49ERS' THREE KEYS
The 49ers need a third weapon in their passing game. The Giants won't let Vernon Davis get loose as he did against the Saints. They'll pay a lot of attention to Michael Crabtree, too. Delanie Walker may need to step forward.
As was the case last week, knocking the opposing quarterback off rhythm is essential. Justin Smith is his own force of nature, but he and his teammates will have to contend with a soft field today.
David Akers hasn't had to kick in bad weather since joining the 49ers. He's going to have to learn the secrets of soggy Candlestick on the fly as field conditions promise to deteriorate as the game goes on.
GIANTS' THREE KEYS
Offenses that become one-dimensional against the 49ers tend to lose the game. The Giants must maintain balance with a rushing attack that ranked 32nd in the regular season but has been resurrected of late.
Eli Manning has to avoid the turnovers he committed in Week 10. That's easier said than done against a 49ers defense that had 38 takeaways in the regular season and three more in last week's win over New Orleans.
In the teams' regular-season game, the Giants decided that Frank Gore was the greater poison than Alex Smith. They are likely to take the same approach today, but will drop more men into coverage than the Saints did last week.
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