New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers: This Could Define Eli Manning's Career

Eli Manning will always live in his brother Peyton's shadow. That's what happens when your older sibling is a four-time MVP. But on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, the younger Manning will have a chance to establish himself as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks.

Yes, Eli Manning has been good this year—particularly late in games—and he does own a Super Bowl ring. But to this point in his career, the Giants' signal-caller hasn't proven himself as an elite quarterback. 

In eight NFL seasons, Manning has completed 58.4 percent of his passes while throwing 185 touchdowns and 129 interceptions. His career quarterback rating of 82.1 is average at best, especially for a guy in the middle of a seven-year, $106.9 million contract.

He has been prone to mistakes throughout his career and his leadership has even been questioned. After all, in the past three years, Manning has thrown a whopping 55 interceptions.

With all of that said, if Manning can take this Giants team to a Super Bowl, his doubters would have to take a step back and re-examine their feelings towards him. 

Manning and the Giants are rolling right now. In his last three games, the 31-year-old has thrown for 953 yards with nine touchdowns and just one interception. 

It will be a tough task to overcome a San Francisco 49ers team that possesses an outstanding defense. But if Manning does it, he will enter an exclusive group of quarterbacks who have guided teams to two Super Bowls. If that happens, he will have to be considered one of the best at his position in the league.