The Giants and the Niners renew their storied rivalry today at Candelstick Park in San Francisco at 6:30 EST.  This one should be a good old fashioned battle of wills.  Those of us who remember the match-up from January of ’91, are really looking forward to a battle royale. However, there really are a few keys to this game that ensure victory for the New Yorkers. Forget the rain, forget the wind, and forget the mirror image 4 game winning streaks.  This game will be decided up front.
Offensive Line:  The offensive line must protect Eli today at all costs.  They must find a way to open a few running lanes to allow the Giants to use the play action pass effectively.  The Niners have a very talented defensive front which recorded 3 sacks last week.  The Giants did rush for 89 yards in the last meeting in week 10, without Ahmad Bradshaw.  Bradshaw’s presence should make a big difference in this game. His physicality along with Brandon Jacobs could be a key to this game.
Defense: Â The defense can turn this into a simple task. Â They need to stop the run game of the Niners, force them into throwing the ball, and invite Alex Smith to beat them. Â Alex looked good in the final quarter last week, but he saw one look from the Saints defense. Â The Saints repeatedly brought 7 to 8 players on blitzes, which is actually a very easy read for the Qb. Â This week he will see the Giants rush 4 or 5, and see many more defenders in coverage. Â The Giants must remain physical when playing the wideouts and especially the tight ends of the Niners. Â Throwing off the rhythm of the San Francisco offense as they did against Atlanta and Green Bay is critical.
Eli vs. Alex: No matter which side of the stadium you are on this week, this match-up is one sided. Â If the Giants can make this a game of QB vs. Qb by restricting the running game of the Niners, they win.
No turnovers, No special teams mistakes, and the Giants should win their 5th game in a row as well as their 5th NFC Championship in 5 tries. Â Physicality, Determination, and Finishing will get the Giants a re-match with either Baltimore or New England in two weeks