The 49ers are having serious issues on the offensive line as they have allowed 18 sacks this season and Frank Gore is only averaging 3.6 yards per carry.  That’s bad news against a Giants defense that is only allowing 96.5 yards rushing per game and they have sacked the opposing QB an amazing 21 times already this season.  The Niners would like to run the ball with Frank Gore but that will be easier said than done against MLB Antonio Pierce and the Giants’ D-Line.  With Alex Smith likely to start this game the Niners will need their receivers to show some heart over the middle because the Giants will be bringing big time heat on the blitz.

The 49ers have a solid defense but the Giants will pose some matchup problems for them.  The 49ers must get some heat on Eli Manning or he will be able to pick them apart.  He loves throwing jump balls to Plaxico Burress (30 rec, 507 yards, 8 TD grabs) and Amami Toomer (26 rec, 306 yards, TD) so CBs Walt Harris and Nate Clements will have their hands full.  Don’t think that the Giants won’t also pound the football on the ground and it’s doesn’t matter if it’s Reuben Droughns, Brandon Jacobs or Derrick Ward running the football as the Giants are averaging 128.8 yards rushing per game and 4.6 yards per carry.  Rookie MLB Patrick Willis will have his hands full this week trying to deal with the Giants’ power running game.

PREDICTION:  The Giants are the hot team and the 49ers aren’t showing any fire right now on offense.  GIANTS 27, 49ers 10.

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