Giants vs. 49ers: Offensive Fireworks Will Be on Display in NFC Title Game

Ask anyone how the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game, and almost all of them will tell you that it is because of their dominant defenses. But don't underestimate what these two offenses are capable of doing on Sunday. 

The Giants have as many playmakers on offense as they do on defense. Eli Manning, Ahmad Bradshaw, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks have made a great nucleus that has come on strong in the postseason. 

The 49ers are not as stacked on offense as the Giants, but Vernon Davis and Frank Gore are capable of doing serious damage. Alex Smith, who had his share of critics prior to last week's game against New Orleans, has proven himself to be more than just a game manager. 

As Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News pointed out, it was the San Francisco offense that bailed out the defense in the fourth quarter against the Saints. Safety Donte Whitner is even quoted as saying that the offense "got us off the hook."

So anyone expecting this game to be a good, old-fashioned defensive struggle where points are at a premium has not been paying attention to what these offenses can do. 

Plus, the Giants defense has not been that great as a unit overall this season. They allowed 400 points, which was actually six more than they scored, and ranked 29th in pass yards allowed.

Their front four has made it easy for the linebackers and secondary to shine, but that won't be the case against a very good San Francisco offensive line. They will have to send extra pass-rushers to create pressure, which is going to hurt their coverage unit and allow Gore to get loose. 

The 49ers have also had great success with their front four, though they will be tested by a solid offensive line in this game. Eli Manning was only sacked 28 times this year, so he is calm under pressure and knows when to get rid of the ball. 

Don't expect these two teams to combine for 68 points in this game, but if one team were to break 30, it would not be a surprise at all. It nearly happened the first time these two teams played in Week 10 this season, with the 49ers dropping 27 points on the Giants before hanging on at the end for a victory. 

Both these teams have enough playmakers on offense to create big plays and turn this game into a pseudo shootout. The only question is which team will be able to take advantage of the opportunities. 

Follow @adamwells1985