This was an extremely difficult pick to make as I like both these teams so much. I am going to break this game down into parts...
Passing Off: Moderate Advantage Giants
Running Off: Slight Advantage 49ers
Run DEF: Slight Advantage 49ers
Pass DEF: Even (49ers better secondary, NYG better pass rush)
Special Teams: Slight Advantage 49ers
Intangibles: Slight Advantage 49ers
The 49ers Red Zone Defense, excellent secondary/pass rush, and the fact that I believe the Giants will not be able to run the ball at all in this game will keep the score very low. The Giants, if they are to win this game, will have to get to Alex Smith early and often and force turnovers. The problem is Smith hasn't turned the ball over this year and he won't start this week. The 49ers DEF has already played the best Offense in football and caused 5 turnovers. They hit hard. I believe they will win the turnover battle this week but they will be significantly outgained through the air. This will be an incredibly close contest decided by less than a field goal. The winner of this game will win the Superbowl (my initial playoff prediction). Eli Manning is by far the better of the QBs and in my opinion playing the best QB of anyone left in the playoffs, if the game comes down to him he will probably pull it out. I am conflicted here but must make a prediction. The 49ers secondary will neutralize Hakeem Nicks and make enough big plays in all three phases to pull this game out.
Final 49ers 20, Giants 19
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