2012 NFC Championship Prediction
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- Category: Sports
Giants Riding Momentum Into San Francisco
All season long the NFL teams loaded with offense dominated the season, but the divisional round of the NFC playoffs reminded everyone that it is defensive strength that gets a team to the big dance. After the San Francisco 49ers shocked the football world by out-shooting the New Orleans Saints in a thrilling game, the New York Giants went into Green Bay and turned Aaron Rodgers from likely MVP into what looked like a fourth string quarterback. With both underdogs biting the favorites in the butt with defense, the GPS Tracker Shop sports editors will now make their prediction on what team will win the NFC title game between New York and San Francisco.
How The 49ers Can Win
The 49ers were one of the most impressive defensive squads in the entire league this year, but in order to beat the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco had to rely on the arm of former number one pick Alex Smith to put together a touchdown scoring drive with less than two minutes on the game clock. Going into the NFC title game the San Francisco 49ers have the following advantages:
- The NFC Championship Game Will be Played In San Francisco
- Alex Smith Is Coming Off His Best Performance In A Big Game
- The 49ers Showed More Offensive Strength Than The Saints, A Favorite Pick Among Analysts
- The 49ers Won In Dramatic Fashion
- Statistically, The 49ers Bring A Stronger Defense Into The Match-Up
Keys To Victory For San Francisco
The 49ers have an excellent ground attack behind veteran running back Frank Gore, and the pounding rush could tire out the defensive line of the New York Giants. This will be critical because of the speed and power of the Giants defensive line that punished both Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers, both of whom are considered elite quarterbacks. If the 49ers want to win they will need to have their defense make Eli Manning uncomfortable in the pocket while keeping additional coverage on stud wide receiver Cruz. From the offensive perspective, the 49ers will need to pound the Giants with the rush, tiring out the defense enough to give Alex Smith time to open up the passing game when the time is right.
How The Giants Can Win
The New York Giants are clicking on all cylinders right now, and after utterly dominating the top-seeded Packers in Green Bay, the G-Men will be a road team favorite. The Giants have the following advantages going into this NFC Title Game:
- Eli Manning Is Having One Of His Best Seasons Ever As Quarterback
- The Giants Have Experience Winning On The Road
- New York Has A Very Balanced Passing & Rushing Attack
- The Giants Defense Has Been A Turnover Forcing Machine Lately
- New York Players Have More Playoff Experience Than San Francisco
Keys To Victory For New York
Thus far in the playoffs the Giants dominated both the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers, therefore it will be up to the 49ers to slow the juggernaut that has been the Giants. Already mentally focused by winning essentially three straight elimination games, the Giants know what it takes to win and move on in the NFL. With playoff experience, a stud wide-out, opportunistic defense and steady handed quarterback, the Giants simply need to execute their game plan to secure another spot in the Super Bowl.
Prediction
The Giants have the media momentum after a tough win in Green Bay, but people are overlooking the impressive win the 49ers had over New Orleans. Not to mention, over the course of the entire season the 49ers proved they were the better team. That is why this game is not being played at The Meadowlands. Essentially, this game looks like a pick'em, but with home field advantage, fresher bodies due to a bye week and the momentum of a touchdown winning drive in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, the 49ers have all the real advantages.