49ers score

Stingy 49ers hold down Drew Brees, Saints, 36-32

The 49ers offense has a couple injuries worth noting: Jonathan Goodwin missed a second-quarter series with a left leg injury but returned for the final snaps; Ted Ginn couldn't play the last couple series because of an

The 49ers are clinging to a six-point lead, even though the Saints have committed five turnovers. Prior to today, every team that has committed at least five turnovers in a playoff game has lost. (Update: John Kasay's 48-yard

The 49ers are clinging to a six-point lead, even though the Saints have committed five turnovers. Prior to today, every team that has committed at least five turnovers in a playoff game has lost. (Update: John Kasay's 48-yard

The 49ers offense has a couple injuries worth noting: Jonathan Goodwin missed a second-quarter series with a left leg injury but returned for the final snaps; Ted Ginn couldn't play the last couple series because of an

The 49ers forced three turnovers in their first quarter of playoff football in nine years. They've parlayed that into a 14-0 lead and reached the doorstep of the Saints' end zone as the quarter expired. (Second-quarter sneak

49ers' toughness shines through

By Will Brinson The Patriots and the 49ers advanced to their respective conference championship games on Sunday. San Francisco did it with defense and a heroic effort by Alex Smith, while Tom Brady simply eviscerated the Broncos.

Now, after beating New Orleans 36-32 in Saturday's NFC divisional game, the San Francisco 49ers just had theirs. If there is a tougher team left in the postseason, you'll have a hard time arguing that case after this contest. The 49ers didn't just beat

AP, San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in San Francisco. The 49ers won 36-32. Photo: Paul Sakuma / AP San Francisco 49ers

Now, after beating New Orleans 36-32 in Saturday's NFC divisional game, the San Francisco 49ers just had theirs. If there is a tougher team left in the postseason, you'll have a hard time arguing that case after this contest. The 49ers didn't just beat

San Francisco 49ers (13-3, 7-1 HOME)vs.New Orleans Saints (13-3, 5-3 ROAD)4:30 PM ETCandlestick ParkSan Francisco, CATV: FOXLive Blog: You're Already Here Amazing offense against amazing defense.

49ers' toughness shines through

A closer look at the New Orleans Saints NFC divisional-round playoff game against the host San Francisco 49ers, Troy Aikman color.

At San Francisco, the Alex Smith-to-Vernon Davis connection has the 49ers in the NFC championship game and the stunned New Orleans Saints headed home. Smith threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Davis with 9

The San Francisco 49ers hosted the New Orleans Saints on Saturday afternoon at Candlestick Park in a playoff game that was a long time coming for the beleaguered Bay Area franchise. When the smoke had cleared, the 49ers came out on

At San Francisco, the Alex Smith-to-Vernon Davis connection has the 49ers in the NFC championship game and the stunned New Orleans Saints headed home. Smith threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Davis with 9

At San Francisco, the Alex Smith-to-Vernon Davis connection has the 49ers in the NFC championship game and the stunned New Orleans Saints headed home. Smith threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Davis with 9