatest championship games in league history. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-20-greatest-afc-nfc-championship-games-jim-harbaughs-almost-completed-hail-mary-pass-makes-cut/ CBSSports.com June 17, 2025 Ranking 20 greatest AFC, NFC championship games: Jim Harbaugh's almost-completed 'Hail Mary' pass makes cut January 25, 2024 DeArdo Bryan https://web.archive.org/web/20250322005156/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-20-greatest-afc-nfc-championship-games-jim-harbaughs-almost-completed-hail-mary-pass-makes-cut/ March 22, 2025 live https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-10-greatest-nfc-championship-games-143523992.html Ranking the 10 greatest NFC championship games June 17, 2025 Schwab Frank January 16, 2018 Yahoo Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20250929040601/https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-10-greatest-nfc-championship-games-143523992.html September 29, 2025 live In 2019, the league identified the game as the 54th greatest game from the first 100 years of the history of the NFL. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/games-54 NFL.com June 10, 2025 2007 – Giants vs. Packers – NFC Championship – "The Chilling Championship" https://web.archive.org/web/20250610173044/https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/games-54 June 10, 2025 live It also became an important part of the Giants–Packers rivalry, which had included five championship games before this one. https://www.packers.com/news/packers-vs-giants-no-two-teams-have-met-more-often-in-championship-show-18397786 Packers.com Packers vs. Giants: No two teams have met more often in championship showdowns July 10, 2025 January 5, 2017 Christl Cliff Cliff Christl It has been remembered for its cold weather, with Giants' coach Tom Coughlin's red face becoming an indelible image from the game. https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2017/01/05/giants-packers-tom-coughlin-2008-face-oral-history 'I was just numb': An oral history of the epic 2007 NFC Championship Game SI.com Gartland Dan January 5, 2017 June 17, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250206172313/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2017/01/05/giants-packers-tom-coughlin-2008-face-oral-history February 6, 2025 live https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/01/05/packers-giants-2007-nfc-championship-game-oral-history SI.com Tom Coughlin's face was so red in the 2008 Packers game that it distracted his players July 10, 2025 January 5, 2017 Baskin Ben Bishop Greg The weather also impacted the play on the field and made Tynes' game-winning field goal even more improbable and memorable. With Favre's retirement and then trade to the Jets after the season, the NFC Championship became the last game Favre would play in his career with the Packers and ensured that his last pass as a Packer was an interception. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/9-years-ago-the-giants-froze-out-brett-favre-in-his-last-game-as-a-packer FoxSports.com 9 years ago, the Giants froze out Brett Favre in his last game as a Packer Werner Barry January 7, 2017 July 10, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250722212623/https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/9-years-ago-the-giants-froze-out-brett-favre-in-his-last-game-as-a-packer July 22, 2025 live The game was representative of Favre's playoff failures in the 2000s, where he lost six games and threw more interceptions than touchdowns. https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/21566/brett-favres-not-top-5-packers-moments-the-retirements ESPN.com Brett Favre's Not-Top 5 Packers moments: The retirements July 10, 2025 July 17, 2015 Demovsky Rob For Eli Manning, the victory against the Packers and then the Patriots in the Super Bowl helped establish his quarterback credentials. https://www.giants.com/news/eli-manning-recalls-giants-run-to-super-bowl-xlii-20331415 Giants.com Eli Manning recalls Giants run to Super Bowl XLII July 10, 2025 February 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20250621053508/https://www.giants.com/news/eli-manning-recalls-giants-run-to-super-bowl-xlii-20331415 June 21, 2025 live References External links 5aOffogdd4Y Giants Upset Brett Favre in Lambeau Giants vs. Packers 2007 NFC Championship NFL Full Game NFC Championship Game NFC Championship Game Category:Green Bay Packers playoff games NFC Championship Game Category:NFC Championship Games Category:New York Giants postseason Category:American football competitions in Wisconsin Category:Brett Favre Category:Sports competitions in Green Bay, Wisconsin