2012 San Francisco 49ers season

{{Main|2012 NFL draft}}

;NOTES

:^{{{note|2012 Trade|[a]}}} The 49ers acquired this fourth-round selection from the Indianapolis Colts along with a 2013 fifth-round selection in exchange for a 2012 third-round selection (#92 overall; used to select WR T. Y. Hilton).

:^{{{note|2012 Trade|[b]}}} The 49ers acquired this fourth-round selection from the Miami Dolphins along with a sixth-round selection (#196 overall) and a 2013 sixth-round selection, in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round selection (#97 overall; used to select RB Lamar Miller).

:^{{{note|2012 Trade|[c]}}} The 49ers acquired the sixth-round selection from the Carolina Panthers along with a 2013 third-round selection in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round selection (#103 overall; used to select DE Frank Alexander).

:^{{{note|2012 Trade|[d]}}} The 49ers acquired this fourth-round selection from the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round selection (#125 overall; used to select LB Ronnell Lewis)and a 2012 sixth-round selection (#196 overall; used to select DB Jonte Green).

{{NFL final staff

|Year=2012

|TeamName=San Francisco 49ers

|BC1=#C8102E

|FC1=white

|BDC1=#B9975B

|Front Office=

• Co-chairman – Denise DeBartolo York
• Co-chairman – John York
• CEO/Owner – Jed York
• President/co-owner – Gideon Yu
• general manager – Trent Baalke
• Director of player personnel – Tom Gamble
• Director of college scouting – Joel Patten
• Director of football administration – Brian Hampton

|Head Coaches=

• Head coach – Jim Harbaugh

|Offensive Coaches=

• Offensive coordinator – Greg Roman
• Quarterbacks – Geep Chryst
• Running backs – Tom Rathman
• Wide receivers – John Morton
• Tight ends – Reggie Davis
• Offensive line – Tim Drevno
• Offensive line – Mike Solari
• Offensive assistant – Michael Christianson
• Offensive assistant – Ejiro Evero
• Offensive assistant – Paul Wulff

|Defensive Coaches=

• Defensive coordinator – Vic Fangio
• Defensive line – Jim Tomsula
• Linebackers – Jim Leavitt
• Secondary – Ed Donatell
• Assistant secondary – Greg Jackson
• Defensive assistant/quality control – Peter Hansen

|Special Teams Coaches=

• Assistant head coach/special teams coordinator – Brad Seely
• Special teams assistant – Tracy Smith

|Strength and Conditioning=

• Head strength and conditioning – Mark Uyeyama
• Assistant strength and conditioning – Kevin Tolbert

}}

{{NFL final roster

|Year=2012

|TeamName=San Francisco 49ers

|BC1=#C80815

|FC1=white

|BDC1=#E6BE8A

|offseason=no

|ufa=no

|rfa=no

|erfa=no

|Active=53

|Inactive=7

|PS=7

|Quarterbacks=

{{NFLplayer| 7|Colin Kaepernick}}

{{NFLplayer|11|Alex Smith}}

{{NFLplayer| 3|Scott Tolzien}}

|Running Backs=

{{NFLplayer|24|Anthony Dixon}}

{{NFLplayer|21|Frank Gore}}

{{NFLplayer|33|Jewel Hampton|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|23|LaMichael James|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|49|Bruce Miller|d=American football|FB}}

|Wide Receivers=

{{NFLplayer|15|Michael Crabtree}}

{{NFLplayer|19|Ted Ginn Jr.|RS}}

{{NFLplayer|17|A. J. Jenkins|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|84|Randy Moss}}

|Tight Ends=

{{NFLplayer|81|Garrett Celek|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|85|Vernon Davis}}

{{NFLplayer|46|Delanie Walker}}

|Offensive Linemen=

{{NFLplayer|75|Alex Boone|G}}

{{NFLplayer|76|Anthony Davis|d=offensive tackle, born 1989|T}}

{{NFLplayer|68|Leonard Davis|G|d=American football}}

{{NFLplayer|59|Jonathan Goodwin|d=American football|C}}

{{NFLplayer|77|Mike Iupati|G}}

{{NFLplayer|67|Daniel Kilgore|d=American football|C}}

{{NFLplayer|66|Joe Looney|d=offensive lineman|rookie=y|G}}

{{NFLplayer|74|Joe Staley|T}}

|Defensive Linemen=

{{NFLplayer|95|Ricky Jean Francois|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|63|Tony Jerod-Eddie|rookie=y|NT}}

