Alex Smith Launches Game-Winning Strike, 49ers Edge Saints
NFL Divisional Playoffs

San Francisco, CA

Alex Smith threw 24-for-42 for 299 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning strike to Vernon Davis in the winding seconds of the game, and the San Francisco 49ers survived the New Orleans Saints, 36-32 Saturday in their NFC divisional playoff showdown at Candlestick Park.

Smith pulled off his best playoff performance in his seven-year NFL career, beating Saints ace quarterback Drew Brees in a wild shootout down the stretch of one of the best playoff games in recent memory.

Brees went 40-for-63 for 462 yards with four touchdowns and put the Saints in a position to win the game after trailing by 17-points early on.

The Saints quarterback launched a 66-yard TD pass to tight end Jimmy Graham, giving his team a 32-29 lead with 01:37 minute left on the clock.

Unfortunately for the Saints, the 49ers came through with a late drive and Smith capped it with a 14-yard pass to Davis with 9 seconds remaining in the game.

After lording on top of the NFC West with a 14-3 record, first-year coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers punched their ticket to the NFC Championship game, where they can either face the New York Giants or the Green Bay Packers.

The Saints finished a milestone season that saw Brees breaking several passing records, including Dan Marino's 27 year-old record for most passing yards in one season (5,476 yards).