• Ben Margot / AP

    San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) celebrates after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the third quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Jan. 14, in San Francisco, Calif.

    San Francisco blows big early lead, but rallies to beat New Orleans 36-32

    AP reports:

    San Francisco, which took advantage of five New Orelans' turnovers, built an early 17-0 lead but had to rally back after the Saints took at 24-23 lead on a Darren Sproles touchdown reception with 4:02 left in the fourth quarter.

    The 49ers will play the winner of Sunday's New York Giants-Green Bay game in the NFC championship on Jan. 22. San Francisco would host the game if New York wins, otherwise the 49ers will have to play at the top-seeded Packers.

    Full story: 49ers win wild one, reach NFC title game

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  • Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

    Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints dives on a quaterback sneak on fourth down in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions during their 2012 NFC Wild Card Playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 7, in New Orleans, La.

    Brees leads New Orleans Saints past Detroit Lions, 45-28

    AP reports:

    "We were pulling out all the stops," Brees said. "We play aggressive. We're not going to apologize for that. That gives guys in the huddle a lot of confidence. We're not going to pull the reins back. It's pedal to the medal."

    Brees hit on 33 of 43 passes while throwing for the most yards in a regulation playoff game. He highlighted his night with three completions of at least 40 yards.

    Full story: Brees, Saints tame Lions in playoff opener

  • Sean Gardner / Reuters

    New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates after his team defeated the Atlanta Flacons in New Orleans, La., Dec. 26. Drew Brees passed for 307 yards while breaking the single-season passing record at 5,087 yards.

    Brees breaks Marino's mark in dramatic fashion

    AP reports:

    It was Brees' final pass of the game and it gave him 5,087 yards passing — with one game still to play. Marino finished with 5,084 yards for the Miami Dolphins in 1984.

    As Sproles spiked the ball, Brees put his arm over his head and started walking toward midfield while the Superdome crowd went wild and his teammates chased him down.

    Read the full story.