NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Giants vs. 49ers Will Be Most Exciting Matchup

The 2012 NFC Championship Game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants is going to be the best game this Sunday because they're both so evenly matched. 

There is far less potential of this game being a blowout compared to the AFC Championship Game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots. 

As fans, we want excitement throughout the game, not just in the first half. Sitting on the edge of your seat in the final minutes of the game can make one's weekend a thousand times better. 

Sports are supposed to be fun and entertaining, and the Giants and 49ers will give fans exactly that. 

Rematch Showdown 

The Giants traveled out west in Week 10, where they failed to come from behind in the fourth quarter. The 49ers won 27-20 thanks to some stellar defensive play at the end of the game. 

Having already produced a thrilling matchup earlier this season, we know that this showdown will be epic once again. 

Eli Manning and company are forced to travel cross country again, but will be looking for revenge this time around. There's a good chance they get it, but they have to be on their A-game. 

Should the Giants make mistakes like they did in Week 10, the 49ers will be the team moving on to the Super Bowl. 

The first game was great, and don't be surprised if the rematch is even better. 

No Clear-Cut Favorite 

The 49ers have the home-field advantage. Furthermore, according to vegasinsider.com, they are favored at minus-2.5. However, outside of their fanbase, the 49ers are not overwhelming favorites, which makes for an exciting game. 

New York has been on the rise recently, getting hot at exactly the right time. The defense is playing much better, the offense is rolling and they're looking virtually unstoppable. 

San Francisco's defense will be put to the test again, but shouldn't have much trouble stopping the run since they've dominated in that department all season long.

Still, even with the better record, the 49ers aren't major favorites on Sunday. As a result, it's a more intriguing matchup, which will live up to the expectations.  

The Unknown 

One of two things is going to happen in the AFC Championship Game. Either Baltimore's stingy defense will shut down Tom Brady, or the Patriots superb offense will cruise past the Ravens. That doesn't exactly scream epic showdown. 

In contrast, the NFC Championship Game could go many ways. Alex Smith delivered a great showing on offense last week. If that happens again, it will force Manning to play at his best. 

The 49ers' defense could deny the Giants any success, or they could flop in the biggest game of the year. New York, on the other hand, could use it's talented defensive front to stop San Francisco from gaining any momentum. 

We don't know how this game will play out, but we do know that both teams match up very well together, which is why it will be the best game this weekend. 

2012 NFL Playoff Schedule

Conference Championships

AFC Championship Game

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots

Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. ET on CBS

NFC Championship Game

New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers 

Sunday, Jan. 22 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Super Bowl XLVI

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium 

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC