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NFL Playoffs: Top 10 Divisional Playoff games in NFL history

By Russell S. Baxter

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 23: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs flashes a peace sign toward outside linebacker Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills as he heads for the end zone to score a touchdown during the 4th quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 23: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs flashes a peace sign toward outside linebacker Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills as he heads for the end zone to score a touchdown during the 4th quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JANUARY 14: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the game winning touchdown against Roman Harper #41 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park on January 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JANUARY 14: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the game winning touchdown against Roman Harper #41 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park on January 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) /

Best divisional round games in NFL history:  9. 49ers 36, Saints 32 (NFC: 2011)

The San Francisco 49ers were under the guidance of Jim Harbaugh, who in his first season as the team’s head coach had guided the club to a 13-3 record and an NFC West title.

It would prove to be an important afternoon for quarterback Alex Smith. The first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft had gone through his share of head coaches, offensive coordinators and injuries before Harbaugh’s arrival in 2011. However, he came up big against the visiting Saints.

San Francisco owned a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter, but New Orleans would rally in a big way. The teams would combine for 34 points in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees connected with versatile Darren Sproles for a 44-yard touchdown and the PAT gave Sean Payton’s club a 24-23 lead with 4:02 to play.

It took the Niners six plays and 80 yards to regain the lead as Smith outfoxed everyone and ran around left end for a 28-yard TD with 2:11 left on the clock.

Back came the Saints as Brees found tight end Jimmy Graham for a 66-yard score and Payton’s club was ahead, 32-29, after a successful two-point conversion. However, Smith would cap a seven-play, 85-yard march with a 14-yard scoring strike to Vernon Davis with nine seconds left on the clock.

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