{{NFLplayer|91|Ray McDonald|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|90|Isaac Sopoaga|NT}}

{{NFLplayer|94|Justin Smith|d=defensive end|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|92|Will Tukuafu|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|93|Ian Williams|d=American football|NT}}

|Linebackers=

{{NFLplayer|96|Eric Bakhtiari|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|53|NaVorro Bowman|ILB}}

{{NFLplayer|55|Ahmad Brooks|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|56|Tavares Gooden|ILB}}

{{NFLplayer|54|Larry Grant|d=American football|ILB}}

{{NFLplayer|51|Clark Haggans|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|50|Cam Johnson|rookie=y|OLB|d=defensive end}}

{{NFLplayer|99|Aldon Smith|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|57|Michael Wilhoite|ILB}}

{{NFLplayer|52|Patrick Willis|ILB}}

|Defensive Backs=

{{NFLplayer|26|Tramaine Brock|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|25|Tarell Brown|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|20|Perrish Cox|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|29|Chris Culliver|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|38|Dashon Goldson|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|28|Darcel McBath|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|30|Trenton Robinson|rookie=y|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|22|Carlos Rogers|d=American football|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|27|C. J. Spillman|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|31|Donte Whitner|SS}}

|Special Teams=

{{NFLplayer| 2|David Akers|K}}

{{NFLplayer|86|Brian Jennings|LS}}

{{NFLplayer| 4|Andy Lee|d=American football|P}}

|Reserve Lists=

{{NFLplayer|83|Demarcus Dobbs|TE|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|58|Darius Fleming|rookie=y|OLB|PUP}}

{{NFLplayer|98|Parys Haralson|OLB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|32|Kendall Hunter|RB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|45|Brandon Jacobs|RB|Susp.}}

{{NFLplayer|82|Mario Manningham|WR|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|10|Kyle Williams|d=wide receiver|WR|IR}}

|Practice Squad=

{{NFLplayer|92|Lamar Divens|NT}}

{{NFLplayer|18|Ricardo Lockette|WR}}

{{NFLplayer|65|Al Netter|rookie=y|T}}

{{NFLplayer|14|Chad Hall|WR}}

{{NFLplayer|35|Curtis Taylor|d=American football|S}}

{{NFLplayer|36|Michael Thomas|d=defensive back|rookie=y|S}}

{{NFLplayer|69|Kenny Wiggins|G}}

}}

Quarterback Alex Smith missed two starts mid-season after suffering a concussion, and backup Colin Kaepernick successfully filled in. A quarterback controversy began. Smith was ranked third in the NFL in passer rating (104.1), led the league in completion percentage (70%), and had been 19–5–1 as a starter under Harbaugh, while Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength.{{cite news|last=Dodds |first=Eric |title=Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy |date=November 28, 2012 |work=Time |url=https://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130214948/http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/ |archive-date=November 30, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Sando |first=Mike |title=Reaching back for 49ers QB parallels |date=November 27, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031215137/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith |archive-date=October 31, 2012 |url-status=live }} After Smith was fully recovered, Harbaugh chose Kaepernick as the starter for the 8–2–1 49ers, but also stated that the assignment was week-to-week and not necessarily permanent.{{cite news|title=Colin Kaepernick to start for 49ers |date=November 28, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8687095/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-start-qb-st-louis-rams |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201005506/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8687095/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-start-qb-st-louis-rams |archive-date=December 1, 2012 |url-status=live }} However, Kaepernick started the remainder of the season through Super Bowl XLVII. Smith was traded to Kansas City after the season.{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2013/02/27/san-francisco-49ers-quarterback-alex-smith-traded-to-kansas-city-chiefs/1951179/ | title=49ers agree to trade quarterback Alex Smith to Chiefs | first1=Mike | last1=Garafolo | first2=Lindsay H. | last2=Jones | date=February 27, 2013 | work=USA Today | access-date=March 12, 2022}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=3 |V2=13 |V3=7 |V4=7

|Host=Packers

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3= 0|H4=15

|Date=September 9

|Location=Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

|StartTime=4:25 p.m.

