NFL Playoff Picks 2012: In New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers, Who Wins?

Playoff rivals, not since the 1990 NFC Championship have the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers met this late in a season.

And now within one game of Super Bowl XLVI, who will represent the NFC? Well, here's a break down of each side of the ball to conclude at the end.

Giants Offense vs. 49ers Defense

Excluding the regular season game against San Francisco, the only other defense comparable that shutdown the Giants offense were was Washington Redskins (twice). In both games combined, Washington sacked Eli Manning seven times and hit him another 11.

Additionally the Redskins intercepted Manning four times and legitimately isolated New York's running game. As for San Francisco, the 49ers have even a more complete defense than Washington and also beat the Giants in the regular season.

Much like Washington though, San Francisco must get pressure on Manning while shutting down New York's ground game with its front seven. No run-blitzing is needed, however, physical press coverage and a blanket from the linebackers zoning the middle must happen.

Because Manning gets such great pass protection, his receivers have a lot of time to get open. In turn, the coverage eventually breaks down and as we saw against Green Bay, numerous third-down conversions.

When blitzing, the 49ers need to do so only against the pass as their rush defense alone is stout enough without adding pressure. That being said, expect New York to come out running the ball as it will need to establish something on the ground.

And although San Francisco will shut it down, the question is whether the Giants can still keep the 49ers honest enough to throw the ball effectively.

49ers Offense vs. Giants Defense

The simple key here for San Francisco is to try and minimize the Giants' pass rush as much as possible. You know their front four will do work so limiting that will be the duty of running back Frank Gore.

Yes, as obvious as it is, San Francisco must effectively run the ball to setup the pass. Not necessarily play-action, but keep New York's front four thinking run so none are overly aggressive coming off the snap.

Alex Smith may be mobile but so is Aaron Rodgers, and the 49ers can't afford Smith to be running around all day looking for open receivers. In turn, that will create passing lanes and the opportunity for some sprint/roll outs to one side with a shifted pass protection.

What the Giants need to do is run blitz, because they are susceptible as they allowed almost five yards per carry during the regular season. Also, as we saw against the Ravens, blitzing Smith will create problems for San Francisco.

Expect New York's cornerbacks to play a lot of press coverage also to help out the pass rush and run defense. With Alex Smith continuing to develop under center and the Giants getting healthier on defense, it will be interesting to see who steps their game up.

Prediction

The biggest difference in this game when each has the ball will be the defense that gets more QB pressure. Both are great at doing so, however, San Francisco is the more complete unit.

Additionally, New York will lose the field position battle on special teams as 49ers return man Ted Ginn is one of the NFL's best game changers. The concern for San Francisco is Eli Manning and the Giants passing game.

If Manning gets hot, there's no stopping him and that excellent receiving core. The question then becomes whether the 49ers can manage to keep up or slow the game to their tempo.

With a better running game, rush defense and special teams, San Francisco avenges the 1990 NFC Championship loss to New York at Candlestick Park some 20-plus years ago.

San Francisco 17, New York 14

John Rozum on Twitter