The San Francisco 49ers meet the New York Giants to determine the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLVI. The 49ers reached the NFC Championship game with a 36-32 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Giants qualified for the third round of the playoffs by dismantling the Green Bay Packers 37-20 at Lambeau Field. Both teams faced each other 35 times, including seven times in the postseason. The 49ers lead the series 18-17 overall and won four of the seven playoff encounters. Both sides met in the NFC Championship game in 1990, with the Giants winning 15-13. This is San Francisco’s 13^th NFC Championship game and the first since 1997. On five occasions they advanced to the Super Bowl. Both teams last met in week 10, with the Niners winning 27-20 at The Stick.

The 49ers listed six players as questionable on their final injury report. C Jonathan Goodwin (calf), RCB Tarell Brown (thigh), RILB Patrick Willis (knee), FS Dashon Goldson (ankle) and TE Delanie Walker (jaw) are expected to play. WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee) didn’t practice all week and will likely be unavailable. WR Kyle Williams will start alongside WR Michael Crabtree and return punts. RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs.

TE Jake Ballard is New York’s only concern. He is suffering from a knee injury and will be a game-time decision. TE Travis Beckum and TE Bear Pascoe would replace him if he couldn’t play. C David Baas (illness), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), LE Justin Tuck (shoulder), RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), WR Hakeem Nicks (ankle) and QB Eli Manning (illness) are listed as probable and expected to play.

The New York Giants improved in all aspects of the game in the postseason and finally found a running game. Ahmad Bradshaw and RB Brandon Jacobs share the workload and average 4.9 yards per carry and 5.0 yards respectively, as opposed to 3.9 yards and 3.8 yards in the regular season. Pro Bowler Eli Manning completed 67.7% of his passes and has thrown for 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in the playoffs. Hakeem Nicks (13 receptions), Ahmad Bradshaw (8), WR Victor Cruz (7) and WR Mario Manningham (7) are his favorite targets. Victor Cruz, who had 1,536 receiving yards in the regular season, and Hakeem Nicks, 1,192 yards, are a constant threat to make a big play. New York’s offensive line did a good job protecting Eli Manning in the regular season and continues this trend in the postseason as well. New York’s ferocious pass rush hasn’t slowed down in the postseason either, though Justin Tuck and Pro Bowl RE Jason Pierre-Paul are still without a sack. Osi Umenyiora, who had 9 sacks in the regular season, leads the team in the postseason with 3 sacks. CB Corey Webster (6), SS Kenny Phillips (4) and CB Aaron Ross (4) recorded the most interceptions for the Giants in the regular season but S Deon Grant is the only Giants player who intercepted a pass in the postseason.   

Keys to Success

Mix the passing plays up and use slants, play action and screen passes to beat the pass rush.

Establish a running game with RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter as one-two-punch and wear the defense down.

The tight ends will play a big role in the passing game as well as additional blockers against the pass rush.

Win the battle in the trenches and contain the pass rush.

Stop the run and make New York’s offense one-dimensional.

LE Ray McDonald and LOLB Ahmad Brooks should get opportunities to put pressure on Eli Manning.

Play the safeties deep to prevent Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz from making big plays.

Special teams has to nail down New York deep in their own territory and generate good field positions for the Niners.

Control the clock.

Force turnovers.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, LCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v New York Giants 24-20

Playoff time has finally returned to San Francisco after an absence of nine years. The New Orleans Saints beat the Detroit Lions 45-28 in the Wildcard Playoffs to advance to the Divisional Playoffs, where they face the San Francisco 49ers, who had a first-round bye and got an extra week of rest. Both teams couldn’t be more different. The 49ers rely on an impenetrable defense, whereas the Saints possess a nearly unstoppable offense. This is the first time the 49ers and Saints meet in the postseason. Both teams used to play against each other twice a season before the realignment of the divisions in 2002. In 71 regular season meetings the 49ers hold a 45-24-2 edge over the Saints, though New Orleans won the last six games. Both sides last met, preseason excluded, in 2010, when the Saints spoiled San Francisco’s home opener 25-22.

The 49ers listed five players as questionable, which means TE Delanie Walker’s (jaw) injury has been upgraded, though he has already been ruled out. WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle), WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and LE Ray McDonald (hamstring) were limited participants in practice throughout the week but are expected to play. CB Chris Culliver is the biggest concern. He practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday, due to a knee injury, but sat out Friday’s practice with an illness, probably the flu. San Francisco needs a healthy number-three cornerback, as they will be in the nickel formation a lot. Signs point towards him playing but CB Tramaine Brock and CB Shawntae Spencer could see an extended amount of snaps as well. 

The New Orleans Saints ruled out WR Lance Moore, who is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Moore missed the wildcard playoff game against the Detroit Lions as well. SS Roman Harper (ankle), MLB Jonathan Vilma (knee) and WR Robert Meachem (knee) are listed as probable but each of them will play and start.   