|TimeZone=EDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=70,523

|Weather={{convert|72|F|C}}, Partly Cloudy

|Referee=David White

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=4:53 |Team=SF |Event=David Akers 40-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=11:10 |Team= SF|Event=Randy Moss 14-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score=49ers 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:40 |Team=GB |Event=Jermichael Finley 1 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) |Score= 49ers 10–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=:55 |Team=SF |Event= David Akers 44-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 13–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= :00|Team=SF |Event=David Akers 63-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 16–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 8:16|Team=SF |Event=Vernon Davis 4-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 23–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:16 |Team=GB |Event=Randall Cobb 75-yard punt return (Jordy Nelson pass from Aaron Rodgers) |Score= 49ers 23–15}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:41 |Team=SF |Event=Frank Gore 23-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 30–15}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:05 |Team=GB |Event=James Jones 10-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) |Score=49ers 30–22 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The 49ers prove they are a force to be reckoned with in the NFL as they beat the Packers 30–22. This is the 49ers first win at Lambeau Field since 1990. With the win, the 49ers started their season 1–0.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Lions

|V1=6 |V2=0 |V3=3 |V4=10

|Host=49ers

|H1=7 |H2= 7|H3=3 |H4=10

|Date=September 16

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=5:20 p.m.

|TimeZone=PDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|59|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Matt Nicks

|TVAnnouncers=Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya

|TVStation=NBC

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry= yes|Quarter= 1|Time= 12:25|Team=SF |Event=Vernon Davis 21-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=7:47 |Team=DET |Event=Jason Hanson 38-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=6:43 |Team=DET |Event= Jason Hanson 41-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 7–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:57 |Team=SF |Event= Frank Gore 1 yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 14–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:42 |Team=SF |Event= David Akers 36-yard field goal |Score=49ers 17–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:40 |Team=DET |Event=Jason Hanson 40-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 17–9}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:42 |Team=SF|Event= David Akers 48-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 20–9}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:16 |Team=DET |Event=Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 20–12}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=3:04 |Team= SF|Event=Vernon Davis 23-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 27–12}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:29 |Team=DET |Event=Brandon Pettigrew 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick) |Score= 49ers 27–19|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With the win, the 49ers improved to 2–0.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=10 |V4=0

|Host=Vikings

|H1=7 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=7

|Date=September 23

|Location=Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=57,288

|Weather=indoors (dome)

|Referee=Ken Roan

|TVAnnouncers=Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:20 |Team=MIN |Event=Kyle Rudolph 1 yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick) |Score= Vikings 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:13 |Team=SF |Event=David Akers 29-yard field goal |Score= Vikings 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 5:29|Team= MIN|Event=Christian Ponder 23-yard run (Blair Walsh kick) |Score= Vikings 14–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= :00|Team= MIN|Event=Blair Walsh 52-yard field goal |Score=Vikings 17–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 12:46|Team=SF |Event= David Akers 29-yard field goal |Score= Vikings 17–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:17 |Team=SF |Event= Vernon Davis 1 yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= Vikings 17–13}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:17 |Team= MIN|Event= Kyle Rudolph 2-yard pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh kick) |Score= Vikings 24–13 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–1 and into a tie with the Seahawks in 2nd place in the NFC West behind the 3–0 Cardinals.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=0 |V2=10 |V3=7 |V4=17

|Host=Jets

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=September 30

|Location=MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=79,088

|Weather={{convert|67|F|C}}, Partly Cloudy

|Referee=Tony Corrente

|TVAnnouncers=Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 2|Time= 13:37|Team=SF |Event= Colin Kaepernick 7-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= :00|Team=SF |Event= David Akers 36-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:49 |Team=SF |Event= Frank Gore 2-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 17–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 14:46|Team=SF |Event=Carlos Rogers 51-yard fumble return (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 24–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 8:23|Team= SF|Event=David Akers 40-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 27–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 6:03|Team=SF |Event=Kendall Hunter 1 yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 34–0|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After a tough road loss, the Niners continued on the road to face the Jets. The team would improve to 3–1 as they handed the Jets their 2nd shutout home loss in 2 years.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Bills

|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=49ers

|H1= 3|H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=21

|Date=October 7

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=4:25 p.m.

