# 2011 San Francisco 49ers season

The 2011 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 62nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 66th overall, and their first under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke. The 49ers rebounded from their disappointing 2010 season to end their streak of eight consecutive non-winning seasons. After defeating the St. Louis Rams in week 13 and attaining a 10–2 record, the team clinched the NFC West and made their first playoff appearance since 2002. The 49ers ended the regular season with a 13–3 record, their best since 1997, and earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the Divisional Playoffs they defeated the New Orleans Saints 36–32 and were in the NFC Championship for the first time since 1997, where they lost to the eventual eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in overtime by a score of 20–17, coming just short of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.
One of the main catalysts for San Francisco's return to relevance in 2011 was the team's dominant defense—specifically against the run. The 49ers yielded the fewest rushing yards in the league (1,236), average yards per rush (3.5), and set an NFL record for fewest rushing touchdowns surrendered in a 16-game regular season (3). The team did not allow a single 100 yard rusher nor a rushing touchdown through the first 14 weeks, and only three of their opponents gained over 100 total yards on the ground. In addition to their dominance against the run, San Francisco's defense finished second in points allowed (229, or 14.3/g), fourth in yards allowed (308.1/g) second in team interceptions (23), and third in Pro Football Outsiders Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) power rankings.
Despite their most successful season in years, the 49ers were 31st in the league in third down conversion percentage in the regular season (29.1) and were 17.9 percent in the playoffs and ranked 26th in total offense.

## Offseason
### Coaching changes

Owner Jed York announced that he would hire a general manager and the new GM would make a decision on the new head coach to replace Mike Singletary after the 49ers' loss to the St. Louis Rams on December 26, 2010, that eliminated the team from the postseason. On January 5, the 49ers promoted the vice president of player personnel, Trent Baalke, to the position of general manager. On January 7, the 49ers hired Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh to be the 18th head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
With the hiring of a new head coach, many of the assistant coaches were replaced. Of the coordinators and position coaches from the previous season, only running backs coach Tom Rathman, defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, and offensive line coach Mike Solari were retained. The coaching staff featured Greg Roman as the new offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio as the new defensive coordinator, both previously assistant coaches under Harbaugh at Stanford. Former Cleveland Browns assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Brad Seely was hired for the same roles with the 49ers. Geep Chryst was the new quarterbacks coach, Reggie Davis was the new tight ends coach. John Morton was the new wide receivers coach, and Tim Drevno was a new offensive line coach to help out Mike Solari. Jim Leavitt was the new linebackers coach and Ed Donatell was the new secondary coach. The staff also featured defensive assistants Peter Hansen and Ejiro Evero, offensive assistant Bobby Engram, and special assistant to the head coach Bill Nayes.

### Roster changes
#### Free agents

| Position | Player | Tag | 2011 Team |
| C | David Baas | UFA | New York Giants |
| C | Tony Wragge | UFA | St. Louis Rams |
| G | Chris Patrick | ERFA | Edmonton Eskimos |
| T | Barry Sims | UFA | Free Agent |
| QB | Alex Smith | UFA | San Francisco 49ers |
| QB | Troy Smith | UFA | Omaha Nighthawks |
| RB | Brian Westbrook | UFA | Free Agent |
| DE | Demetric Evans | UFA | Free Agent |
| DE | Ray McDonald | UFA | San Francisco 49ers |
| LB | Travis LaBoy | UFA | San Diego Chargers |
| NT | Aubrayo Franklin | UFA | New Orleans Saints |
| LB | Manny Lawson | UFA | Cincinnati Bengals |
| LB | Takeo Spikes | UFA | San Diego Chargers |
| CB | William James | UFA | |
| S | Dashon Goldson | UFA | San Francisco 49ers |
| S | C. J. Spillman | ERFA | San Francisco 49ers |
| K | Jeff Reed | UFA | Seattle Seahawks |
* Player re-signed by the 49ers

