 The Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 49 – 3 in their opening playoff game . Favored by only three points , the Giants caught a break when 49ers WR Jerry Rice fumbled an apparent touchdown catch @-@ and @-@ carry off his knee early in the game , then dominated the Niners the rest of the way . Their defense held the 49ers to 29 yards rushing , 184 yards in total offense , and 2 of 14 on third @-@ down conversions . The Giants did not commit a turnover and totalled 216 rushing yards . Jim Burt knocked 49ers quarterback Joe Montana out of the game in the second quarter , hitting him as he threw a pass which Lawrence Taylor intercepted and returned 34 yards for a touchdown . The Giants defense also held the 49ers to only nine first downs , and 15 of 37 passing for zero touchdowns and three interceptions . 
