For the first time since 1978, Joe Montana was not on their active roster; specifically, the 49ers had traded him away to the Kansas City Chiefs in April.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve The 49ers' NFC West division championship and 10–6 regular-season record earned them the #2 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The Dallas Cowboys, winners of the NFC East with a 12–4 regular-season record, had the #1 seed and a first-round bye of their own.
The 49ers handed the Giants their worst playoff loss in their history, eclipsing their 37–0 loss to the Green Bay Packers in 1961. at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas For the second year in a row, the 49ers met the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game.
The 49ers kept it close in the 2nd quarter, as Steve Young tossed a touchdown pass to Tom Rathman to tie the game at 7.