|TimeZone=EDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|68|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Jerome Boger

|TVAnnouncers=Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:25 |Team= SF|Event=David Akers 19-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 10:46|Team= BUF|Event=Rian Lindell 31-yard field goal |Score=Tie 3–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:54 |Team= SF|Event=Kyle Williams 43-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 10–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=:24 |Team=SF |Event= Michael Crabtree 28-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 17–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 9:06|Team= SF|Event=Frank Gore 1 yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 24–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 14:12|Team= SF|Event= Mario Manningham 10-yard pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 31–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:55 |Team= SF|Event=Colin Kaepernick 16-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 38–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 1:11|Team=SF|Event= Anthony Dixon 3-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 45–3|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With the huge win, the 49ers improved to 4–1. 2–0 against the AFC East.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Giants

|V1= 0|V2= 10|V3= 13|V4=3

|Host=49ers

|H1= 3|H2= 0|H3= 0|H4=0

|Date=October 14

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=4:25 p.m.

|TimeZone=EDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|66|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=John Parry

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=2:00 |Team=SF |Event=David Akers 42-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 10:04|Team=NYG |Event=Victor Cruz 6-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick) |Score= Giants 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 2:56|Team= NYG|Event=Lawrence Tynes 34-yard field goal |Score= Giants 10–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 11:48|Team=NYG |Event=Ahmad Bradshaw 1 yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick) |Score= Giants 17–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:51 |Team= NYG|Event=Lawrence Tynes 30-yard field goal |Score= Giants 20–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:10 |Team= NYG|Event=Lawrence Tynes 22-yard field goal |Score= Giants 23–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:56 |Team= NYG|Event=Lawrence Tynes 32-yard field goal |Score= Giants 26–3|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With the huge loss, the 49ers fell to 4–2.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Seahawks

|V1= 3|V2= 3|V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=49ers

|H1= 3|H2=0 |H3= 7|H4=3

|Date=October 18

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather={{convert|80|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Walt Anderson

|TVAnnouncers=Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock, and Alex Flanagan

|TVStation=NFLN

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With the win, the 49ers improved to 5–2.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=7 |V2= 10|V3=7 |V4=0

|Host=Cardinals

|H1=0 |H2= 0|H3= 3|H4=0

|Date=October 29

|Location=University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=62,810

|Weather={{convert|90|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Bill Leavy

|TVAnnouncers=Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, and Lisa Salters

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Alex Smith completed 18-of-19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in a 24–3 Monday night win over Arizona. With the win, the 49ers went into their bye week at 6–2.

{{cite news|title=Colin Kaepernick on first team |date=November 21, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8661168/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-take-first-team-reps-practice-according-alex-smith |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122105519/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8661168/colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers-take-first-team-reps-practice-according-alex-smith |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Rams

|V1=14 |V2=0 |V3= 3|V4=7 |VOT=0

|Host=49ers

|H1= 0|H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=17 |HOT=0

|Date=November 11

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|59|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Clete Blakeman

|TVAnnouncers=Chris Myers, Tim Ryan, and Jaime Maggio

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Smith suffered a concussion in the second quarter, throwing a touchdown with blurred vision before exiting the game. He was replaced by Colin Kaepernick, and the game ended in a 24–24 tie.

With the tie game, the Niners' season stood at 6–2–1. This would also be the first NFL tie game since 2008 when the Bengals and Eagles played to a 13-point tie. This is also the first tie game between both the Rams and Niners since a 20–20 tie game in 1968.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Bears

|V1= 0|V2= 0|V3= 7|V4=0

|Host=49ers

|H1=10 |H2=10 |H3= 7|H4=5

|Date=November 19

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|61|F|C}}, Cloudy

|Referee=Tony Corrente

|TVAnnouncers=Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, and Lisa Salters

