Giants vs. 49ers: What New York Must Do to Pull off the Upset

It feels a little funny calling the New York Giants an underdog against the San Francisco 49ers, especially after what New York did last week against the Green Bay Packers.

Still, the oddsmakers have San Fran as a three-point favorite so the Giants remain underdogs. Word of caution to the Niners, though: The Giants aren’t actually underdogs.

With that being said, here’s a look at what New York needs to do to pull the “upset.”

Pressure Alex Smith

The Giants have been able to do this all season, so it’s not too much to ask, but they can’t afford to stop now.

Alex Smith is actually starting to look like a competent quarterback, and if he is given time in the pocket he can move the ball and keep Eli Manning off the field. Considering New York’s strengths lie with its offense, Manning needs to be on the field as much as possible.

The Giants can do that by pressuring Smith, and pressuring him a lot. Pressure leads to sacks, which lead to 3rd-and-longs. It also leads to turnovers.

Pressure can only be a good thing.

Don’t Get Cute

And by “cute,” I mean don’t start thinking you can run the ball against this Niners front seven.

No matter how powerful Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are, it’s not going to happen—not effectively, anyways.

Drew Brees threw the ball 62 times against this defense, and I suggest a similar strategy.

Normally I don’t agree with being one-dimensional, but against this defense you pretty much have to be. And this pass offense is good enough to make it work.

Don’t Look Forward

It’s early in the week, but I’ve already heard a lot of talk about New York meeting New England in a Super Bowl rematch. Of course, there’s been similar talk about a Harbaugh Super Bowl, but nonetheless, you can’t look ahead.

The Giants have been incredibly inconsistent this season. They are rolling right now, but if they lose focus they could easily turn into the team that lost at home against the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.