DEAL WITH DIXON CLOSE

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 lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Below are several statistics and notes from Sunday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. Christian McCaffrey RB Christian McCaffrey registered 14 carries for 84 yds. and 1 TD to go along with 4 recepts. for 22 yds. He has now registered at least 50 scrimmage yds. and 1 TD in all 4 of his career postseason games. He is the 8th player and 6th RB since 1970 to accomplish the feat in at least each of his first 4 postseason games (RB Marcus Allen, LAA/KC - 7 games, RB Terrell Davis, Den. - 7, RB Curtis Martin, NE/NYJ - 5, WR Randy

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

San Francisco 49ers players looked like they were saying farewell to DeMeco Ryans after the team's 31-7 defeat in the NFC Championship Game. The defensive coordinator is a top candidate for head-coaching jobs. After Sunday's game, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Ryans is expected to become the Houston Texans' next coach, assuming this week's second interview goes well. The fact that Ryans may have coached the 49ers defense for the last time finally hit players in the locker room at Lincoln Financial Field after their season ended. "I hadn't thought about it up to this point because obviously you think you're going to win it all," linebacker Fred