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Kaepernick started his first NFL game with Smith out with a concussion from the previous week. Kaepernick completed 16 of 23 for 246 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 32–7 win against a strong Bears defense. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke highly of Kaepernick's performance after the game, leaving open the possibility of Kaepernick continuing to start. "Usually tend to go with the guy who's got the hot hand, and we've got two quarterbacks that have got a hot hand," Harbaugh said.{{cite news|last=Samano |first=Simon |title=Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick? 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't say after win over Bears |date=November 20, 2012 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/20/49ers-qb-controversy-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith/1716261/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122112027/http://usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/11/20/49ers-qb-controversy-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith/1716261/ |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |url-status=live }} He dismissed any rule that a player should not lose their starting job due to an injury.{{cite news|title=Harbaugh: 49ers will start 'hot hand' |date=November 21, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8654960/jim-harbaugh-says-san-francisco-49ers-starting-quarterback-determined-hot-hand-alex-smith-colin-kaepernick |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121211731/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8654960/jim-harbaugh-says-san-francisco-49ers-starting-quarterback-determined-hot-hand-alex-smith-colin-kaepernick |archive-date=November 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Bell |first=Jarrett |title=Jim Harbaugh is playing with fire by inviting quarterback controversy |date=November 20, 2012 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/20/49ers-jim-harbaugh-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith-jarrett-bell/1718007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123114415/http://usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/20/49ers-jim-harbaugh-colin-kaepernick-alex-smith-jarrett-bell/1718007/ |archive-date=November 23, 2012 |url-status=live }} With the win, the 49ers improved to 7–2–1.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1= 7|V2=7 |V3=14 |V4=3

|Host=Saints

|H1= 7|H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=0

|Date=November 25

|Location=Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=73,147

|Weather=indoors (dome)

|Referee=John Parry

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Smith was cleared to play the day before the game, but Harbaugh chose not to rush him back and again started Kaepernick. In a rematch of the 2011 playoffs against New Orleans, the 49ers won 31–21 with Kaepernick throwing for a touchdown and running for another. The 49ers defense also returned two Drew Brees interceptions for touchdowns. With the win, the Niners improved to 8–2–1 and also to 2–0 under Kaepernick as a starter.{{cite news|last=Sando |first=Mike |title=Victory trumps QB confusion for 49ers |date=November 26, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82689/victory-trumps-qb-confusion-for-49ers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126134925/http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/82689/victory-trumps-qb-confusion-for-49ers |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Klemko |first=Robert |title=Kaepernick doesn't disappoint as 49ers defeat Saints |date=November 26, 2012 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/25/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-new-orleans-saints/1726119/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126171234/http://usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/25/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-new-orleans-saints/1726119/ |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=7|V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=6 |VOT=0

|Host=Rams

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=2 |H4=11 |HOT=3

|Date=December 2

|Location=Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=57,279

|Weather=indoors (dome)

|Referee=Carl Cheffers

|TVAnnouncers=Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With their loss to the Rams, the 49ers fell to 8–3–1 on the season. Kaepernick's record as a starter dropped to 2–1.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Dolphins

|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3= 3|V4=7

|Host=49ers

|H1= 0|H2=6 |H3= 7|H4=14

|Date=December 9

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|63|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Mike Carey

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With the win the 49ers improved to 9–3–1 giving them their 2nd straight winning season and moving to 3–0 against the AFC East. Also Kaepernick's starting record improved to 3–1.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=7 |V2=10 |V3=14 |V4=10

|Host=Patriots

|H1= 0|H2=3 |H3= 7|H4=24

|Date=December 16

|Location=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|StartTime=8:20 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=68,756

|Weather={{convert|34|F|C}}, Rain

|Referee=Ed Hochuli

|TVAnnouncers=Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya

|TVStation=NBC

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The 49ers held on to win despite a furious Patriots rally where they erased a 31–3 San Francisco lead to tie the game. With the win the 49ers improved to 10–3–1 and became the only team in the NFC West to defeat all 4 AFC East teams. Kaepernick's starting record also improved to 4–1.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=0 |V2= 6|V3=0 |V4=7

|Host=Seahawks

|H1= 14|H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=7

|Date=December 23

|Location=CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

|StartTime=8:20 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=68,161

|Weather={{convert|45|F|C}}, Rain

|Referee=Bill Vinovich

|TVAnnouncers=Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya

|TVStation=NBC

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The game was originally scheduled for 1:25 PM PST, but was flexed to the Sunday night slot, thus denying Fox a chance to air a game between the 49ers and Seahawks in 2012 as the game in Candlestick Park was played on a Thursday night.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Cardinals

