NFC Conference Championship Preview

In the NFC we have the upstart Giants fresh off their beat-down of Green Bay at Lambeau traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are playing at a high-level right now and I expect this game to be almost as good as the New Orleans-San Francisco game from last week.

 

Giants Offense vs. 49ers Defense: Eli Manning is playing out of his mind right now (607 yards, 67.7  completion %, 6 touchdowns, 1 interception in the two playoff games this season) and despite the 49ers great run defense (league best 77.3 yards per game) their pass defense is average and with a great QB like Eli that defense becomes even more susceptible. The Giants must be wary, however, of the 49ers great turnover margin. The 49ers rank in the top 10 in both interceptions (23) and forced fumbles (20). Eli must be sure to avoid the turnover issues that can ruin a game for him.

Advantage: Giants Offense

49ers Offense vs. Giants Defense:Alex Smith has had doubters his entire career and throughout this entire season he has been putting them to rest. He had perhaps the best game of his career in his biggest test to date (299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) and is playing with a lot of confidence right now. The 49ers also have bruising tailback Frank Gore who also had a big day against the Saints (89 yards) despite only carrying the ball 13 times. The battle here will be to see if the 49ers offensive line can stop arguably the best pass rush in the NFL. The cleaner Alex Smith's jersey is the better chance the 49ers have to win. 

Advantage: Despite the Giants shutdown of Green Bay last week, the 49ers Offense is more balanced than the Packers' and is playing their best football of the year right now.

Special Teams: Some of you may remember the last time these two teams met in the playoffs (for those of you who don't: The Giants muffed two snaps on field goals and the 49ers won 39-38). So the game could very well come down to special teams and if it does the 49ers have the edge. David Akers is one of the best kickers in the league and is 7-9 from 50+ this season. The Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes can be clutch (see his game winning kick that sent the Giants to the 2008 Super Bowl) but does not have the consistency to give him the edge over Akers. In the return game there is virtually a wash as the 49ers and Giants rank almost identical in yards allowed.

Advantage: 49ers

Final Score Prediction: San Fran stays hot and moves into the Super Bowl as they best the Giants thanks to great defense and Alex Smith having another great game. 49ers 27-19