NFC Championship Predictions: Defensive Stars That Will Give 49ers the Edge

The San Francisco 49ers get to host the NFC Championship Game thanks to a New York Giants win over the Green Bay Packers. In order to protect that home-field advantage and advance to the Super Bowl, the 49ers are going to need a dominant performance from their highly-touted defense.

Let's examine three stars on that side of the ball who will need to step up to make that dream reality.

1. Patrick Willis

Willis is one of the NFL's elite linebackers. He's built from the same mold as Ray Lewis in terms of dominance and leadership ability, which is pretty good company to keep. To fully reach that level, however, he needs to get at least one championship ring on his finger.

His main job on Sunday will be keeping Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs in check. The 49ers defense will have its hands full with Eli Manning and the passing game, so Willis needs to ensure the Giants remain one dimensional on offense.

It's not the most difficult task Willis has ever been given by any stretch, but that doesn't mean it isn't vital to the team's success. He can't allow the Giants to find balance on offense or it'll be a long afternoon for San Francisco.

2. Navorro Bowman

It was Bowman's emergence as a reliable tackling machine which allowed the 49ers defense to reach the next level. He finished his second season with 143 tackles, almost 100 more than last season, and became Robin to Willis' Batman.

Along with helping Willis control the running game, Bowman will play a key role in slowing down New York's tight ends. Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard aren't names the casual fan would know, but they are an important part of Eli Manning's arsenal, especially in the red zone.

If there's been any complain about Bowman's play it's been due to a lack of big plays. He'll need to make at least one of those, whether it be a sack, interception or forced fumble, for the 49ers to swing momentum in their favor.

3. Donte Whitner

It's not a surprise that Whitner didn't garner many headlines while playing for the lowly Buffalo Bills, but his move to San Francisco allowed him to show off his impressive versatility. Being surrounded by an improved defensive group was the best thing that could have happened to him.

He forced a key fumble vs. the New Orleans Saints on Saturday and continued to play a crucial role in run support. That said, his role against the Giants will be making sure Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz don't get behind him for a long touchdown catch, which has become a staple of their offense.

New York's high-octane passing game has already knocked of the Packers and Atlanta Falcons. Whitner and his teammates in the secondary must keep everything in front of them because their offense won't be able to keep up with the Giants in a shootout.