Giants vs. 49ers: Eli Manning and Alex Smith Will Determine Winner

When the New York Giants visit the San Francisco Giants, the quarterbacks will decide the winner.

If these teams want to go to the Super Bowl, their quarterbacks will need to get their respective jobs done.

Interestingly enough, completely different things will be asked of the players.

Eli Manning needs to play well.

The Giants use his play to move the ball. Their running game has improved over the last few weeks, but Manning will determine how well the Giants play.

In the Giants' 11 wins this year (including playoffs), Manning threw for 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions. In the seven losses, he threw for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

See a trend?

When Manning is throwing TDs and not turning the ball over, the Giants are a very good team. However, his interceptions can really hurt the Giants.

In the first game against the 49ers, Manning's second pick led to San Francisco's final score, which was eventually the difference in the game.

If he doesn't throw that pick, the Giants would've stood a much better chance at beating the 49ers.

Last week, even though he threw a pick, Manning threw three touchdowns, including a back-breaking Hail Mary at the end of the first half. He completely outplayed Aaron Rodgers, and that's why the Giants are in the NFC Championship.

If Manning plays well, the Giants are in very good shape.

Smith, on the other hand, simply needs to manage the game.

The Niners use their defense and running game to win games. Smith simply needs to prevent a disaster. Then, he needs to make one or two big plays to win the game.

Against the New Orleans Saints, Smith made four clutch plays in the last three minutes to win the game. After all the jokes and slack Smith has taken, he was the last one laughing on Sunday.

Now, he needs to follow that performance up with another big game.

For three quarters, Smith simply needs to pick up third down conversions, hand the ball off and avoid turnovers. Then, in the fourth quarter, he might need to make a big play or two, depending on the score.

Smith is more than capable. He simply needs to play like it.

The NFL is a quarterback, so it's no surprise that quarterback play will determine the NFC Championship's winner.

If Manning plays well and avoids turnovers, the Giants will be heading to Indianapolis. If he throws some picks, the Giants will have a tough time winning.

If Smith manages the game well and makes a big play or two, San Francisco will be the NFC Champion. If he turns the ball over or doesn't come up big, New York will be the winner.

These teams are playing on a similar level right now. The biggest difference maker in the game will be the quarterback.

Whichever QB does his job better will get his team to Indianapolis.