## 2011 NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers 2011 NFL Draft selections :
| Draft order | Draft order | Draft order | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Contract | Notes |
| Round | Choice | Overall | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Contract | Notes |
| 1 | 7 | 7 | Aldon Smith | DE | 6'4" | 263 lbs. | Missouri | | |
| 2 | 4 | 36 | Colin Kaepernick | QB | 6'4" | 233 lbs. | Nevada | | |
| 3 | 12 | 80 | Chris Culliver | CB | 6'1" | 201 lbs. | South Carolina | | |
| 4 | 11 | 108 | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos |
| 4 | 18 | 115 | Kendall Hunter | RB | 5'8" | 190 lbs. | Oklahoma State | | |
| 5 | 10 | 141 | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos | Traded to the Denver Broncos |
| 5 | 32 | 163 | Daniel Kilgore | G | 6'3" | 308 lbs. | Appalachian State | | |
| 6 | 9 | 174 | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers |
| 6 | 17 | 182 | Ronald Johnson | WR | 6'1" | 190 lbs. | University of Southern California | | |
| 6 | 25 | 190 | Colin Jones | S | 5'11" | 200 lbs. | Texas Christian University | | |
| 7 | 8 | 211 | Bruce Miller | DE | 6'1" | 254 lbs. | University of Central Florida | | |
| 7 | 28 | 231 | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers | Traded to the Green Bay Packers |
| 7 | 36 | 239 | Mike Person | OT | 6'4" | 299 lbs. | Montana State | | |
| 7 | 47 | 250 | Curtis Holcomb | CB | 5'10" | 184 lbs. | Florida A&M | | |

### Draft notes

    The 49ers acquired this fourth-round selection from the San Diego Chargers along with a 2010 third-round selection (#91 overall; used to select LB NaVorro Bowman) and a 2010 sixth-round selection (#173 overall; used to select RB Anthony Dixon) in exchange for a 2010 third-round selection (#79 overall).
    The 49ers acquired this sixth-round selection from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for DT Kentwan Balmer.
    The 49ers acquired this seventh-round selection from the Detroit Lions in exchange for QB Shaun Hill.
    Compensatory selection
    The 49ers acquired this second-round selection from the Denver Broncos in exchange for their second-round selection (#45 overall), a fourth-round selection (#108 overall), and a fifth-round selection (#141 overall).
    The 49ers acquired this third-round selection (#80 overall) and this sixth-round selection (#180 overall) from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for their third-round selection (#76 overall).
    The 49ers acquired this fifth-round selection (#163 overall) from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for their sixth-round selection (#174 overall) and a seventh-round selection (#231 overall).

## Personnel
### Roster
#### Notes

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards was released after nine games.

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | August 12 | at New Orleans Saints | L 3–24 | 0–1 | Louisiana Superdome | Recap |
| 2 | August 20 | Oakland Raiders * | W 17–3 | 1–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 3 | August 27 | Houston Texans | L 7–30 | 1–2 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 4 | September 1 | at San Diego Chargers | W 20–17 | 2–2 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap |

### Candlestick Park incident

* The preseason game against the Raiders was marked by brawls in the stands and a major beating in a restroom at Candlestick Park. Because of this, the NFL officially canceled all future preseason games between the two teams. They now only meet in the regular season every four years when the NFC West plays the AFC West, or in the Super Bowl.

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| 1 | September 11 | Seattle Seahawks | W 33–17 | 1–0 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 2 | September 18 | Dallas Cowboys | L 24–27 (OT) | 1–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 13–8 | 2–1 | Paul Brown Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | October 2 | at Philadelphia Eagles | W 24–23 | 3–1 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 5 | October 9 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 48–3 | 4–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 6 | October 16 | at Detroit Lions | W 25–19 | 5–1 | Ford Field | Recap |
| 7 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 8 | October 30 | Cleveland Browns | W 20–10 | 6–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 9 | November 6 | at Washington Redskins | W 19–11 | 7–1 | FedExField | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | New York Giants | W 27–20 | 8–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 11 | November 20 | Arizona Cardinals | W 23–7 | 9–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 12 | November 24 | at Baltimore Ravens | L 6–16 | 9–2 | M&T Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | December 4 | St. Louis Rams | W 26–0 | 10–2 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 14 | December 11 | at Arizona Cardinals | L 19–21 | 10–3 | University of Phoenix Stadium | Recap |
| 15 | December 19 | Pittsburgh Steelers | W 20–3 | 11–3 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 16 | December 24 | at Seattle Seahawks | W 19–17 | 12–3 | CenturyLink Field | Recap |
| 17 | January 1, 2012 | at St. Louis Rams | W 34–27 | 13–3 | Edward Jones Dome | Recap |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 17 |
| 49ers | 0 | 16 | 0 | 17 | 33 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: September 11
* Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
* Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jaime Maggio
Game information :
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 27 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0.
SF – David Akers 24 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0.
SF – David Akers 31 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–0.
SF – Alex Smith 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0.
Third quarter
SEA – Golden Tate 8 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), 49ers 16–7.
Fourth quarter
SEA – Steven Hauschka 39 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 16–10.
SF – David Akers 18 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 19–10.
SEA – Doug Baldwin 55 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), 49ers 19–17.
SF – Ted Ginn 102 yd. kickoff return (David Akers kick), 49ers 26–17.
SF – Ted Ginn 55 yd. punt return (David Akers kick), 49ers 33–17.
Top passers
SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 21/37, 197 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
SF – Alex Smith – 15/20, 124 yards
Top rushers
SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 13 carries, 33 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 22 carries, 59 yards
Top receivers
SEA – Doug Baldwin – 4 receptions, 83 yards, 1 touchdown
SF – Vernon Davis – 5 receptions, 47 yards
Top tacklers
SEA – Kam Chancellor – 10 tackles
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 tackles :
With the win, the 49ers started the season 1–0.

