NFC Championship Game 2012: 5 New York Giants to Watch

The following five New York Giants are the ones to watch during the 2012 NFC Championship matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. 

1. Hakeem Nicks

Victor Cruz was a revelation in the regular season, but Nicks has undoubtedly been the Giants' most productive and important receiver in their two postseason wins. During that stretch, Nicks has almost 300 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

On Sunday, He'll likely draw 49ers Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers. The Giants offense needs Nicks to continue his run of playoff dominance.  

2. Osi Umeyiora

Umenyiora has battled in injuries in 2011, and Jason Pierre-Paul has taken over the headlining role on the Giants defensive line. But against the Packers, Umenyiora made one of the more unheralded plays of the game.

In the third quarter, Aaron Rodgers pump-faked Aaron Ross down the far sidelines and had Greg Jennings wide open for a score. Instead, Umenyiora beat Chad Clifton inside and slapped the ball out of Rodgers' hands.

It marked Rodgers' first lost fumble of the 2011 season and kept the Giants up two scores. Just one impact play like that on Sunday against the 49ers could turn the tide. 

3. Brandon Jacobs

I'm convinced that the Giants need to run the football well on Sunday to win on the road. While Ahmad Bradshaw will have the biggest say in that, Jacobs has seen his fair share of carries and will be expected to provide a physical presence against a physical defense. He can set the tone against the 49ers front.  

4. Michael Boley

Boley was a big reason why the Giants defense was able to handle Jermichael Finley on Sunday in Green Bay. In the NFC Championship Game, he'll again have a big test against Vernon Davis.

The 49ers tight end had an NFL-record 180 yards against the Saints and the game-winning touchdown. Alex Smith doesn't have much for targets after Davis, so containing him will be a top priority.

5. Antrel Rolle

The Giants as a whole have been confident talking to the media throughout this run, but Rolle might lead the pack in terms of chattiness. He'll get a chance to back up his words on Sunday.

The Saints had success sending Roman Harper on blitzes, and the potential exists for Perry Fewell to copy parts of that plan. Rolle might also be called on to contain Davis, too. Rolle can talk the talk, but he'll have the opportunity to walk the walk, too.