The New Orleans Saints and QB Drew Brees showed last week that they have no intention of slowing down their record-setting passing offense. The Saints amassed 466 yards through the air and an additional 167 yards on the ground. New Orleans uses multiple receiver sets but TE Jimmy Graham and RB Darren Sproles are just as important as WR Marques Colston and Robert Meachem. New Orleans’ rushing offense is no less unpredictable. Darren Sproles (6.9 yards per carry in the regular season), RB Pierre Thomas (5.1 yards) and RB Christopher Ivory (4.7 yards) can all run for yardage and make sure that the running game never gets tired. Sproles and Thomas rushed for more than 5 yards per carry each against the Lions. New Orleans’ offensive line is one of the best in the league and allowed only 24 sacks in the regular season plus two against the Lions. LT Jermon Bushrod, LG Carl Nicks and RG Jahri Evans will all go to the Pro Bowl. RE Will Smith is the team’s most dangerous pass rusher. He recorded 6.5 sacks in the regular season, but New Orleans’ blitz-heavy defense enabled Roman Harper to sack opposing quarterbacks 7.5 times during the regular season. CB Patrick Robinson, who isn’t even a starter, led the team with 4 interceptions in the regular season. CB Jabari Greer, who recorded one pick during the regular season, intercepted Matt Stafford twice last week.

Keys to Success

Beat the blitz by using quick passing plays like slants, screens etc.

Wear the defense down with RB Frank Gore and RB Kendall Hunter.

WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon have to continue to carry the main responsibility in the receiving game.

Frequent use of two-tight end sets.

Pressure Drew Brees. If he has enough time to see the entire field he will almost certainly beat you. Ray McDonald and LOLB Ahmad Brooks will play a vital role.

Move OLB Aldon Smith around at the line.

Never let Darren Sproles out of your sight.

Play the safeties deep to support the cornerbacks.

Win the special teams phase of the game. Drew Brees can overcome any distance at will but why make it easy for him when you can make it difficult and have him start the drive near his own endzone? Field position will play a big role for the Niners.

Control the clock. Every minute Drew Brees is on the sidelines is a minute the Saints are less likely to score.

Avoid turnovers.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, DT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

It’s hard to pick a winner in this game but since I have to I sincerely hope I am wrong.

San Francisco 49ers v New Orleans Saints 23-24

The San Francisco 49ers beat the St. Louis Rams 34-27 to earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. San Francisco’s next opponent will be determined between the Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants.

It was clear from the start that TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree would have to carry the main load in San Francisco’s passing offense. QB Alex Smith connected over and over again with both on the opening drive to get the offense into field goal range. The record-breaking David Akers attempted a field goal from 48 yards but missed.

The St. Louis Rams saw a chance to score the first points in this game. They were in San Francisco’s half after a 24-yard reception from former Niner WR Brandon Lloyd and proceeded to the red zone after 20 yards on 3 carries from RB Steven Jackson. San Francisco’s focus seemed a little off after having surrendered a rushing touchdown last week and QB Kellen Clemens took advantage of it by running 18 yards into the end zone.

Alex Smith showed that he could do just as well as time wound down in the first quarter. The Rams had to punt out of their own end zone and S Reggie Smith returned it 10 yards to St. Louis’ 33-yard line. RB Frank Gore couldn’t rush into the end zone, so Alex Smith tried it from 8 yards and was successful to tie the score at 7.

The 49ers were in control now and continued to add more points to the scoreboard. CB Tarell Brown intercepted Kellen Clemens on St. Louis’ next possession and Michael Crabtree caught a pass for a 28-yard touchdown.

On San Francisco’s next drive David Akers could make up for a missed field goal at the beginning of the game. Alex Smith connected with Vernon Davis on a 44-yard pass to move the offense into the red zone. The distance was too much to overcome after LB Chris Chamberlain sacked Alex Smith for a loss of 7 yards and David Akers connected from 36 yard to give the Niners a 17-7 lead.

David Akers added another three points to the score when he hit a field goal from 42 yards after San Francisco’s final drive of the first half stalled at St. Louis’ 24-yard line. The 49ers took a commanding 20-7 lead into the break.

Josh Brown cut the deficit to 10, when he made a field goal from 49 yards, but the Niners responded with a trick play. San Francisco moved into the red zone after a 15-yard face mask penalty against S Quintin Mikell and a catch for 34 yards from Vernon Davis. The Niners couldn’t convert another first down. Michael Crabtree was running towards the sidelines as David Akers prepared for a 31-yard field goal attempt. No defender followed Crabtree and Akers passed to him for a 14-yard touchdown and a 27-10 lead.