|V1= 3|V2=3 |V3=0|V4=7

|Host=49ers

|H1= 0|H2=7 |H3=10 |H4=10

|Date=December 30

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=4:25 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|55|F|C}}, Sunny

|Referee=Pete Morelli

|TVAnnouncers=Gus Johnson, Charles Davis, and Kristina Pink

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The Niners returned home for a Week 17 rematch against the Cardinals. Needing a win to capture the NFC West crown, the team would be down 3–0 after the first quarter. Up 7–6 at halftime, the Niners outscored the Cardinals 20–7 in the second half to win the game 27–13 and finished the season with their 2nd straight division title and the NFC's #2 seed with a record of 11–4–1 while going 5–2 under Kaepernick as a starter.

{{Clear}}

{{2012 NFC West standings}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2012–13 NFL playoffs}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Packers

|V1=14 |V2=7 |V3= 3|V4=7

|Host=49ers

|H1=7 |H2= 17|H3=7 |H4=14

|Date=January 12

|Location=Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

|StartTime=8:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=69,732

|Weather={{convert|45|F}} (Cloudy)

|Referee=Jerome Boger

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, and Erin Andrews

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:48 |Team= GB|Event=Sam Shields 52-yard interception return (Mason Crosby kick) |Score= Packers 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=9:01 |Team= SF|Event=Colin Kaepernick 20-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score=Tie 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=:29 |Team= GB|Event=DuJuan Harris 18-yard run (Mason Crosby kick) |Score= Packers 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time= 10:59|Team= SF|Event=Michael Crabtree 12-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers kick) |Score= Tie 14–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:26 |Team= SF|Event=Michael Crabtree 20-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 21–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=2:33 |Team= GB|Event= James Jones 20-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) |Score= Tie 21–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=:00 |Team= SF|Event= David Akers 36-yard field goal |Score= 49ers 24–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time=8:25 |Team=GB |Event=Mason Crosby 31-yard field goal |Score= Tie 24–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time=7:07 |Team= SF|Event=Colin Kaepernick 56-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 31–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:57 |Team= SF|Event=Frank Gore 2-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 38–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time= 3:34|Team= SF|Event=Anthony Dixon 2-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score=49ers 45–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=:57 |Team= GB|Event= Greg Jennings 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) |Score= 49ers 45–31|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In his first career playoff game, 25-year-old 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns, setting both the NFL single-game record for rushing yards by a quarterback as well as the 49ers postseason record for rushing, regardless of position.{{cite news|last=Inman|first=Cam|title=Putting Kaepernick's rushing performance in franchise, league perspective|date=January 12, 2013|newspaper=San Jose Mercury News|url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2013/01/12/putting-kaepernicks-rushing-performance-in-franchise-league-perspective/|access-date=January 14, 2013}} He also passed for 263 yards and two scores. Overall, San Francisco racked up 579 yards, including a franchise record 323 rushing yards, and scored a touchdown in every quarter to earn their second consecutive trip to the NFC championship game.{{cite news|title=Colin Kaepernick sets QB rushing mark as Niners oust Packers|date=January 12, 2013|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=330112025|access-date=January 14, 2013}}

However, Kaepernick didn't get off to a good start. Less than two minutes into the game, he threw a pass that was intercepted by Sam Shields and returned 52 yards for a touchdown. But he quickly rallied his team back, completing a 45-yard pass to running back Frank Gore before taking the ball into the end zone himself on a 20-yard run. Later in the period, Green Bay took a 14–7 lead with Aaron Rodgers' 44-yard completion to James Jones setting up an 18-yard touchdown run by DuJuan Harris. The Packers then forced a punt, but returner Jeremy Ross muffed the kick and C. J. Spillman recovered it for San Francisco on the Packers 9-yard line. Two plays later, Kaepernick tied the score at 14 with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree. Then defensive back Tarell Brown intercepted a pass from Rodgers, setting up Kaepernick's second touchdown pass to Crabtree, this one from 20 yards out.

With 2:39 left in the half, Rodgers' 20-yard touchdown pass to Jones tied the score at 21. But on the 49ers next drive, a pair of runs by Kaepernick for gains of 19 and 17 yards enabled David Akers to kick a 36-yard field goal, sending the teams into their lockers rooms with San Francisco leading 24–21.

