The 49ers' unexpected journey continues into the NFC Championship Game.And they will not have to board a plane to get there.The 49ers will play host to the New York Giants on Sunday at Candlestick Park at 3:30 p.m. with a trip to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis going to the winner.It will be the 49ers' first appearance in the NFC title game in 14 years.
The 49ers advanced to the NFC Championship Game with an 36-32 victory Saturday over the New Orleans Saints. The lead changed hands four times in the final four minutes. Quarterback Alex Smith hit tight end Vernon Davis with a 14-yard touchdown pass with :09 remaining for the winning points.The Giants, the fourth seed in the NFC playoffs, earned the right to face the 49ers with a 37-20 victory over the top-seeded Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Giants won the NFC East with a 9-7 record.The 49ers defeated the Giants 27-20 at Candlestick Park on Nov. 13. Defensive lineman Justin Smith batted down an Eli Manning fourth-down pass in the closing minute to preserve the 49ers' victory.The 49ers are 5-7 all-time in NFC Championship games. Their last appearance this deep in the playoffs was Jan. 11, 1998. The Packers defeated the 49ers 23-10 in the NFC title game to end Steve Mariucci's first season as coach.49ers results in NFC Championship games
(Year refers to the season)
1997: vs. Green Bay, L, 23-10
1994: vs. Dallas, W, 38-28
1993: at Dallas, L, 38-21
1992: vs. Dallas, L, 30-20
1990: vs. N.Y. Giants, L, 15-13
1989: vs. L.A. Rams, W, 30-3
1988: at Chicago, W, 28-3
1984: vs. Chicago, W, 23-0
1983: at Washington, L, 24-21
1981: vs. Dallas, W, 28-27
1971: at Dallas, L, 14-3
1970: vs. Dallas, L, 17-10
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