#### Week 2: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Cowboys | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 27 |
| 49ers | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: September 18
* Game time: 1:05 pm. PDT
* Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
Game information :
First quarter
No Scoring
Second quarter
SF – Frank Gore 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0
SF – Kyle Williams 12 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–0
DAL – Miles Austin 53 yd. pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 49ers 14–7
Third quarter
DAL – Miles Austin 5 yd. pass from Jon Kitna (Dan Bailey kick), Tied 14–14
SF – Delanie Walker 29 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 21–14
Fourth quarter
SF – David Akers 55 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 24–14
DAL – Miles Austin 25 yd. pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 49ers 24–21
DAL – Dan Bailey 48 yd. Field Goal, Tied 24–24
Overtime
DAL – Dan Bailey 19 yd. Field Goal, Cowboys 27–24
Top passers
DAL – Tony Romo – 20/33, 345 yards, 2 touchdowns
SF – Alex Smith – 16/24, 179 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
DAL – Felix Jones – 9 carries, 25 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 20 carries, 47 yards
Top receivers
DAL – Miles Austin – 9 receptions, 143 yards, 3 touchdowns
SF – Ted Ginn Jr. – 4 receptions, 38 yards
Top tacklers
DAL – Sean Lee – 9 tackles, 1 assist
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 10 tackles, 1 assist :
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 1–1.

#### Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 13 |
| Bengals | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: September 25
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
* Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 43,363
* Referee: Jerome Boger
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Jennifer Hale
Game information :
First quarter
CIN – Mike Nugent 22 yd. Field Goal, Bengals 3–0
Second quarter
No Scoring
Third quarter
SF – David Akers 23 yd. Field Goal, Tied 3–3
Fourth quarter
CIN – Mike Nugent 23 yd. Field Goal, Bengals 6–3
SF – Kendall Hunter 7 yd. run (David Akers kick) 49ers 10–6
SF – David Akers 53 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 13–6
CIN – Andy Lee run out of bounds for a safety, 49ers 13–8
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 20/30, 201 YDS, 0 TD, 0 INT
CIN – Andy Dalton – 17/32, 157 YDS, 0 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 17 CAR, 42 YDS
CIN – Cedric Benson – 17 CAR, 64 YDS
Top receivers
SF – Vernon Davis – 8 REC, 114 YDS
CIN – Andre Caldwell – 6 REC, 53 YDS
Top tacklers
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 7 TKL, 4 AST
CIN – Reggie Nelson – 7 TKL, 2 AST :
With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–1.