In the third quarter, Green Bay drove 76 yards in 9 plays, featuring a 30-yard reception by Greg Jennings and scored a Mason Crosby field goal. But the tie turned out to be short lived. On the third play of their next drive, Kaepernick faked a handoff, rolled right, and took off for a career long 56-yard touchdown run, retaking the lead at 31–24. Then after a punt, he completed a 44-yard pass to tight end Vernon Davis, setting up Gore's 2-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Following another punt, Kaepernick led the 49ers back for more points, this time on a 93-yard drive. First he ran for a 16-yard gain, and later he completed a 17-yard throw to tight end Delanie Walker. On the next play, Gore's 26-yard burst moved the ball to the Packers 27-yard line. Anthony Dixon eventually finished the 11-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, making the score 45–24.

With under a minute left, Rodgers threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jennings. But any hope of a miracle comeback was dashed when Walker recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt.

Crabtree was the top receiver of the game, with 9 catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Gore rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown, while also catching two passes for 48 yards. Linebacker Patrick Willis had 7 tackles and a sack. Rodgers finished 26/39 for 257 yards and two touchdowns, with 1 interception, while also rushing for 28 yards. Kaepernick finished the game responsible for more yards gained (444) than the entire Packers team (352). 49ers move to the NFC Championship Game to the Falcons and win 28-24. But then lost to the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII 34-31.

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=0 |V2=14 |V3= 7|V4=7

|Host=Falcons

|H1= 10|H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=January 20

|Location=Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

|StartTime=3:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather=indoors (dome)

|Referee=Terry McAulay

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver

|TVStation=Fox

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 1|Time= 11:24|Team= ATL|Event=Julio Jones 11-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick) |Score= Falcons 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= 3:20|Team= ATL|Event=Matt Bryant 35-yard field goal |Score= Falcons 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 14:54|Team=ATL |Event=Julio Jones 20-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick) |Score= Falcons 17–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=8:08 |Team=SF|Event=LaMichael James 15-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= Falcons 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:55 |Team=SF |Event=Vernon Davis 4-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers kick) |Score= Falcons 17–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=:25 |Team=ATL |Event=Tony Gonzalez 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick) |Score= Falcons 24–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time=10:47 |Team=SF |Event= Frank Gore 5-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= Falcons 24–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 8:23|Team=SF |Event=Frank Gore 9-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= 49ers 28–24|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

San Francisco overcame a 17-point deficit, the largest comeback ever in an NFC championship game, to earn their sixth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

Atlanta dominated the first quarter, mainly on plays by receiver Julio Jones, who caught 5 passes in it for 100 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown catch on their opening drive, and a 27-yard reception on their next drive to set up a Matt Bryant field goal. Following a punt, Matt Ryan hit Roddy White for a 23-yard gain on the last play of the first quarter. Then he threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jones on the first play of the second, giving the Falcons a 17–0 lead.

This time San Francisco struck back with an 80-yard scoring drive, with Frank Gore rushing for 20 yards and Vernon Davis catching a pass for 27. LaMichael James finished the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run. Then after forcing a three-and-out, Colin Kaepernick rushed for 23 yards and completed three passes to Davis for 48 yards, the last a 4-yard touchdown pass to make the score 17–14. But Atlanta stormed back as Ryan completed five passes for double-digit gains on their next drive, the last one a 10-yard score to tight end Tony Gonzalez with 25 seconds left in the half.

The 49ers took the opening kickoff and drove 82 yards, with Kaepernick completing two passes to Randy Moss for 38 yards and one to tight end Delanie Walker for 20. Gore completed the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, cutting their deficit to 24–21. On Atlanta's ensuing possession, defensive back Chris Culliver gave San Francisco a great chance to tie or take the lead by intercepting a pass from Ryan and returning it to the Falcons 25-yard line. But San Francisco failed to gain a first down and came up empty when David Akers hit the uprights on a 38-yard field goal try. Later on, the 49ers got another scoring opportunity when defensive lineman Aldon Smith recovered a fumble from Ryan on his own 40-yard line. They subsequently drove deep into Falcons territory, but once again they failed to score when defensive back Dunta Robinson stripped the ball from Michael Crabtree on the 1-yard line as he was trying to get in for the go-ahead score, and linebacker Stephen Nichols recovered it.