Josh Brown again cut the deficit, this time to 14, when he scored from 48 yards.

The Niners had to punt on their next possession but Andy Lee’s ball sailed 64 yards through the air to St. Louis’ 1-yard line. Kellen Clemens made the mistake of throwing an interception and Tarell Brown returned the ball 5 yards to St. Louis’ 13-yard line. RB Kendall Hunter set up RB Anthony Dixon’s 1-yard rushing touchdown with 3 carries for 12 yards and the Niners were up by a score of 34-13.

With 6:30 minutes remaining the 49ers seemed to relax a little and allowed the Rams to get back into the game. St. Louis entered 49ers territory thanks to an unnecessary roughness call on CB Chris Culliver and moments later Kellen Clemens found Brandon Lloyd for a 36-yard touchdown.

The Rams attempted an onside kick and LB Bryan Kehl recovered the ball for St. Louis. Tarell Brown was called for pass interference on the next play, which gave the Rams a first down on San Francisco’s 1-yard line. RB Carnell Williams ran into the end zone and San Francisco’s lead was down to 34-27.

The Rams received the ball one more time but turned it over on downs and the 49ers were able to run out the clock.

Game Tidbits

Alex Smith completed 21 of 31 passes for 219 yards, 1 touchdown and a passer rating of 98.7. His passer rating of 90.7 on the season and 3,150 passing yards are a personal best.

Michael Crabtree caught 9 passes for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Vernon Davis caught 8 passes for 118 yards.

Tarell Brown had the first multi-interception game of his career.

The 49ers surrendered 100 receiving yards to Brandon Lloyd.

San Francisco converted 38% of their third downs and their only attempt on fourth down.

Both teams recorded 3 sacks.

The Niners outpossessed the Rams 35:08 minutes to 24:52 minutes.

FB Bruce Miller left the game with a knee injury, though it doesn’t appear to be too serious.

The San Francisco 49ers travel to the state of Missouri for their regular season finale against the St. Louis Rams. The 49ers can clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win and the St. Louis Rams are still in the running for the number one pick in the draft. The Niners are coming off a 19-17 come-from-behind win at the Seattle Seahawks, whereas the St. Louis lost 27-0 at the Pittsburgh Steelers and suffered the second shutout in four weeks. The regular season series is currently tied at 61-61-2. Both teams last met in week 13, when the 49ers beat the Rams 26-0 at The Stick.

The 49ers ruled TE Delanie Walker (jaw) out for this game. TE Justin Peele will be the number two tight end in his place. WR Kyle Williams (concussion) and WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) will likely miss the contest, too. WR Brett Swain is expected to start and WR Joe Hastings has been signed from the practice squad to give the Niners three active wideouts. S Reggie Smith will return the punts in Ginn Jr.’s absence and RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs. CB Carlos Rogers (knee), CB Chris Culliver (shoulder) and FB Bruce Miller are listed as questionable but are expected to play. RILB is still questionable with a hamstring injury but could play if he feels ready. LB Larry will replace him again if Willis sits out another game.

QB Kellen Clemens will likely start for the St. Louis Rams, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are both doubtful. LE Chris Long is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but is expected to play. OLB Brady Poppinga (illness) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) are probable for the game against the 49ers.

St. Louis’ QB Kellen Clemens will get his third consecutive start of the season, as QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) are doubtful to play in this game. Clemens hasn’t thrown an interception in his previous two starts but completed only 56.7% of his passes for 160 yards per game. Though this may indicate that the Rams are going to rely on the run, WR Brandon Lloyd, a former 49ers draft pick, will be the guy who has to get a passing game going. RB Steven Jackson surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the seventh consecutive time last week and remains one of the best running backs in the league. He averages 4.4 yards per carry and ran for 5 touchdowns this season. He has been voted as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. The Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the league and Kellen Clemens may occasionally be running for his life, considering that OLB Aldon Smith is chasing the NFL sack record for rookies. St. Louis’ defensive ends are excellent pass rushers and will keep San Francisco’s offensive line constantly occupied. LE Chris Long, another Pro Bowl alternate, stands out with 13 sacks, followed by RE James Hall and Robert Quinn with 5 sacks each. MLB James Laurinaitis, St. Louis third Pro Bowl alternate, needs three solo tackles to reach 100 on the season and will try to stop San Francisco’s running backs from making big plays. CB Josh Gordy, who will likely be covering WR Brett Swain, leads the team with 3 interceptions.

Keys to Success

St. Louis defends quite well against the pass actually and ranks 5^th in the league. QB Alex Smith needs to establish a short passing game with TE Vernon Davis and RB Kendall Hunter.

Establish a running game by utilizing both RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

WR Joe Hastings could be the surprise factor, as the Rams will find it hard to prepare against him. Hastings is a good route runner and has good hands. He deserves a few looks.