#### Week 4: at Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 24 |
| Eagles | 7 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 2
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
* Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C) (Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 69,144
* Referee: Alberto Riveron
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts and Jim Mora, Jr.
Game information :
First quarter
PHI – Clay Horbor 16 yd. pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), Eagles 7–0
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 37 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 7–3
PHI – Alex Henery 32 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 10–3
PHI – Alex Henery 32 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 13–3
PHI – LeSean McCoy 5 yd. pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), Eagles 20–3
Third quarter
PHI – Alex Henery 33 yd. Field Goal, Eagles 23–3
SF – Josh Morgan 30 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), Eagles 23–10
SF – Vernon Davis 9 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), Eagles 23–17
Fourth quarter
SF – Frank Gore 12 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 24–23
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 21/33, 291 yards, 2 touchdowns
PHI – Michael Vick – 30/46, 416 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 15 carries, 127 yards
PHI – Michael Vick – 8 carries, 75 yards
Top receivers
SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 68 yards
PHI – DeSean Jackson – 6 rceptions, 171 yards
Top tacklers
SF – Dashon Goldson – 10 tackles
PHI – Jamar Chaney – 6 tackles, 2 assists :
With the comeback win, the 49ers improved to 3–1.

#### Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 49ers | 7 | 17 | 10 | 14 | 48 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: October 9
* Game time: 1:05 pm. PDT
* Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Game information :
First quarter
SF – Delanie Walker 26 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0
TB – Connor Barth 24 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 7–3
Second quarter
SF – Carlos Rogers 31 yd. interception return (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–3
SF – Frank Gore 2 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 21–3
SF – David Akers 37 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 24–3
Third quarter
SF – Vernon Davis 23 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 31–3
SF – David Akers 27 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 34–3
Fourth quarter(David Akers kick)
SF – Vernon Davis 14 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 41–3
SF – Anthony Dixon 1 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 48–3
Top passers
TB – Josh Freeman – 17/33, 187 yards, 2 interceptions
SF – Alex Smith – 11/19, 170 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
TB – LeGarrette Blount – 10 rushes, 34 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 20 rushes, 125 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
TB – Kellen Winslow – 5 receptions, 54 yards
SF – Josh Morgan – 5 receptions, 75 yards
Top tacklers
TB – Sean Jones – 8 tackles
SF – Patrick Willis – 10 tackles, 2 assists :
With the win, the 49ers improved to 4–1.

#### Week 6: at Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 12 | 3 | 10 | 25 |
| Lions | 10 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
* Date: October 16
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/10:00 am. PDT
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 62,061
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
* Recap Gamebook
Game information :
First quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 25-yard field goal, Lions 3–0, Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:01.
DET – Brandon Pettigrew 16-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 10–0, Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:02.
Second quarter
SF – Frank Gore 1-yard run (David Akers kick), Lions 10–7, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:47.
SF – Matthew Stafford sacked by Aldon Smith and Ray McDonald in end zone for −11 yards, Lions 10–9, Drive: 2 plays, −11 yards, 0:05.
SF – David Akers 55-yard field goal, 49ers 12–10, Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 0:55.
Third quarter
DET – Jason Hanson 24-yard field goal, Lions 13–12, Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 2:12.
SF – David Akers 31-yard field goal, 49ers 15–13, Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:18.
Fourth quarter
DET – Nate Burleson 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Lions 19–15, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:55.
SF – Delanie Walker 6-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 22–19, Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:33.
SF – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 49ers 25–19, Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:14.
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 17/32, 125 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/50, 293 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 15 carries, 141 yards, 1 touchdown
DET – Jahvid Best – 12 carries, 37 yards
Top receivers
SF – Michael Crabtree – 9 receptions, 77 yards
DET – Calvin Johnson – 7 receptions, 113 yards
Top tacklers
SF – Navarro Bowman – 8 tackles, 5 assists
DET – DeAndre Levy – 7 tackles, 5 assists :
With the win, the 49ers went into their bye week at 5–1.

#### Week 8: vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| 49ers | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: October 30
* Game time: 1:15 pm. PDT
* Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information :
First quarter
SF – Frank Gore 4 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0
SF – David Akers 29 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 10–0
Second quarter
SF – Michael Crabtree 2 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 17–0
CLE – Phil Dawson 52 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 17–3
Third quarter
No Scoring
Fourth quarter
CLE – Joshua Cribbs 45 yd. pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick), 49ers 17–10
SF – David Akers 26 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 20–10
Top passers
CLE – Colt McCoy – 22/34, 241 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
SF – Alex Smith – 15/24, 177 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
CLE – Chris Ogbonnaya – 11 carries, 37 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 31 carries, 134 yards
Top receivers
CLE – Jordan Norwood – 5 receptions, 32 yards
SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 11 tackles
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 11 tackles, 1 assist :
With the win, the 49ers improved to 6–1.

