NFC Championship Game 2012: 4 Bold Predictions for Giants vs. 49ers

Today's NFL championship game matchups are very intriguing and promise to bring a ton of excitement. The New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are two of the hottest teams remaining in the playoffs, both coming off very impressive victories in the Divisional round.

This game will be competitive to the end, with likely a few defining plays determining the outcome. Star players like Eli Manning and Vernon Davis need to make their presence felt, as the outcome of this game could very well come down to which team's stars play at the highest level.

The New York Giants Will Fail to Reach 60 Rushing Yards

The New York Giants' rushing attack is greatly improved from earlier this season. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw played an important role in New York's late-season run.

However, the Giants will have a hard time gaining yards on the ground against the San Francisco 49ers' No. 1-ranked rush-defense.

San Francisco's defense focuses on shutting down their opponents' running games. They get support from all levels, including the defensive line, linebackers and secondary.

Justin Smith and the rest of the defense excel and hold at the point of attack. They possess the ability to occupy blockers, disengage and pursue. Their ability to occupy allows linebackers like Patrick Willis and NaVarro Bowman to cleanly chase down the runner. Both Bowman and Willis are solid tacklers with great instincts.

The support provided by safeties Dante Whitner and the DaShon Goldson help take this unit to the next level. San Francisco plays defense as a team with everyone aiming to limit the opposing team's ground attack.

The San Francisco 49ers Will Not Create a Turnover

Last week the San Francisco 49ers created five turnovers against the New Orleans Saints, and those turnovers played an important role in their victory. This team cannot count on turnovers to win this game, and I anticipate the New York Giants will protect the football.

Eli Manning has struggled with interceptions throughout his career, but this season he has done a better job limiting those mistakes. Today's game is another opportunity for him to show that he's an elite-level quarterback. Elite quarterbacks perform in big-game situations and don't make costly mistakes.

Despite the play this season, the San Francisco 49ers' secondary isn't known for their ability to pull down interceptions. Carlos Rogers has always been seen as a defender with limited ball skills. Dashon Goldson recorded six interceptions this year, but only has five interceptions throughout his four other seasons.

Of course, there's always the possibility that somebody is able to force a fumble. Again, I'm predicting that the Giants will put extra focus on protecting the ball and tightening their grip.

Kyle Williams Will Make a Game-Changing Play

Second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams had a solid season and appears primed to break out. With Ted Ginn out for today's matchup, Williams figures to be an even more important part of the San Francisco 49ers' game plan.

However, his biggest impact might be felt on special teams, where he will likely take over the kick return duties.

Coming out of Arizona State, Williams was seen as a developmental receiver and electrifying kick returner. Don't be surprised if you see Williams break off a long return to set up the 49ers with great field position.

Offensively, expect to see him getting a lot of the plays designed specifically for Ginn. This means a possible reverse, quick outs and shots down the field.

Vernon Davis Will Be Held to Under Five Catches

Outside of Frank Gore, Vernon Davis is the most explosive part of the San Francisco 49ers' offense. He's the guy who provides consistency and big plays in the passing game, and quarterback Alex Smith loves to find Davis in crucial situations.

The New York Giants likely spent a lot of time this week preparing to shut down Davis. Expect to see Antrel Rolle locked up with him, while also receiving some support. The Giants won't allow Davis to beat them, as they are likely less threatened by Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams.

Rolle boasts the size and athleticism to give Davis problems. New York will also likely ask their linebackers to get physical with Davis at the line of scrimmage, not allowing him a free release and his route.

The combination of these two tactics will make it difficult for Davis to find success today.