Giants vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, and More for 2012 NFC Championship

The New York Giants head out west once again, hoping to get revenge on the San Francisco 49ers and reach Super Bowl XLVI. 

These two teams put on quite a show during the regular season, with the 49ers winning 27-20 in the closing seconds of the game thanks to great defensive plays. 

Being one victory shy of reaching the Super Bowl, both teams will be fully prepared to do battle on the gridiron. Not many expected these two teams to be squaring off, but they can rejoice knowing it will be a great game. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics for the 2012 NFC Championship Game. 

When: Sunday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. ET 

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

Watch: Fox

Listen: KNBR 680 AM, KSAN 107.FM in San Francisco. Full list of affiliates found here.  WFAN 660 AM in New York. Full list of affiliates found here.

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month.

Betting Line: San Francisco (-2.5) 

What's at Stake? 

The winner advances to the Super Bowl, which is a place the 49ers haven't been since winning it in 1994. The Giants haven't been since winning it 2007. 

Teams work hard all season long to meet their goal of playing for a championship in early February. They're one game away from playing on the biggest stage, which is the main reason this is a must-see game. 

New York Injury Report 

*According to USA Today

WR Victor Cruz (quadriceps): probable 

DT Chris Canty (knee): probable 

RB Da'Rel Scott (knee): questionable 

LB Mark Herzlich (ankle): questionable 

San Francisco Injury Report 

*According to USA Today

WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee): questionable 

DT Ray McDonald (hamstring): questionable 

TE Delanie Walker (jaw): questionable

What They're Saying 

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post tweeted the one element that could hinder Eli Manning and the Giants this weekend.

In his story, Schwartz writes how it is supposed to rain "on Thursday in San Francisco and not stop until Tuesday." If mother nature falls through on what the weather report says, the Giants will have a tough time out west. 

Schwartz also quotes Eli Manning saying, "[The 49ers] front seven is as good as you can face in the NFL," meaning he knows how difficult this game will be. 

Should the weather be awful, the Giants will be a disadvantage because the 49ers have the best run defense in the NFL. 

Cam Inman covers the 49ers for San Jose Mercury News, and he tweeted a great stat about the team and how it correlates to the Super Bowl. 

Going into the fourth quarter of their first meeting, the 49ers found themselves trailing the Giants. However, they rallied back, scoring 15 points and using superb defensive play to preserve the lead and win the game.

Should they find themselves in a whole again, the  49ers know they have the skills to come back. Alex Smith led great comebacks against the Saints, so his confidence is sky high heading into this game. 

New York Player to Watch 

Eli Manning had an opportunity to win the game when these two teams played back in Week 10. San Francisco's defense triumphed, so it will be interesting to see how he fares this time around. 

Manning threw two interceptions in that game. That cannot happen again. Since the 49ers are excellent against the run, the pressure is on Manning to deliver for the Giants.

A sloppy performance from Manning and the Giants are toast.  

San Francisco Player to Watch 

Many expected the 49ers defense would be the sole reason they would beat the Saints, which is why everyone was shocked when Alex Smith put the team on his back and carried them to an epic victory. 

San Francisco's defense surely helped, but the offensive play was key, and it has to be once again this Sunday. Smith needs to show last week wasn't a fluke, and since he's playing at home, his chances of thriving are much higher. 

Smith will manage the game some, but in key moments and high-pressure situations, he has to be big for the 49ers. 

Key Matchup 

The Giants' passing attack vs. the 49ers' pass defense is the matchup to watch for. Since San Francisco has the No. 1 run defense in the NFL, the Giants best way to win is through the air. 

The 49ers picked up the pace in the later part of the season to finish 16th in the league against the pass, but with Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Mannigham running around, they're going to have their hands full. 

Whichever team wins this battle will win the game. 

Prediction 

Expect another intense match in Candlestick Park, which both defenses excelling in the early going. Field goals will be big in the first half, and most likely at the very end of the game. 

There will be some big touchdown scores, so don't fret. In the end, Manning will flop, giving the 49ers a chance to win the game, but it will be New York's surging defense that comes through to push the Giants to the Super Bowl. 

Giants 30, 49ers 24