The NFC Championship Game

Today is the NFC Championship Game. In the NFC Championship game, the New York Giants play on the road against the San Fransisco 49ers. Both teams have top-ten defenses and average offenses, although New York holds the edge in the offensive category. New York’s quarterback is Eli Manning, who for several years has been considered average at best. However, this year he has taken his game to the next level and led the Giants to six fourth quarter comebacks, and he throws to several quality receivers, such as Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz, and Hakeem Nicks. He has a quality running game with a bruising back in Brandon Jacobs and the speedier and more agile Ahmad Bradshaw. For the 49ers, their quarterback is Alex Smith. In this offense, he is simply asked to not turn the ball over, as he has thrown for only twenty touchdowns in seventeen games. He has an elite tight end in Vernon Davis, and a quality running back in Frank Gore. His only notable receiver is Michael Crabtree, a first round who is beginning to perform up to expectations but still hasn’t reached his potential yet. Both teams have very good special teams. Lawrence Tynes is a very clutch kicker, and David Akers for the 49ers made 44 field goals this season. Both punters are incredibly talented. This game will ultimately come down to turnovers, and who creates them and gives an opportunity for their offense. I like the New York Giants in this situation because they have a much better front four and can create pressure with just those rushers, and can get to the quarterback and Alex Smith hasn’t faced an incredible amount of pressure all year long. I believe the Giants will win by a touchdown and field goal, or a score of about 30 to 23.