Vernon Davis was a big receiving threat, sparking a win for the 49ers over the Saints, 36-32 at home. With the win, San Francisco moves on to the NFC Championship.
An outstanding game for Alex Smith was topped off with four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) on 24 of 42 passing for 299 yards and one fumble. Drew Brees gave his best effort to keep the Saints competitive, going 40 of 63 with 462 yards passing, four touchdowns and two picks.
Frank Gore was a standout player for the 49ers, rushing for 89 yards on 13 attempts in addition to seven receptions for 38 yards. Davis was a top receiver, catching seven passes for 180 yards with two touchdowns.
The San Francisco defense did not do a good job defending the passing attack, but was able to slow down the run, giving up 435 yards passing and 37 rushing. They got to Brees for three sacks.
Finally, David Akers was perfect, making all three of the field goals he attempted.
Saints tight end Jimmy Graham gave a standout effort with 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Marques Colston had a good game as well with 136 receiving yards and one touchdown.
| Saints Passing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | Comp | Att | Yds | TDs | Int |
| A+ | 100 | D. Brees | 40 | 63 | 435 | 4 | 2 |
| 49ers Passing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | Comp | Att | Yds | TDs | Int |
| A+ | 100 | A. Smith | 24 | 42 | 264 | 3 | 0 |
| Saints Rushing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Att | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| D+ | 69 | C. Ivory | RB | 9 | 23 | 2.6 | 0 |
| - | - | P. Thomas | RB | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 |
| A+ | 100 | D. Brees | QB | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| 49ers Rushing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Att | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| A+ | 100 | F. Gore | RB | 13 | 89 | 6.8 | 0 |
| A+ | 100 | A. Smith | QB | 1 | 28 | 28.0 | 1 |
| C | 73 | K. Hunter | RB | 6 | 23 | 3.8 | 0 |
| Saints Receiving Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Rec | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| A+ | 100 | M. Colston | WR | 9 | 136 | 15.1 | 1 |
| A | 96 | D. Sproles | RB | 15 | 119 | 7.9 | 1 |
| A+ | 100 | J. Graham | TE | 5 | 103 | 20.6 | 2 |
| 49ers Receiving Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Rec | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| A+ | 100 | V. Davis | TE | 7 | 180 | 25.7 | 2 |
| A+ | 100 | F. Gore | RB | 7 | 38 | 5.4 | 0 |
| C | 76 | M. Crabtree | WR | 4 | 25 | 6.3 | 1 |