Win the battle in the trenches and keep St. Louis’ defensive ends away from Alex Smith.

Aldon Smith’s chase for the record is not as important as a win. Don’t switch to a 4-3 system more often than necessary.

Stop the run. With Kellen Clemens behind center the Rams will have to run more than usual.

Prevent Brandon Lloyd from making big plays.

Special teams has to keep up the good blocking for Reggie Smith and Kendall Hunter to succeed.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brett Swain, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Larry Grant, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, RCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams 24-12

The San Francisco 49ers released their final injury report for the last game of the regular season at the St. Louis Rams. Compared to last week a few more names have been added to the list:

TE Delanie Walker (jaw) has been ruled out for the season finale. In a week we should know whether he could be available in the playoffs or if his season is over. TE Justin Peele will replace him as the number two tight end.

WR Kyle Williams sustained a concussion in last week’s game at the Seattle Seahawks and is listed as questionable. He is likely going to sit out the game at the St. Louis Rams. WR Brett Swain is expected to replace him and to start alongside WR Michael Crabtree.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice all week and is likely going to miss his second consecutive game with an ankle injury. With Kyle Williams questionable as well, S Reggie Smith is expected to return punts and RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs.

CB Chris Culliver is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury but is expected to play. CB Tramaine Brock and CB Shawntae Spencer would see more playing time if Culliver couldn’t go.

This is the third consecutive week where FB Bruce Miller is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. He played on both occasions and is expected to start tomorrow as well.

CB Carlos Rogers is suffering from a knee injury and his status for Sunday is questionable. He is not expected to miss the game and will likely start.

RILB Patrick Willis missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned earlier this week that Willis would play if he felt up to it. LB Larry Grant replaced Willis superbly during his absence but Willis should see a few snaps to shed off some rust before the playoffs.

St. Louis’ QB Sam Bradford (ankle) and QB A.J. Feeley (thumb) did not practice all week and are doubtful for the game against the 49ers. QB Kellen Clemens is slated for a third consecutive start. DE Chris Long is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but has yet to miss a game this season. The same injury did not keep him out of the game four weeks ago and he ended up sacking QB Alex Smith twice. LB Brady Poppinga (illness) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) are listed as probable and expected to play.

The San Francisco 49ers will be represented by eight players in the Pro Bowl, which will be played in Hawaii on 29 January 2012, one week before the Super Bowl.

Starters

RILB Patrick Willis has been selected for the 5^th consecutive time. He has 71 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception and 4 forced fumbles in 12 games.

For RE Justin Smith it’s the 3^rd consecutive selection. The veteran recorded 42 solo tackles, 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this season.

LT Joe Staley and LCB Carlos Rogers both received their first invitation to Hawaii. Rogers has 36 solo tackles, a joint team-leading 6 interceptions and defensed 18 passes.

K David Akers will go to his 6^th Pro Bowl and 3^rd in a row. The 37-year old left footed placekicker made 42 of 49 field goals, including an impressive 7-of-9 from 50+ yards, and 30 PATs. He broke Jerry Rice’s franchise record for most points in a season and scored more field goals than any other kicker in an NFL season.

P Andy Lee was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 3^rd time. He averages 50.5 yards per punt this season.

Reserves

RB Frank Gore became the franchise rushing leader earlier this season and won his 3^rd trip to Hawaii. He is rushing for 1,202 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011.

FS Dahon Goldson has won his first Pro Bowl nomination thanks to 52 solo tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

Alternates

LILB NaVorro Bowman has 102 solo tackles and 1 sack this season. It will be his first Pro Bowl if any of the starting or backup inside linebackers isn’t available.

The same applies to LOLB Ahmad Brooks, who has 32 solo tackles, 6 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

LB Blake Costanzo is an alternate due to his outstanding play on special teams, where he recorded 10 solo tackles in 2011.

TE Vernon Davis leads the team with 6 receiving touchdowns and caught 59 passes for 674 yards. It would be his 2^nd Pro Bowl.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. could be another player to represent San Francisco’s strong special teams unit. He averages 27.6 yards per kick return and scored 1 touchdown. He also returned 1 punt for a touchdown and averages 12.3 yards per punt return.

C Jonathan Goodwin and LG Mike Iupati could possibly be representatives of San Francisco’s offensive line.

LE Ray McDonald is another player from San Francisco’s pool of talent, who could see his first trip to the Pro Bowl. This season he recorded 28 solo tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

FB Bruce Miller could see his rookie campaign end with a Pro Bowl selection. He helped Frank Gore to another good season and caught 10 passes for 83 yards and 1 touchdown.

SS Donte Whitner concludes the nominations of potential 49ers for the Pro Bowl roster. The safety has 47 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble this season and, like many of his teammates, has never been to the Pro Bowl before.