The Green Bay Packers are entering an important game this week against the New York Giants. While they are a much better football team, this type of game can be a trap game. If the Packers take the Giants lightly, they could be heading home with a brutal loss that would drop them to 8-4 on the season.

On the other hand, if the Packers come out angry after their blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, they should come away with a convincing win. The team certainly should be angry after their second blowout loss on the west coast. If they aren't, there might be an even bigger problem brewing in Green Bay.

Aaron Rodgers and company have a chance to win the NFC North division this season. They are currently in first due to the win over the Minnesota Vikings earlier this year, but the two teams have identical records. Winning this game is a must for the Packers if they want to maintain their control on the division.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at two players who must step up and become X-Factors for the Packers this week.

Blake Martinez, Linebacker

So far this season, the Packers' defense has been good, then really bad. They have been unable to stay consistent. The majority of the hype surrounding the defense has been about new pass rushers Preston and Za'Darius Smith, but it is Blake Martinez who must have a good game this week.

Martinez is the quarterback of the middle of Green Bay's defense. He will be asked to help contain Giants' superstar running back Saquon Barkley. If Martinez steps up with a big performance, the Packers' defense should have a good chance to make the New York offense look very bad.

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Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Wide Receiver

Secondly, the Packers need to figure out what has been going on with second-year wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He was expected to have a monstrous season and started the year off well. Unfortunately, he has slowed down in a big way as the season has moved forward.

On the year so far, Valdes-Scantling has caught 23 passes for 427 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers are not horrible, but the Packers need to get him going this week. If Valdes-Scantling can step up this week, the Packers' offense should fire on all cylinders and put a beating on the Giants.