NFL Playoff Bracket 2012: 49ers Will Climb Difficult Hill to Reach Super Bowl

The Niners should be experts on defending high powered offense if they make it to the Super Bowl, as I predict they will. They will face the New Orleans Saints, and their record setting QB, Drew Brees. 

They must beware because the Saints are a great run team as well. They are ranked sixth in the league rushing the ball. The Niners are the best against the run, so I'd expect to see the Saints attempt a nice balance, yet still be aggressive.

The Niners were number one in the NFL in managing the turnover game. They will need to be efficient in that category to defeat the Saints. New Orleans is an amazing offensive team, but they will not have the indoor crowd in their corner.

The situation favors the Niners, and I'm picking San Francisco to take this one.

The Giants could very well upset the Packers. They came within three points of pulling it off in Week 13. If they run the ball and get pressure on Aaron Rodgers, like they did Matt Ryan, they'll certainly have a shot.

Both QBs will anchor a powerful passing threat. Eli Manning's passing attack was augmented by a powerful and effective run game against the Falcons. Still, the Packers should knock off the Giants.

I predict the NFC title game will be the Packers and Niners at Lambeau Field. The Niners running game and defense will control the tempo and launch them into the Super Bowl.

The Niners will prove defense is still paramount, especially in the playoffs.