Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Why the San Francisco 49ers Are a Lock

The most inexperienced team left in the NFL playoffs is also the most consistent and complete.

The San Francisco 49ers finished the regular season 13-3. They had the eighth-best rushing offense and the best rushing defense. Quarterback Alex Smith has not thrown an interception since Thanksgiving.

In their first playoff game since 2002, the 49ers beat the New Orleans Saints 36-32. Their defense was expectedly stingy, making two interceptions and recovering three fumbles. 

The offensive explosion was unexpected, particularly through the air. 

Smith threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns.Tight end Vernon Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with seconds remaining.

A formidable passing attack was the only facet missing in the regular season.

Now that Smith is confident, there is no team left that can match up with San Francisco on both sides of the ball.

The 49ers get the New York Giants at home in the NFC championship game, a team they beat 27-20 in the regular season.

Davis is a nightmare for the Giants defense, too strong for their cornerbacks and too fast for their linebackers. A passing attack will open up holes for Frank Gore, who will grind the 49ers to victory.

If San Francisco gets the Ravens in the Super Bowl, its defense will pester Joe Flacco into bad decisions. In a matchup of equally impressive defenses, the 49ers have the superior offense.

If San Francisco meets the Patriots in Indy, the 49ers showed against New Orleans that they can capitalize on a porous pass defense. They have the talent and ferocity at linebacker to neutralize the matchup problems that Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez create at tight end. 

San Francisco’s biggest advantage is its versatility. They will control the Super Bowl no matter who the opponent, and win their first Lombardi Trophy since 1995.