New York Giants: They and 49ers not as different as you think

Nov 16, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver

Odell Beckham

(13) can not make a catch on a long pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback

Chris Culliver

(29) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

One team’s rolling, the other is reeling.

The New York Giants are heading into tonight’s Sunday Night Football match on a two-game winning streak. Their opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, are on a three-game losing streak. The Giants have an elite quarterback that’s protecting the ball and has a 104.8 passer rating in the past two weeks. The 49ers have a quarterback with a league-worst 25.7 passer rating in the last two weeks and five interceptions (four of which came in one game).

Yet, the two teams are not as opposite as you may think.

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Make no mistake: Both the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are desperate to win. The New York Giants managed to win their past two games despite starting the season 0-2. However, the NFC East is a very close division and the Giants need to string together more wins in order to be crowned NFC East Champions. The 49ers need to win and prove they are better than the way they’ve been playing. Most importantly, quarterback Colin Kaepernick must prove that he deserves to be the team’s starter.

Both teams face challenges in this game with key starters listed as out. The Giants are still without Victor Cruz and will be without three key defensive players (Robert Ayers Jr., George Selvie, and perhaps most notably Devon Kennard). For the 49ers, tight end Vernon Davis will miss this week’s game as he recovers from a knee injury and linebacker Ahmad Brooks is out due to the unfortunate death of his sister from lupus.

Both teams will also undoubtedly play their hearts out for their friends off the field. As I just mentioned, 49ers veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks will miss the game to be with his family during this difficult time. The rest of the team will certainly have him and his family on their minds this week. On the opposite team, the Giants will have tight end Daniel Fells on their minds as he fights to recover from MRSA and save his foot from being amputated.

Tonight’s game between the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers will be an interesting and emotional matchup. Both teams have a lot to prove. Both teams are desperate to win. Both teams are missing key starters. Both teams will play their hearts out.

Only one will end up with W though (barring a tie). Which team do you think will end up on top? Sound off below!

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