Drew Brees passed for multiple touchdowns but could not avoid a loss for the Saints against the 49ers, 36-32 in San Francisco. With the loss, New Orleans is eliminated from the playoffs.
Brees had an outstanding game, scoring four touchdowns on 40 of 63 passing for 462 yards and two picks. Alex Smith gave the 49ers a big boost, and ended up going 24 of 42 with 299 yards through the air, four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) and one fumble.
Darren Sproles was a standout player for the Saints, rushing for three yards on three attempts in addition to 15 receptions for 119 yards and a score with one fumble. In the fourth quarter, he broke free for a 44-yard score. Jimmy Graham was a top performer, snagging five balls for 103 yards with two scores.
The New Orleans defense allowed 143 yards rushing and 264 passing. They tormented Smith with four sacks.
49ers tight end Vernon Davis had a big game, putting up 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Running back Frank Gore also had a good game with 89 rushing yards and 38 receiving.
| Saints Passing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | Comp | Att | Yds | TDs | Int |
| A+ | 100 | D. Brees | 40 | 63 | 435 | 4 | 2 |
| 49ers Passing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | Comp | Att | Yds | TDs | Int |
| A+ | 100 | A. Smith | 24 | 42 | 264 | 3 | 0 |
| Saints Rushing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Att | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| D+ | 69 | C. Ivory | RB | 9 | 23 | 2.6 | 0 |
| - | - | P. Thomas | RB | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 |
| A+ | 100 | D. Brees | QB | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 |
| 49ers Rushing Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Att | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| A+ | 100 | F. Gore | RB | 13 | 89 | 6.8 | 0 |
| A+ | 100 | A. Smith | QB | 1 | 28 | 28.0 | 1 |
| C | 73 | K. Hunter | RB | 6 | 23 | 3.8 | 0 |
| Saints Receiving Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Rec | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| A+ | 100 | M. Colston | WR | 9 | 136 | 15.1 | 1 |
| A | 96 | D. Sproles | RB | 15 | 119 | 7.9 | 1 |
| A+ | 100 | J. Graham | TE | 5 | 103 | 20.6 | 2 |
| 49ers Receiving Leaders |
|---|
| Grade | Name | P | Rec | Yds | YdsA | TDs |
| A+ | 100 | V. Davis | TE | 7 | 180 | 25.7 | 2 |
| A+ | 100 | F. Gore | RB | 7 | 38 | 5.4 | 0 |
| C | 76 | M. Crabtree | WR | 4 | 25 | 6.3 | 1 |
