NFC Championship Game

New York Giants (11-7) vs. San Francisco 49ers (14-3)

Candlestick Park

Kickoff: Sunday, January 22 at 3:30 PM PST

TV: FOX

Weather at Kickoff: 52°F, 15 mph wind (40% chance of rain)

 Here are five things to watch out for in the showdown beating the Giants and 49ers:

Alex Smith

The improbable run that has brought the 49ers one win from the Super Bowl is in large part due to Alex Smith’s redemption season.  The former one number one draft pick, former potential draft bust, has now turned into a franchise and viable quarterback you can now count on to come through, not only in the clutch, but clutch in the playoffs.  Smith proved not once, but twice he can match touchdown-for-touchdown with a Super Bowl winning quarterback and can come out on top.  Smith will need to have similar results this week against the Giants with no turnovers, accurate on passes and coming through in the final minutes of the fourth quarter like he did against the Saints.

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Follow us on Twitter during the game @SFNinerNoise

Game day, Giants vs. 49ers, NFC Championship.  The improbable has happened 49ers Faithful, we find our once hapless and hopeless franchise on the brink of returning to the Super Bowl for the sixth time.  The hated New York Giants stand in our way and have proven in the past capable of spoiling the 49ers hopes for a Super Bowl.  But today, we march on to the Super Bowl!

I came across a video called Rock the Stick that will get you pumped up for the game. Click the picture below to view the video:

The San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants released their injury reports for Sunday’s NFC Championship game.  Jim Harbaugh listed all of the 49ers players on the injury report as questionable which he has done the last few weeks regardless of the seriousness of the injury. With Delanie Walker returning to limited practice this week after breaking his jaw and Jake Ballard not practicing all week because of a knee injury, tight end is the important position for the 49ers and Giants on the injury report.

Walker broke his jaw against the Seahawks in week 16 and has missed the last two games.  Although Walker was limited in practiced he was cleared for contact.  It has been reported Walker will be active on Sunday.  The 49ers tight end playing will be a boost for the offense giving Alex Smith another receiving threat.  Walker is known more for his excellent run blocking skills which has help lead the way for the 49ers rushing attack this season.  Walker caught a season-high six receptions for 69 yards against the Giants in week 10.

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