2012 NFC Championship Predictions: 49ers vs. Giants
By Blake Lovell
Earlier today, we gave you our thoughts on the AFC side of things for championship weekend in the NFL, and now it’s time to turn our attention to the NFC.
The New York Giants travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in what should be a tightly contested game. But who do our staff members think will move on to the Super Bowl?
Let’s find out!
SUNDAY
#4 New York Giants at #2 San Francisco 49ers – 6:30 PM ET, FOX
Brittany Jacks – With the NFC Championship game, I am going with the San Francisco 49ers. Like the Ravens, the 49ers boast a strong defensive line, which has the lowest total yardage rushed per game throughout the League. This defense mitigates the ability for the opponents to network the ball down the field- forcing them to rely mainly on throwing abilities. The 49ers are a team which focuses heavily on running ability, something which the New York Giants struggle to master. With the strong defense and running techniques, I predict the San Francisco 49ers will take the Giants 29-23.
Prediction: 49ers 29, Giants 23
Ben Worthy – The NFC Championship is a very good match up to me. The Giants and 49ers, neither were expected to be here at the start of the season. Along with both teams having amazing defenses, the offenses are finally starting to click. I have San Fran winning it 17-16. I think Alex Smith’s sudden maturity will be the difference. This will be a great game to watch if you like defenses.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Giants 16
Chris Smith – This is the game I am most looking forward to this weekend. The defenses of both teams will be the dominating feature of this game and I fully expect to see a run on defensive records. The difference for me will be the Giants inability to run the ball which will force Eli Manning to take more chances which will lead to turnovers.
Prediction: 49ers 13, Giants 7
Sonja Holcomb – 23-20 and the San Francisco 49ers are going to the Super Bowl! The 49ers have a chip on their shoulder. The defense has something to prove and continuously putting pressure on Eli Manning is the key to victory. Alex Smith will maintain the offense but this will be a game won by the defense and David Akers will prove to be one of the best free agency pick up this season.
Prediction: 49ers 23, Giants 20
Dexter Williams – The 49ers have done it all season with their rugged defense, far removed from their glory days of the 1980s and early 1990s. Their defense is one of the top ranked units in the NFL this year and they play hard all four quarters. Last week, they got a good wake up call and I think this week, they will put it all together and shut down the Giants who rely on Eli Manning and his cast of no-name receivers to get the ball down the field. While the 49ers defense is not well known, they are gamers and they will be the difference in the game.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Giants 17
Blake Lovell – I’ll admit, the 49ers have completely surprised me in getting to this point. I wasn’t sure if they had enough firepower on offense to out duel Drew Brees and the Saints, but sure enough, they did. Still though, I feel like the Giants are the better team overall. I’ve picked against the Niners all year and they’ve proven me wrong time after time. But this time around, I think the Giants go in with a chip on their shoulder like they’ve had the entire postseason and walk out of San Fran with a victory.
Prediction: Giants 24, 49ers 17
Josh Sanchez – The New York Giants are the hottest team in the NFL playoffs. It came as no surprise to me that they knocked off the defending champions last week, and it would be no shock if they take down the 49ers this week. However, I’m not too convinced that lightning will strike twice. The 49ers defense is just too good and the Giants can’t run the ball. The Giants one-sided attack will allow Justin and Aldon Smith to run wild on Eli Manning and completely get him off his rhythm. Alex Smith will be able to have a mediocre game and still put up enough points to win. You know what they say, defense wins championships.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Giants 13
Well there you have it. One only pick for the Giants in our predictions! Who are you picking?
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