Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers needed a victory to earn a first round bye in the playoffs and they got it. With their 34-27 victory over the St. Louis Rams, the 49ers finish the season with a 13-3 record, their best record since 1997. St. Louis falls to 2-14.
At the end, the game was more exciting than it needed to be. At one point with less than 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the 49ers had a 34-13 lead. That comfortable lead fell apart quickly after two quick Rams touchdowns brought them within a touchdown, but the 49ers were able to hold on for the win.
The victory means that the 49ers will have some time to rest and will not play in their first playoff game, a game that they will host against the strongest survivor of Wildcard Weekend, until the weekend of January 14.
Alex Smith passed for over 3,000 yards for the first time in his career completing 21 of 31 passes for 219 yards. Smith had a passing touchdown to Michael Crabtree and ran for another touchdown. Running back Frank Gore saw limited action as Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon combined for 97 rushing yards.
Due to injuries, the 49ers had receivers Michael Crabtree, who had 92 yards on nine receptions, and Brett Swain as their starters. Tight end Delanie Walker missed the game with a jaw injury and may miss the team's first playoff game as well.
Linebacker Patrick Willis played in his first game since injuring his hamstring on December 4.
The 49ers defense allowed their second rushing touchdown of the season, a run by Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens.
49ers Notebook: George Kittle keeps climbing the record book; Players have mixed excitement over bye week; Trey Lance says hello
By Kirk Larrabee
Oct 28
Sunday night brought a much-needed win for the San Francisco 49ers, who now head into the second half of the season with some momentum after losing four of their previous six games.
For a moment, the game looked like it could possibly turn into the third time this season the...
Back in action: Where the 49ers stand in Week 10 power rankings post-bye
By David Bonilla
11 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers return from their bye week looking to build momentum as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. They enter the matchup on the heels of a hard-fought 30-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, which evened their...
49ers won't make a special teams coaching change during bye week
By David Bonilla
Oct 28
The San Francisco 49ers' special teams unit has struggled for much of the season. During Monday's conference call, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if these struggles might prompt a coaching change on special teams.
Although the question hinted at special teams coordinator...
Fred Warner reveals 49ers' focus heading into the bye week
By David Bonilla
Oct 27
The San Francisco 49ers needed Sunday night's win over the Dallas Cowboys to avoid slipping further below .500 and falling in the NFC West standings. Despite a late-game surge by the Cowboys, the 49ers managed to hold on for a 30-24 victory.
San Francisco hopes this win will...