Giants vs. 49ers Predictions: Why Giants' Super Bowl Hopes Rest on Running Game

The New York Giants have been successful this season for two reasons: a strong pass rush that forces turnovers, and a top five passing offense led by Pro Bowler Eli Manning.

It’s what's landed them in the NFC Championship, but it’s not what’s going to land them in the Super Bowl.

It’s up to Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to do that.

Ranked No. 32 during the regular season, suddenly the resurgent run game has been a catalyst in the Giants improbable run to the NFC Championship.

They have combined for 267 rushing yards in two playoff games; both Bradshaw and Jacobs look strangely fresh for this time of the year.

While Bradshaw skipped practice on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, this has been typical the past few weeks as he rests his injured foot.

In other words, both players are healthy entering the NFC Championship.

Sure, the Giants need Manning to take care of the ball, but he can’t do it by himself or he’ll get eaten alive by the San Francisco 49ers' dangerous combination of a stellar secondary and vicious pass rush.

Last week, the 49ers allowed a mere 37 yards to the Saints on the ground, and it put too much pressure on Drew Brees. 

As a result, he turned the ball over twice, which is very rare for the potential MVP.

It’s not going to be easy for the Giants considering the 49ers hold the top ranked rush defense in the entire NFL, but I think the Giants' balanced attack can break the 100-yard barrier.

The speed of Bradshaw and the bulk of Jacobs is a terrific combination that wears down opponents as the game goes along.

As long as they're moving the chains, eating up clock and keeping the pressure off Manning, this is going to be a rather easy win for the Giants.

Just remember that in week 10 of the regular season, when the 49ers beat the Giants 27-20, the Giants dominated in almost every statistical category.

They had more passing and rushing yards, first downs and won the time of possession battle.

The only difference was that Manning threw two interceptions, Alex Smith only threw one and Manning threw 10 more passes.

As long as the Giants keep the ball on the ground and don’t force Manning to throw the ball 40 times, New York will be punching their ticket to the Super Bowl.

Prediction: Giants 24, 49ers 20