Giants vs. 49ers: 4 Ways the Weather Could Affect the Final Score

Nobody likes to have weather threaten to be a deciding factor in an NFL championship game, but there is at least a chance that will be the case late Sunday afternoon in San Francisco.

It’s been raining this weekend in the Bay Area, and Candlestick Park turf was covered for a good portion of the day to keep the worst of the rain out.

The prediction is that the rain will continue to come during the game.

How will it impact the game?

We’re glad you asked.

4. The Giants' Running Game Gets Slowed

Things figure to be tough enough for the Giants’ rushers given that New York came up with just 93 yards on the ground when the two teams met on a dry field in the regular season.

It also happened that New York was without leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw (659 yards) that day, and since he’s back and healthy, he and Brandon Jacobs (571 yards) have made an effective 1-2 punch.

Getting their running game going is good; trying to make it work in the rain and the slop might be bad.

Making the handoffs and getting traction against San Francisco is tough under the best of circumstances. These aren’t the best of circumstances.

3. Alex Smith Can’t Get a Handle on the 49er Passing Game

Make no mistake about it, this has been the best season of San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith’s career.

And last weekend’s win over New Orleans was the biggest game of his career.

But all of that was accomplished with a dry football. The 49ers haven’t played in sub-par weather all season.

Will Smith be able to get his throws off accurately?

The pressure will be on.

2. Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz Can’t Run Their Routes

New York quarterback Eli Manning racked up almost 5,000 yards this year thanks to the one-two receiving punch of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.

That’s predicated on them being able to run the exacting routes the Giants offense demands.

The field was covered for much of the game, but this is turf that doesn’t do well under wet conditions.

That could make things dicey for Nicks and Cruz.

1. 49ers' Frank Gore Can’t Make the Cuts He’s Used to

San Francisco running back Frank Gore may be the single most important offensive player on the 49ers’ roster.

While New York, like most teams, are geared around the quarterback—like the Giants with Eli Manning—the 49ers are a run-first team.

The question now facing the 49ers is whether or not Gore will be able to get the ball cleanly from quarterback Alex Smith and, after that, be able to make the cuts and turns he wants to make on sloppy turf.