NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: 3 Matchups to Watch in NFC Championship Game

NFL football games are always about matchups, and these are three you must watch in the NFC Championship Game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants.

They'll be major factors in determining which team advances to the Super Bowl.

Carlos Rogers vs. Hakeem Nicks 

Heading into the postseason, Victor Cruz was one of the hottest receivers in the NFL. Meanwhile, teammate Hakeem Nicks became somewhat of an afterthought after emerging as the Giants' No. 1 receiver in 2010 with 79 catches, 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Thus far in the 2012 playoffs, Nicks demonstrated why he was labeled as a dynamic all-around threat before the 2011 season. 

He has 13 grabs, 280 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

Due to his breakout performances, the 6'1'', 210-pound star from UNC will likely draw the San Francisco 49ers' Pro Bowl corner Carlos Rogers. 

He intercepted six passes during the year, including two against the Giants in the 49ers' Week 10 victory. 

Nicks has been reliable on third downs but has done most of his damage on the occasional big play. 

Keep an eye on the battle between these two. 

Rogers could potentially slide over to Victor Cruz as well. Cornerback play will be extremely crucial. 

David Diehl vs. Aldon Smith

Although Aldon Smith is a situational pass-rusher, he frequently makes his presence known when he's on the field. 

The rookie does a marvelous job of playing off the attention paid to lineman Justin Smith by often reaching the quarterback on stunts and delayed rushes.

The way the offensive line protected Eli Manning was a big key to the Giants' success against the Green Bay Packers last week.

They completely stonewalled the Packers' pass-rushing efforts, allowing only one sack. Manning had ample time to throw the football for the overwhelming majority of the game.

Diehl is one of the game's best, but he faces a difficult task on Sunday.

Besides helping with Justin Smith, he must continually block a youthful and energetic Aldon Smith, who employs a variety of counter moves.  

Vernon Davis vs. Giants linebackers/safeties

He's a tight end who lines up in many different positions, so it's impossible to peg one Giants player as his main coverage man. 

Davis was successful against nearly all of the New Orleans Saints' linebackers and safeties last week. His rare combination of size, strength, acceleration and deceptive speed made him nearly impossible to cover. 

Thanks to his otherworldly athleticism, not only can he get open more often than not, but he's phenomenal after the catch. 

New York will be tested throughout the contest on Sunday. Although they probably don't expect to shut Davis out of box score, they must put an onus on getting him to the ground immediately after he catches the ball. 

The 49ers' tight end is easily Alex Smith's favorite target and is used on shallow, intermediate and deep routes.

Follow @ChrisTrapasso