NFC FIRST LOOK: THE SECOND ROUND

SATURDAY

San Francisco (13-4) at Atlanta (14-2)

Time: 9:30 a.m.

TV: Channel 11

* How they got here: San Francisco earned a wild-card berth and defeated Green Bay, 30-27; Atlanta won the NFC West.

* 1998 meetings: The teams split two games, with the 49ers winning the first, 31-20, and the Falcons winning the second, 31-19. The Falcons ended a five-game losing streak against the 49ers with the victory and moved into first place in the NFC West.

* About San Francisco: The 49ers got a gift from the officials Sunday, but nothing can detract from Terrell Owens’ outstanding touchdown reception to win the game. The 49ers will have to display the same tenacity they had against the Packers to defeat the Falcons.

* About Atlanta: To defeat the 49ers, the Falcons need two things: a big game from running back Jamal Anderson and aggressive play from their defense, which sacked 49er quarterback Steve Young four times and forced two fumbles in Atlanta’s victory over San Francisco.

HOW THEY COMPARE

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CATEGORY SF ATL Scoring offense 29.9 27.6 Scoring defense 20.6 18.1 Rushing offense 159.0 131.3 Passing offense 266.0 211.6 Total offense 425.0 342.9 Rushing defense 100.6 75.2 Passing defense 233.3 220.7 Total defense 333.9 295.9

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