Giants vs. 49ers: 3 New York Sleepers to Watch in NFC Championship Game

Sometimes, in the biggest games with the most on the line, it's the typically overlooked players who wind up being the difference. 

In the NFC title game, keep your eyes on these New York Giants players, each who could have a major impact in determining the outcome.

You know, other than Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks.

Mario Manningham

Manningham, once the big man on campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, operates in the shadow of two of the game's youngest emerging stars in Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.

While they became names known in nearly every football-watching household this season, Manningham struggled and battled injuries.

The 49ers will focus on stopping the explosive Nicks and Cruz, and really, why wouldn't they? Cruz was among the league's most dynamic wideouts in the regular season and Nicks has five touchdown catches in this year's playoffs.

Manningham, who has taken advantage of their opponents' weaker nickel corners or slower safeties, would hardly be labeled as player incapable of making momentum-shifting plays down the field.

Carlos Rogers is a fine cover man and will have his eye on either Cruz or Nicks and will probably spend time on both. 

Look for Eli Manning to look Manningham's way, again, when we least expect it. 

Jacquian Williams

Williams was a sixth-round pick in 2011 and wasn't expected to play a major role on the Giants' defense this season.

However, due to injuries, the 6'3'', 235-pound South Florida product has been on the field quite often and is seemingly always around the football. 

Guys like Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Jason Pierre-Paul and Mathias Kiwanuka grab the headlines, as they should, but Williams will be key in this NFC title game. 

As an outside linebacker, there will almost assuredly be times when he lines up with 49ers' tight end Vernon Davis. 

Williams has been rather reliable for a rookie, but he must corral Davis when he catches the football, as he's become one of the better run-after-the-catch tight ends in the NFL. 

Jake Ballard 

Ballard and Manningham find themselves in similar scenarios entering this battle. Remember when the 6'6'' tight end was quietly becoming a favorite over-the-middle target for Manning? Remember the game-winning catch against the Patriots in New England? 

I do. 

After returning from injury, Ballard was never the same, and he's only caught three passes thus far in the postseason. 

It's not going to be easy for the Giants' receivers to get open on the outside, which means working between the hash marks will be crucial for New York's offense.

If the Giants can't hit the frequent big play, they'll be forced to methodically move the football down the field and Ballard will be targeted.

The question is, can he get open with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman manning the middle? 

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