NFL Picks Week 10: San Francisco 49ers Who Will Lead Team to Victory over Giants

The San Francisco 49ers will have their stiffest test to date when they host the New York Giants in what could be a playoff preview. 
 
The 49ers have rolled to six straight victories largely due to a strong running game and a stifling defense. Frank Gore is playing at a level we have not see since his breakout campaign in 2006. He stands only behind Joe Perry as the leader on the 49ers all-time rushing list. 
 
While Frank Gore is the soul of the offense, Patrick Willis serves as the heart of this defense. His stats are down but that is likely due to the overall improvement of his peers. NaVorro Bowman is having a breakout season, along with several other standouts, in helping the 49ers rank first both against the run and in scoring defense. 
 
Jim Harbaugh has done a wonderful job creating a consistent identity for a 49ers team that has lacked direction over the years.  
 
On the other side, Tom Coughlin is doing a fine job leading the New York Giants to a 6-2 record, good enough for third place in the NFC. They face a brutal second half schedule, starting with the 49ers on the road, that could derail their playoff aspirations. 
 
This will be a hard fought game among two NFC heavyweights but the expect the San Francisco 49ers to prevail in a close victory. 
 
Here are the players that will have a hand in the 49ers victory over the Giants.

Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith should be the leading candidate for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His play as a pass-rusher off the edge is one reason the Niners have such a ferocious front seven. 
 
The New York Giants will rely on Eli Manning and the aerial attack, meaning Smith will have his opportunities. Both Parys Haralson and Ahmad Brooks start ahead of the rookie but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has Smith playing in the nickle packages. 
 
Expect Aldon Smith to have a big game against a shaky New York Giants offensive line.

Frank Gore

Frank Gore is salivating at the mouth with the opportunity to face the New York Giants 28th ranked rush defense.

Gore is a bit dinged up but expect the seven-year veteran to rush for over 150 yards, passing Joe Perry as the franchise's all-time rushing leader.

Carlos Rogers

Eli Manning has played at an elite level up to this point, but I expect the 49ers defense to be opportunistic in this matchup with the Giants.

Carlos Rogers has surprisingly become the playmaker in the 49ers secondary, and I expect the seven-year veteran to finish the game with multiple picks.

Patrick Willis

The best inside linebacker in the game will likely be matched up with New York Giants tight end, Jake Ballard.

Patrick Willis has been phenomenal both in run support and out in coverage. Willis will have his opportunities in pass rush situations, as I expect defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to bring the pressure against a shaky Giants line.

Expect the tackling machine to have a dominant performance.

Tedd Ginn

Tedd Ginn is playing at a Pro Bowl level and should be a factor in the return game. His play in the return game has tremendously helped the 49ers offense.

Justin Smith

The underrated superstar will dominate this New York Giant offensive line. Justin Smith could have upwards of three sacks against the Giants, which would be a season high.

David Akers

Kickers usually receive no love but I decided to buck that trend. I predicted this matchup with the Giants to be a close one, so I expect David Akers to ice the game with a clutch field goal.

49ers win 20-17.