NFL Conference Championship Matchups

Giants vs. 49ers

Davis absolutely destroyed the Saints in the Divisional round, going off for seven catches, 180 yards and two touchdowns -- including the emotional game winner -- in the 49ers' dramatic 36-32 win. After seeing what Davis did to New Orleans safety Roman Harper on Saturday, the Giants will likely consider doubling the big tight end with safety Antrel Rolle and/or corner Corey Webster.

Giants vs. 49ers

Smith has been a monster all year, registering seven-and-a-half sacks and 58 tackles for San Francisco's strong defense. The 11th-year defensive end continued his strong play on Saturday, sacking Drew Brees once in the 49ers' big win. New York left tackle David Diehl will have the tough job of keeping Smith out of the backfield this weekend.

Giants vs. 49ers

Both Cruz and Rogers had breakout 2011 seasons, with Cruz leading the Giants in every major receiving category and Rogers setting personal highs in interceptions and passes defensed, earning a Pro Bowl nod. They'll likely see a lot of each other on Sunday at Candlestick, and their battle could go a long way in determining the NFC champion.

Giants vs. 49ers

These two won't match up on the field, but how they deploy their respective units against each other will be fascinating. Gilbride has New York's eighth-ranked offense riding high, coming off of a 37-point performance at Green Bay. He'll face a much tougher test this weekend -- Fangio's unit was second in the league in scoring defense, while Green Bay was 19th.

Giants vs. 49ers

Sunday's contest could very well come down to which former No. 1 overall pick plays better. Both are playing out of their minds right now, with Manning ('04 No. 1) throwing for 330 yards and three scores against the Packers and Smith ('05 No. 1) racking up a season-high 299 yards and three TDs against the Saints.

Ravens vs. Patriots

Brady has traditionally struggled against Reed and the Ravens, throwing six touchdowns, six interceptions and fumbling the ball away twice in five career games against Baltimore. In contrast, Reed is usually good against the Patriots, picking Brady off twice in four games against New England. He'll try to keep that trend going on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

Ravens vs. Patriots

In September, Moore was a safety who had just been released from the Raiders' practice squad. Now, he's a corner getting substantial snaps for the AFC's No. 1 seed. The rookie will likely line up against fellow first-year player Torrey Smith on Sunday. He'll need to be at his best to keep the speedy Smith under wraps.

Ravens vs. Patriots

This should be a fantastic matchup. It will be a very long day for Brady and New England if Light -- one of the best left tackles in the game -- can't keep Suggs -- one of the best pass rushers in the game and a potential Defensive Player of the Year winner -- out of the backfield.

Ravens vs. Patriots

The Ravens' interior offensive line is stout, but they'll need to play very well to keep Wilfork in check. The Patriots' huge nose tackle is a monster and playing well lately. If Yanda, Birk and Grubbs aren't careful, Wilfork could end up making life miserable for Baltimore's offense.

Ravens vs. Patriots

This will be another great matchup. The Ravens will need a strong game from Ngata to disrupt Brady and the Pats' offense. Mankins will be charged with slowing down the big defensive tackle.