This really is a big game against the Giants, a team that's been as hot as anyone lately.
A win on the road against a possible NFC playoff team could be the spark that sends the Niners on a nice run of their own.
QUARTERBACKS
At this point in the season there's no question who has the advantage. Eli Manning has finally assumed the position of offensive captain and is off to his best start as a pro. Trent Dilfer will go again for the Niners since Alex Smith isn't quite ready. He's been horrible so far. Dilfer will have to be at very least average to have a shot.
Advantage: Giants
RUNNING BACKS
At some point Frank Gore will explode and once that happens, it may not stop. The return of tight end Vernon Davis and use of wideout Ashley Lelie could create much needed room for Gore this week since the Giants will have to respect their speed. New York's backfield has been hurting for the most part this season, but their depth at the position saved them from production falling off. The three-headed monster of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Rueben Droughns will take turns attacking the Niners interior defense today.
Advantage: 49ers.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Plaxico Burress (507 yards, eight TDs) has been for the Giants what the Niners are surly lacking: A reliable big play receiver. Darrell Jackson has been a non-factor for San Francisco since Dilfer stepped in for Smith.
Advantage: Giants.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Niners definitely have more talent and depth on their line, but you couldn't tell by looking at their offensive production. Some of the Niners problems on the line have been a lack of imagination in play calling and schemes, but the interior has to be better this week.
Advantage: 49ers.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora form one of the best defensive end combos in the NFL. If they're able to get to Dilfer, it could be a long day for the Niners. The Giants are averaging almost five sacks per game during their four game winning streak.
Advantage: Giants.
LINEBACKERS
Very few linebacking corps can match the Niners athleticism. Patrick Willis has been a beast a third of the way through his rookie campaign. The Giants linebackers are solid, but not fear-inducing.
Advantage: 49ers.
SECONDARY
If Nate Clements and Co. can shut down Burress and Jeremy Shockey then the Niners have a great shot at pulling the upset. Manning is still not above making bad decisions every once in a while. I expect Clements to capitalize on those mistakes. For the Giants, rookie Aaron Ross has made his mark already and has provided them with a bookend to go with veteran Sam Madison.
Advantage: 49ers.
SPECIAL TEAMS
If "Beer Man" Michael Lewis can get the return game going, this would by far, be the Niners best special teams unit I've seen. Look for Joe Nedney to bounce back after missing the potential game-winner against Baltimore last week.
Advantage: 49ers.
COACHING
I hope to see something completely different from OC Jim Hostler this week. If not, then we can park our playoff bandwagon until next season.
Advantage: Draw.
PREDICTION
49ers 23, Giants 13 — Dilfer can't get worse, can he? The return of VD and addition of Lelie should create enough room for Gore to put in some serious work. The defense doesn't need much. They showed that against the Ravens.
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