Golden Nuggets: Figuring Out The Next Opponent

Back for another morning of the Nuggets. Completely unrelated to the 49ers, but for San Francisco or greater Bay Area residents who check out Niners Nation, I cannot recommend Paxti's in Hayes Valley strongly enough. I had a chance to eat there last night and their Chicago-style deep dish pizza is other-worldly. I'm sure folks from Chicago will have something to say, but for San Francisco it's really good.

On a more pertinent note, today is the start of the 2012 NFL Playoffs. At 1:30, the Bengals and Texans get under way. For 49ers fans, the more pertinent matchup is at 5:00 on NBC when the Saints and Lions get going. If the Saints win, the 49ers get them next week. If the Saints lose, the 49ers get the winner of the Giants-Falcons game. Nothing too complicated there.

Five San Francisco 49ers named First Team All-Pro (Bay Area Sports Guy)

Justin Smith’s case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year (Bay Area Sports Guy)

Is the lack of playoff experience a concern for the 49ers? (Sam Lam)

49ers LB Patrick Willis on playoffs: "We’ve worked too hard to just go home." (Sam Lam)

Playoff-experienced 49ers LB Tavares Gooden provides Harbaugh with advice (Sam Lam)

49ers LB NaVorro Bowman reflects on being named to AP All-Pro team (Sam Lam)

Harbaugh: 'We're feeling good about the week' (Maiocco)

Walker's playoffs in doubt (Maiocco)

Alex Smith has a new view this season -- literally (Maiocco)

Greg Roman isn't leaving ... for now (Barrows)

Jed York on KNBR (49ers.com)

Brian Jennings on KNBR (49ers.com)

Carlos Rogers on KNBR (49ers.com)

Bailey Talks ‘Who’s Got it Better’ (49ers.com)

Live Chat with Donte Whitner (49ers.com)

49ers gear up to watch lots of playoff football (Yahoo! Sports)

Bowman relishes All-Pro nod; Walker’s jaw still wired but recovering; Justin Smith deflects praise; Harbaugh on honey badger (SJ Mercury News)

Five first-team All-Pros? It’s 1972 all over again (Branch)

Quietly, Baalke turns 49ers into playoff contender (Press Democrat)

49ers Struck Gold With Rookie Class (NBC Bay Area)

More Whitner (Press Democrat)

Top rookie: 49ers' Smith vs. Cards' Peterson (Sando)

Willis ready to rock (Press Democrat)

Yesterday on Niners Nation

Golden Nuggets: Learning About Jim Harbaugh Through The Players | Fooch
2012 NFL Playoffs: Dealing With Playoff Experience | Fooch
2012 NFL Playoffs: A Preliminary Look At The New York Giants | Fooch
The 49ers Special Teams Unit Is Delightfully Quirky | Fooch
Caption This: Brandon Lloyd | howtheyscored
2011 NFL All-Pro Team: 49ers Lead The League In Selections | Fooch
49ers Injury Report: Ray McDonald Rehabs Hamstring Injury | Fooch
Wild Card Weekend NFL Picks: Chalk On Saturday, Upsets On Sunday | Fooch

Being a Sheep

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