With 12 minutes left in regulation, Ted Ginn Jr.'s 20-yard punt return gave San Francisco the ball on the Falcons 38-yard line. Five plays later, Gore scored his second touchdown on a 9-yard run, giving the 49ers their first lead of the game at 28–24. Atlanta responded with a drive to the 49ers 13-yard line, but consecutive incompletions on third and fourth down caused a turnover on downs with just 1:13 left in the game.

Atlanta managed to force a punt and get the ball with 13 seconds to go. Ryan completed a pass to Jones on the final play, but he was tackled at the 49ers 35-yard line as time expired.

Kaepernick finished 16/21 for 233 yards and a touchdown, along with 21 rushing yards. Davis caught 5 passes for 106 yards and a score. Gore rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan completed 30 of 42 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. Jones caught 11 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while White had 7 receptions for 100 yards. Gonzalez caught 8 passes for 78 yards and a score. 49ers went on to Super Bowl XLVII but lost to the Ravens 34-31.

{{main|Super Bowl XLVII}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Ravens

|V1=7 |V2=14 |V3=7 |V4=6

|Host=49ers

|H1=3 |H2= 3|H3= 17|H4=8

|Date=February 3

|Location=Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

|StartTime=6:30 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather=indoors (dome)

|Referee=Jerome Boger

|TVAnnouncers=Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Solomon Wilcots, and Steve Tasker

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry= yes|Quarter=1 |Time= 10:36|Team=BAL |Event=Anquan Boldin 13-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick) |Score= Ravens 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= 3:58|Team=SF |Event=David Akers 36-yard field goal |Score= Ravens 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time=7:10 |Team= BAL|Event=Dennis Pitta 1 yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick) |Score= Ravens 14–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time=1:45 |Team= BAL|Event=Jacoby Jones 56-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick) |Score= Ravens 21–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time=:00 |Team= SF|Event=David Akers 27-yard field goal |Score= Ravens 21–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time= 14:49|Team=BAL |Event=Jacoby Jones 108-yard kickoff return (Justin Tucker kick) |Score= Ravens 28–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time= 7:20|Team=SF |Event= Michael Crabtree 31-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers kick) |Score= Ravens 28–13}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time=4:59 |Team=SF |Event= Frank Gore 6-yard run (David Akers kick) |Score= Ravens 28–20}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time= 3:10|Team=SF |Event= David Akers 34-yard field goal |Score= Ravens 28–23}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=12:54 |Team=BAL |Event= Justin Tucker 19-yard field goal |Score= Ravens 31–23}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=9:57 |Team= SF|Event=Colin Kaepernick 15-yard run (pass failed) |Score= Ravens 31–29}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=4:19 |Team= BAL|Event=Justin Tucker 38-yard field goal |Score= Ravens 34–29}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=:04 |Team= SF|Event= Safety, Sam Koch ran out of end zone |Score= Ravens 34–31|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In what seemed like it would be a blowout win for the Ravens, the Niners rallied in the 2nd half. With the Ravens leading 28–6, Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff for a touchdown at the start of the 2nd half. For a period, the 49ers outscored the Ravens 25–6, and had a chance to take the lead late in the game. However, the Ravens defense was strong, stopping the 49ers offense at the 4-yard line and forcing a turnover on downs. This marked the first time ever in franchise history the Niners had lost a Super Bowl as their overall record dropped to 13–5–1 on the season and 2–1 in the postseason. The loss made their Super Bowl record 5–1. This game is known as "The Harbowl", as it was the first time in Super Bowl history two brothers faced off against each other as coaches. Additionally, it was the first Super Bowl since Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003 to not feature Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, or Peyton Manning. This tradition would hold until Super Bowl LIV, which ironically also featured the 49ers.

49ers stellar night come to an end and in 2013 bounded the Packers and Panthers in the playoffs but lost in the NFC Championship Game to the Seahawks 23-17.

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2012.htm | title=2012 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}

{{San Francisco 49ers}}

{{San Francisco 49ers seasons}}

{{2012 NFL season by team}}

San Francisco

Category:San Francisco 49ers seasons

Category:NFC West championship seasons

Category:National Football Conference championship seasons

San

Category:2012 in San Francisco