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49ers-Giants NFC Title Game Matchups To Watch

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS Sports) -- CBS Sports columnist Pete Prisco offers his thoughts on some key matchups to watch for Sunday's NFC Championship game between the San Faancisco 49ers and the New York Giants:

-- Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul vs. 49ers tackle Joe Staley: Pierre-Paul is a physical freak who can influence the game with his pass rush, while Staley is a solid player in pass protection.

-- Giants receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz vs. 49ers corners Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown: Nicks and Cruz are a handful for whoever they face, while Rogers has had an outstanding season and Brown has been solid.

-- 49ers tight end Vernon Davis vs. Giants safeties Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle: Davis is a tough player to defend, but the Giants did a pretty good job on him during most of their Week 10 game.

-- 49ers outside linebacker/defensive end Aldon Smith vs. Giants left tackle David Diehl: Diehl will have his hands full with Smith in passing situations.

-- 49ers quarterback Alex Smith vs. himself: This is the biggest game of his life.

Click here to READ MORE in detail on these key matchups. You can also watch video analysis below from the CBS 5 sports team.

(Copyright 2012 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved.)

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