Giants vs. 49ers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions for 2012 NFC Championship

The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the New York Giants for what promises to be an epic NFC Championship battle.

These two teams have defied the odds and not only made the postseason, but are on the cusp of the Super Bowl.

Two teams will enter and one will leave Candlestick Park on Sunday, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know about where to watch it and how to bet it.

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

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

Watch: FOX

Spread: San Francisco -2.5

The 49ers are a great play here.

They were a four-point favorite in Week 10 of the regular season and had no problem winning by a full touchdown and covering.

San Francisco hangs its hat on being a defensive-minded squad that forces turnovers, swallows up the run and barely allows yards after the catch.

New York does two things well: Rush the passer and make big plays.

Quick throws and runs in San Fran’s offense negate the first threat, and the other will be prevented by tough defense.

Look for San Francisco to win by at least three, covering the spread.

Over/Under: 42

This line has moved down three points since it opened and it’s time to play the over if it stands here.

Back in November, the two combined for 47 points and both quarterbacks weren’t afraid to throw downfield.

The Niners showed the world they could win with a balanced offense last week, so they will lead this game either running or passing.

Either way, both teams are going to force enough turnovers and mistakes to easily hang 45 up on the board.

Key Injuries

Giants

Mark Herzlich - ? (Ankle)

Chris Canty – PRB (Leg)

Victor Cruz – PRB (Quad)

San Francisco

Ted Ginn - ? (Leg)

Keys to Giants Win

The Giants need to make their signature home-run plays and hope to catch the 49ers defense napping.

Their pass-rush isn’t going to be a major factor against Alex Smith, who doesn’t hang around too long in the pocket before either taking off or making a throw.

They’ll have to win this on the offensive end.

Keys to San Francisco Win

San Francisco has the defense to lock down Eli Manning and the Giants.

The Giants already struggle to run the ball, which means stopping the vertical passing game is the key.

If their offense can put up their average performance, they will win if their defense contains the Giants' receivers.

Prediction

49ers 24, Giants 21