#### Week 9: at Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 19 |
| Redskins | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 11 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
* Date: November 6
* Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST
* Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 78,032
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Game information :
First quarter
No Scoring
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 52 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0
SF – David Akers 34 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0
SF – Bruce Miller 30 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 13–0
WAS – Graham Gano 59 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 13–3
Third quarter
SF – David Akers 45 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 16–3
Fourth quarter
SF – David Akers 20 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 19–3
WAS – Jabar Graffney 9 yd. pass from John Beck (Leonard Hankerson pass from John Beck), 49ers 19–11
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 17/24, 200 yards, 1 touchdown
WAS – John Beck – 30/47, 254 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 19 carries, 107 yards
WAS – Roy Helu – 10 carries, 41 yards
Top receivers
SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 receptions, 51 yards
WAS – Roy Helu – 14 receptions, 105 yards
Top tacklers
SF – Patrick Willis – 9 tackles, 4 assists
WAS – Reed Doughty – 6 tackles, 5 assists :
With the win, the 49ers improved to 7–1.

#### Week 10: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
| 49ers | 3 | 6 | 3 | 15 | 27 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: November 13
* Game time: 1:15 pm. PST
* Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
Game information :
First quarter
NYG – Lawerence Tynes 23 yd. Field Goal, Giants 3–0
SF – David Akers 36 yd. Field Goal, Tied 3–3
Second quarter
NYG – Lawerence Tynes 25 yd. Field Goal, Giants 6–3
SF – David Akers 52 yd. Field Goal, Tied 6–6
SF – David Akers 39 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–6
Third quarter
SF – David Akers 28 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 12–6
NYG – Mario Manningham 13 yd. pass from Eli Manning (Lawerence tynes kick), Giants 13–12
Fourth quarter
SF – Vernon Davis 31 yd. pass from Alex Smith (Michael Crabtree pass from Alex Smith), 49ers 20–13
SF – Kendall Hunter 17 yd. run (David Akers kick), 49ers 27–13
NYG – Hakeem Nicks 32 yd. pass from Eli Manning (Lawerence Tynes kick), 49ers 27–20
Top passers
NYG – Eli Manning – 26/40, 311 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT
SF – Alex Smith – 19/30, 242 YDS, TD, INT
Top rushers
NYG – Brandon Jacobs – 18 CAR, 55 YDS
SF – Kendall Hunter – 6 CAR, 40 YDS, TD
Top receivers
NYG – Victor Cruz – 6 REC, 84 YDS
SF – Delanie Walker – 6 REC, 69 YDS
Top tacklers
NYG – Kenny Phillips/Antrel Rolle – 4 TKL, AST each
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 10 TKL, 4 AST :
With the win, the 49ers improved to 8–1.

#### Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cardinals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| 49ers | 6 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 23 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: November 20
* Game time: 1:05 pm. PST
* Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C) (Light Rain)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
Game information :
First quarter
SF – David Akers 22 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 3–0
SF – David Akers 43 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 6–0
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 29 yd. Field Goal, 49ers 9–0
Third quarter
SF – Kyle Williams 8 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0
SF – Vernon Davis 18 yd. pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 23–0
Fourth quarter
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 23 yd. pass from Richard Bartel (Jay Feely kick), 49ers 23–7
Top passers
ARI – Ricahrd Bartel – 8/16, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
SF – Alex Smith – 20/38, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
ARI – Chris Wells – 8 carries, 33 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 24 carries, 88 yards
Top receivers
ARI – Early Doucet – 6 receptions, 50 yards
SF – Michael Crabtree – 7 receptions, 120 yards
Top tacklers
ARI – Paris Lenon – 9 tackles
SF – Patrick Willis – 6 tackles, 1 assist :
With this win, the 49ers improve their record to 9–1, securing them their first winning season since 2002.

#### Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens

Thanksgiving Day Game
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Ravens | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 16 |
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
* Date: November 24
* Game time: 8:20 pm. EST/5:20 pm. PST
* Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C) (Clear)
* Game attendance: 71,345
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan
Game information :
First quarter
BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 3–0, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:39.
SF – David Akers 45-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 4:42.
Second quarter
BAL – Billy Cundiff 23-yard field goal, Ravens 6–3, Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:24.
Third quarter
SF – David Akers 52-yard field goal, Tied 6–6, Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 7:30.
Fourth quarter
BAL – Dennis Pitta 8-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 13–6, Drive: 16 plays, 76 yards, 7:34.
BAL – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, Ravens 16–6, Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 4:16.
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 15/24, 140 yards, 1 interception
BAL – Joe Flacco – 15/23, 161 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 14 carries, 39 yards
BAL – Ray Rice – 21 carries, 59 yards
Top receivers
SF – Michael Crabtree – 6 receptions, 54 yards
BAL – Anquan Boldin – 4 receptions, 63 yards
Top tacklers
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 9 tackles
BAL – Bernard Pollard – 8 tackles :
Coming off their divisional home win over the Cardinals, head coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Baltimore Ravens and their head coach (Jim's brother) John Harbaugh on Thanksgiving.
San Francisco trailed early in the first quarter as Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff got a 39-yard field goal, yet the 49ers answered with a 45-yard field goal from kicker David Akers. Baltimore struck back in the second quarter with Cundiff making a 23-yard field goal.
San Francisco began the third quarter with a 52-yard field goal from Akers, but the Ravens opened the fourth quarter with quarterback Joe Flacco completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dennis Pitta, followed by Cundiff nailing a 39-yard field goal. The Niners tried to rally, but Baltimore's defense held on to preserve the win.
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 9–2.
These two teams would meet again a year later in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers falling short, 34–31.

#### Week 13: vs. St. Louis Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Rams | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 49ers | 3 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 26 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: December 4
* Game time: 1:15 pm. PST
* Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers and Tim Ryan
Game information :
First quarter
SF – David Akers 36-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0.
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 19-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0.
SF – David Akers 28-yard field goal, 49ers 9–0.
Third quarter
SF – Michael Crabtree 52-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 16–0.
SF – David Akers 34-yard field goal, 49ers 19–0.
Fourth quarter
SF – Kyle Williams 56-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 26–0.
Top passers
STL – A.J. Feeley – 12/22, 156 yards, 1 interception
SF – Alex Smith – 17/23, 274 yards, 2 touchdown
Top rushers
STL – Steven Jackson – 10 carries, 19 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 21 carries, 73 yards
Top receivers
STL – Brandon Gibson – 4 catches, 42 yards
SF – Michael Crabtree – 4 catches, 96 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
STL – Craig Dehl – 11 tackles, 2 assists
SF – NaVarro Bowman – 6 tackles :
With the shutout win, not only did the 49ers improve to 10–2, but they also clinched 1st place in the NFC West for their first playoff berth since the 2002 season.

#### Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 3 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 19 |
| Cardinals | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
* Date: December 11
* Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST/1:05 pm. PST
* Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 60,808
* Referee: Alberto Riveron
* TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
Game information :
First quarter
SF – David Akers 46-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0.
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0.
ARI – Early Doucet 60-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 7–6.
SF – David Akers 27-yard field goal, 49ers 9–7.
SF – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 12–7.
Third quarter
SF – Frank Gore 37-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 19–7.
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 46-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), 49ers 19–14.
Fourth quarter
ARI – Andre Roberts 3-yard pass from John Skelton (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 21–19.
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 18/37, 175 yards
ARI – John Skelton – 19/28, 282 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 10 carries, 72 yards
ARI – Chris Wells – 15 carries, 27 yards
Top receivers
SF – Michael Crabtree – 7 catches, 63 yards
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 catches, 149 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
SF – Larry Grant – 10 tackles, 1 assist
ARI – Richard Marshall – 4 tackles, 3 assists :
With the loss, the 49ers fell to 10–3.

#### Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 49ers | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: December 19
* Game time: 5:30 pm. PST
* Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C) (Clear)
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Walt Coleman
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and John Sutcliffe
Game information :
First quarter
SF – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 49ers 3–0.
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 38-yard field goal, 49ers 6–0.
Third quarter
PIT – Shaun Suisham 51-yard field goal, 49ers 6–3.
SF – Vernon Davis 1-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 13–3.
Fourth quarter
SF – Frank Gore 5-yard run (David Akers kick), 49ers 20–3.
Top passers
PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 25/44, 330 yards, 3 interceptions
SF – Alex Smith – 18/31, 187 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 15 carries, 64 yards
SF – Frank Gore – 18 carries, 65 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
PIT – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 carries, 93 yards
SF – Vernon Davis – 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
PIT – Troy Polamalu – 7 tackles
SF – NaVarro Bowman – 7 tackles, 1 assist :
The 49ers traveled home for a game on Monday Night Football against the Steelers. It was delayed due to a power outage in their stadium. The lights went off again in the 2nd quarter when the 49ers were leading 6–0, which eventually became the score at halftime. In the 2nd half the 49ers would go on a 14 to 3 run to make the final score 20–3 and improve their record to 11–3.

#### Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 0 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 19 |
| Seahawks | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
* Date: December 24
* Game time: 1:15 pm. PST
* Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C) (Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 66,697
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Charles Davis and Drea Avent
Game information :
First quarter
SEA – Doug Baldwin 13-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick), Seahawks 7–0.
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 53-yard field goal, Seahawks 7–3.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 19-yard field goal, Seahawks 10–3.
Third quarter
SF – Frank Gore 4-yard run (David Akers kick), Tied 10–10.
SF – David Akers 29-yard field goal, 49ers 13–10.
Fourth quarter
SF – David Akers 44-yard field goal, 49ers 16–10.
SEA – Marshawn Lynch 4-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), Seahawks 17–16.
SF – David Akers 39-yard field goal, 49ers 19–17.
Top passers
SF – Alex Smith – 14/26, 179 yards
SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 15/28, 163 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore – 23 carries, 83 yards, 1 touchdown
SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 21 carries, 107 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
SF – Michael Crabtree – 5 carries, 85 yards
SEA – Golden Tate – 3 catches, 16 yards
Top tacklers
SF – NaVarro Bowman – 7 tackles, 5 assists
SEA – Kam Chancellor – 10 tackles :
With the win, the 49ers improved to 12–3 and swept the Seahawks for the first time since 2006. The 49ers would not win at CenturyLink Field again until 2019.

#### Week 17: at St. Louis Rams

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers | 7 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
| Rams | 7 | 0 | 3 | 17 | 27 |
at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri
* Date: January 1
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST/10:00 am. PST
* Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
* Game attendance: 55,990
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan, & Jaime Maggio
Game information :
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
SF –
STL –
Top rushers
SF –
STL –
Top receivers
SF –
STL –
Top tacklers
SF –
STL – :
With the win, the 49ers finished their season at 13–3 as they swept the Rams for the first time since 2009 and captured the NFC's #2 playoff seed.

### Standings

NFC West :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(2)}$ San Francisco 49ers | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | 380 | 229 | W3 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 312 | 348 | W1 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 6–6 | 321 | 315 | L2 |
| St. Louis Rams | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 0–6 | 1–11 | 193 | 407 | L7 |

## Postseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
| Wild Card | First-round bye | First-round bye | First-round bye | First-round bye | First-round bye | First-round bye |
| Divisional | January 14, 2012 | New Orleans Saints (3) | W 36–32 | 1–0 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| NFC Championship | January 22, 2012 | New York Giants (4) | L 17–20 | 1–1 | Candlestick Park | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. #3 New Orleans Saints

