NFL Playoff Predictions: Why Eli Manning Will Shred the 49ers Secondary

The New York Giants will not have trouble moving the football through the air against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. 

I have a variety of reasons for my assumption. 

Eli Manning has played easily the best football of his career over the last four contests, tossing 10 touchdowns to only two interceptions. 

What has helped his sustained success is the Giants' revitalized running game and tremendous play-calling. 

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs haven't dominated opposing defensive fronts, but they've been good enough to keep secondaries from backpedaling into Manning's passing lanes.

While New York remains a pass-happy club, the coaching staff isn't afraid to call a draw on 3rd-and-6 and their probably isn't a backfield duo that complements each other as well as Jacobs and Bradshaw do. 

The Giants' pass-catching depth is certainly one of the best in the NFL. Precisely when Hakeem Nicks looked to have nailed down the No. 1 receiver distinction during the regular season, Victor Cruz erupted as a premier big-play threat. 

Mario Manningham battled injuries this season, but has continued to prove he's a viable slot receiver in these playoffs, catching two touchdown passes.

Mammoth Jake Ballard can't ignored, either—he's a nice target for Manning in the red zone.

New York certainly creates a bevy of matchup problems for any club's defensive backfield.

In the 27-20 Week 10 loss, Manning accumulated 311 passing yards with two touchdowns and an two interceptions. One of the picks seemed to be a miscommunication on a toss intended for Manningham over the middle.  

Yes, the Saints came into their game extremely hot and were loaded with receiving talent. San Francisco controlled the first half of the game and frequently flustered Drew Brees, and although the 49ers emerged victorious, they did allow 462 yards and four touchdown passes. 

The difference between the Saints and Giants is the offensive lines. 

While New Orleans' offensive front boasted three 2012 Pro Bowlers, New York's trench-men are playing better together now than they did during any juncture of the season.

Manning has been sacked one time in each playoff game thus far, and has been provided ample time to diagnose the defense and find his open receivers. It's allowing him to remain calm in the pocket and pick apart opposing defenses.

Because of his underrated running game, the depth in the receiving corps and the strengthened offensive line, Manning will piece together another phenomenal aerial performance.