All eyes are on Maiocco and Barrows

Brock Purdy is preparing to start his second-ever NFL playoff game. Sunday's Divisional Round matchup between his San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys will only be the rookie quarterback's seventh career NFL start and his eighth game appearance with extended playing time. Purdy took over for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo during Week 13. At the time, the 49ers were riding a four-game win streak. The winning continued with Purdy under center. San Francisco's last loss came on October 23, 2022, and the team has won 11 consecutive games since. Purdy may be a rookie, but he has played with the poise and skill of a savvy veteran. He has done everything asked of him, shedding the "Mr. Irrelevant" label that came with being the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL

Do you smell that? It's playoff football. It's a time to celebrate. For a few more precious hours, every team in the tournament still has life, still has reason to hope. There are no more guaranteed games, but there's football to be played, and right now is the time to exult in it. No matter who you root for, you can imagine your team finding a way to win, a way to keep playing football, and filling your February with excitement and joy. Right now, there's nothing standing between your team and glory except the vagaries of chance and a well-fought effort this weekend, and hopefully the next. And for those of you who aren't rooting for a team that's made it this far, never fear. 7 of the 14 playoff entrants this year didn't make it into the dance last year. The

The San Francisco 49ers are renewing their longtime rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys when the two sides face off on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round, one season after the former defeated the latter in the 2021 NFC Wildcard round. Both teams have strong offenses and defenses, which means that there will be many impactful players on both sides of the ball. But, for now, let's eye in on the X-Factors for each team that could help determine the outcome of the game. 49ers Offense: Brandon Aiyuk Brandon Aiyuk has enjoyed a breakout

The San Francisco 49ers held a light practice on Wednesday. According to tight end George Kittle, you probably couldn't tell by how he and his teammates were flying around. The 49ers are eager to get to Sunday and are doing everything they can to ensure they are sufficiently prepared for their NFC Championship Game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. One more win sets the stage. During the 2019 season, the 49ers just missed their opportunity to earn the franchise's sixth Lombardi trophy. Here they are again, on the doorstep of another chance to redeem that heartbreaking loss. "It's what you dreamt about since you were a kid," Kittle told reporters on Thursday. "You dream about it when you're in high school and college. You dream about it when you're in the