NFL Predictions: Giants vs. 49ers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Tuesday, 17 January 2012 18:13

It’s time for NFL predictions in the NFC Championship Game between the Giants and the 49ers.

The New York Giants (11-7) head into San Francisco to take on the 49ers (14-3) for the 2nd time this season, and our preview will attempt to make winning predictions in the 2011 NFC Championship Game.  Start time on Sunday is set for 6:30 PM ET and you can catch the NFL action live on the FOX channel.

New York actually outgained the 49ers by 90 yards in an earlier season matchup as 4-point underdogs, but it didn’t end up helping them in the 20-27 road loss.  The home team has won 4 of the 5 games played between these teams since 2003, and this year’s victory marked the first time the 49ers have covered the betting odds during that span.  Bovada Sportsbook has the NFC Championship odds favoring the home-team 49ers at -2.5, while the total sits at 42.5.

Giants’ Offense vs. 49ers’ Defense:

New York comes into this game averaging 25.3 points per game while displaying an excellent passing game and a below average rushing attack.  The Giants have improved their running game recently, and quarterback Eli Manning (5540 yards, 61.6%, 35 TD, 17 INT) has been making solid decisions with more time to throw.  That being said, the 49ers have the best defense in the NFL and can shut down running backs at will.  Manning will have to have a big game to move the ball here, and I’m not convinced he’s up for the challenge after seeing how he’s done without the run while having to deal with a big pass rush this year.

49ers’ Offense vs. Giants’ Defense:

San Francisco hasn’t always shown consistency on offense, but they have enough balance between the run and the pass to keep defenses honest.  The Giants’ defense has taken big steps forward in the last month, but I’m still not convinced they are at an elite level just yet.  New York still has problems stopping the rushing attack, and it looks like San Francisco will be able to implement Frank Gore with the Giants unable to put up a big lead early.  The 49ers are improving offensively quite a bit recently, and they’ve been very tough to stop at home.

Giants vs. 49ers Predictions:

These teams are playing at an elevated level currently, and predictions aren’t easy to make.  Ultimately I feel that the 49ers have home field advantage, the superior defense, and enough on offense to exploit the pass rush of the Giants for big gains on draws.  I’m expecting a big game, but will look for the 49ers to find a way to get a narrow win.  I don’t see much value in betting on the point spread either way, but will recommend a bet on the over as both teams can put up points with their offense and their defense.

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Giants 23

49ers 24