NFL Playoffs 2012: What the 49ers Need to Do to Beat the Giants

The New York Giants travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers with a trip to Indianapolis on the line. 

Here's a quick look at three keys for the 49ers to advance to the Super Bowl. 

Run the Ball Effectively

San Francisco finally proved last week that they can win in a shootout, but the Niners were still quietly effective in the run game.

Frank Gore ran just 13 times, but he tallied 6.8 yards per carry and reeled off an important 42-yard scamper. 

Even Kendall Hunter looked fairly effective, averaging just under four yards per carry.

Alex Smith is going to have to be terrific like he was against New Orleans, but it is going to be an effective run game that keeps New York's vaunted pass rush away from Smith. 

Force Turnovers

It's been the recipe all season long for the Niners, and it doesn't change now.

Eli Manning, just like Drew Brees, comes into this game white-hot.  Because of that, San Fran will employ the same bend-but-don't-break defense. 

As long as this defense gets pressure on Manning and forces a few bad throws, or causes a couple of fumbles, they can afford to give up 300 passing yards.

Get Some Sacks

Green Bay got essentially no pressure on Eli Manning, and as a result, he was able to sit back and pick that secondary apart. 

Not letting this happen might be the most important thing in this game for the Niners.

Manning is nowhere near the same quarterback when he's under pressure, or he's been hit a few times, so Aldon Smith and Justin Smith are going to have to come up big. 

If the Niners can constantly harass Manning in the backfield, he won't be as good as he has been and San Francisco will immediately be the favorite for this win.