Giants vs. 49ers: 4 X-Factors That Will Determine NFC Championship Game 2012

Lesser-known players in the upcoming NFC championship game between the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers will determine whether or not their team goes to Super Bowl XLVI.

We all know about the savage defense of the 49ers, and we all know Eli Manning is proving his critics wrong as a true "elite" quarterback. 

These four X-factors will have more to do with the outcome than you might think:

1. 49ers: C.J. Spillman, Tavares Gooden and Blake Costanzo (special teams aces)

Unless you're a fan of the 49ers, you probably don't realize that their special teams coverage unit is the tops in NFL. 

Gooden forced two fumbles this year, while both he and Costanzo racked up 11 special teams tackles.

Spillman is a special teams ace, too, as his 17 tackles demonstrate.

Along with David Akers and Andy Lee, this unit keeps the 49ers winning the field-position battle week in and week out.

2. Giants: Jake Ballard (tight end and giant Giant)

If you watched the 49ers play the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round, then you saw the benefit of having a monstrous tight end with soft hands. At 6'6" and weighing in at 275 pounds, Ballard fits the bill.

Ballard might not be in the same league as Jimmy Graham, but he's no slouch. He's been known to make some pretty catches in traffic at times, and if he and Manning can get into a rhythm he could pose some difficulties for the 49ers linebackers and safeties.

All it would take is for Ballard to get an opportunity to go up and get a high pass in the end zone and it could be the difference in the game.

3. 49ers: Kyle Williams (deceptively quick wide receiver)

Although it is supposed to be raining and Candlestick might be muddier than the Mississippi, I expect Kyle Williams to be a factor in the game plan for the 49ers.

He is a quick, fleet-footed runner who makes excellent cuts in his routes and has soft hands to boot. 

Don't forget, it was Williams that made the excellent crackdown block on Cam Jordan in the divisional round that sprung Alex Smith for the 28-yard touchdown run to go ahead the first time.

Finally, Ted Ginn has been limping around at the 49ers team facilities this week, so Williams might be asked to return punts and kicks, as well.

4. Giants: Michael Boley (outside linebacker and target in the running game)

Boley is undoubtedly talented at the outside linebacker position, but his strengths lie in his athleticism and quickness. He doesn't handle the point of attack well, getting pushed back in the hole. He routinely has trouble shedding blockers and, as such, is targeted in the running game.

The 49ers will try to establish the run unless the Giants decide to pull a Gregg Williams and put nine men in the box. 

Boley will need to be better than he's been in the past against the 49ers' power running attack, or a victory will escape the G-Men.

Follow @JesseReed78