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints | 0 | 14 | 0 | 18 | 32 |
| 49ers | 14 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 36 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: January 14, 2012
* Game time: 1:30 p.m. PST
* Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, & Tony Siragusa
Game information :
First quarter
SF – Vernon Davis 49-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 7–0, Drive: 2 plays, 54 yards, 0:46.
SF – Michael Crabtree 4-yard catch from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 14–0, Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 0:15.
Second quarter
SF – David Akers 21-yard field goal, 49ers 17–0, Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:23.
NO – Jimmy Graham 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 49ers 17–7, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:40.
NO – Marques Colston 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 49ers 17–14, Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:04.
Third quarter
SF – David Akers 41-yard field goal, 49ers 20–14, Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:59.
Fourth quarter
NO – John Kasay 48-yard field goal, 49ers 20–17, Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 0:59.
SF – David Akers 37-yard field goal, 49ers 23–17, Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:02
NO – Darren Sproles 44-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 24–23, Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 3:34.
SF – Alex Smith 28-yard run (2-point conversion failed), 49ers 29–24, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
NO – Jimmy Graham 66-yard pass from Drew Brees (Drew Brees pass to Darren Sproles for two-point conversion), Saints 32–29, Drive: 4 plays, 88 yards, 0:34.
SF – Vernon Davis 14-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 49ers 36–32, Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:28.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 40/63, 462 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
SF – Alex Smith – 24/42, 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
NO – Chris Ivory – 9 carries, 23 yards, 0 touchdowns
SF – Frank Gore – 13 carries, 89 yards, 0 touchdowns
Top receivers
NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 136 yards, 1 touchdown
SF – Vernon Davis – 7 receptions, 180 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers
NO – Malcolm Jenkins – 8 tackles, 0 assists, 1 sack
SF – Dashon Goldson – 11 tackles, 0 assists, 1 interception :
Alex Smith's 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Davis with 9 seconds left gave San Francisco their first playoff win since 2002 at the end of a wild, back and forth final quarter which featured four lead changes in a span of 3:53. Sports writers and 49ers fans have taken to referring Davis' catch as The Catch III, as it occurred four days after the 30th anniversary of The Catch – Joe Montana's famous game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most famous plays in San Francisco 49ers history as it helped propel the 49ers to their first-ever Super Bowl, with both plays occurring with the 49ers trailing with less than a minute to play and facing 3rd down and 3 yards to go. This game was voted the number 1 game of 2011 by NFL.com. (The Catch II refers to Steve Young's game-winning pass to Terrell Owens in the 1998 NFC Wild Card Game against the Green Bay Packers.) With the win, the 49ers improved to 14–3 and faced the New York Giants at Candlestick Park in the NFC Championship Game.

#### NFC Championship: vs. #4 New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Giants | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
| 49ers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
* Date: January 22, 2012
* Game time: 3:30 pm. PST
* Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), rain
* Game attendance: 69,732
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver and Chris Myers
Game information :
First quarter
SF – Vernon Davis 73-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 7:21. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:13
Second quarter
NYG – Bear Pascoe 6-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick). Giants 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:16
NYG – Lawrence Tynes 31-yard field goal, 0:02. Giants 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 1:34
Third quarter
SF – Vernon Davis 28-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 5:18. 49ers 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:30
Fourth quarter
NYG – Mario Manningham 17-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 8:34. Giants 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 2:34
SF – David Akers 25-yard field goal, 5:39. Giants 17–17. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:55
Overtime
NYG – Lawrence Tynes 31-yard field goal, 7:06. Giants 20–17. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 2:26
Top passers
NYG – Eli Manning – 32/58, 316 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
SF – A. Smith – 12/26, 196 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw – 20 Carries, 74 yards, 0 touchdowns
SF – Frank Gore – 16 Carries, 74 yards, 0 touchdowns
Top receivers
NYG – Victor Cruz – 10 Rec, 142 yards, 0 touchdowns
SF – Vernon Davis – 3 Rec, 112 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers
NYG – Chase Blackburn – 7 Tot, 5 Solo
SF – NaVorro Bowman – 13 Tot, 7 Solo :
For the fifth time in conference championship history and for the third time in five years, overtime decided the game, and as it was in the 2007 NFC Championship Game, a field goal by Lawrence Tynes was the winning score as the Giants defeated the 49ers for their fifth NFC Championship Game victory. The Giants became the third team in NFL history to advance to the Super Bowl with fewer than 10 wins during the regular season, joining the 1979 Los Angeles Rams and the 2008 Arizona Cardinals.
With Ted Ginn Jr. injured, Rookie Kyle Williams started at wide receiver and performed punt returns in the NFC Championship Game. He lost two fumbles returning punts, including one in overtime that preceded the game-winning field goal by the Giants. His other fumble in the fourth quarter was followed by a Giants' touchdown to retake the lead, 17–14. QB Alex Smith defended Williams, saying: "Offensively we weren't good enough today. We didn't get it done .... You can't put it on [Williams]". The 49ers did not make a 3rd down conversion until the 4th quarter. The 49ers' season ended with a 14–4 record.

## Team statistics

* Set franchise and NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season (10)
* Fewest rushing touchdowns allowed in the NFL since 1978 (3)
* Most consecutive games not allowing a rushing touchdown since 1970 (15)
* Highest turnover differential in franchise history (+28)
* Set franchise record of not allowing a 100-yard rusher in 36 consecutive games (dating back to 2009)
* NFL record set for most field goals made and attempted in a single season (David Akers, 44 out of 52)