San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 games in franchise history

Candlestick’s Final Game on a Monday Night

Many 49er fans will argue that this game, while meaningful, doesn’t deserve to be this high on the list. However, in addition to the significance of location, the game itself turned out to be quite an exciting contest for fans and the national audience.

The Atlanta Falcons came to Candlestick in Week 16 of the 2013 season on a Monday Night. The Falcons, although sporting a record of 4-10, had memories of their own failed quest when the 49ers beat them in the NFC Championship the previous season to advance to the Super Bowl.

The game would be the final game played at Candlestick Park, with plans for the 49ers to move to newly built Levi’s Stadium to begin the next season. In addition, it was the birthday of head coach Jim Harbaugh. The 49ers had plenty of motivation and reasons to celebrate.

Scoring was limited in the first half and the Falcons took a 10-3 into halftime. The 49ers scored in the third quarter on an Anquan Boldin touchdown reception and Phil Dawson field goal to take a 13-10 lead.

Both teams erupted in the fourth quarter for a total of five touchdowns, one of which QB Matt Ryan might like to have back. With the 49ers leading 27-24, Ryan and his Falcons were driving towards the end zone with little time remaining.

Needing a field goal to tie and send the game into overtime, Ryan threw a slant pass to receiver Harry Douglas that was broken up and right into the hands of a pursuing NaVorro Bowman.

Bowman returned the interception 89 yards to score and seal the win for the 49ers 34-24. The game on the field was exhilarating for fans and the perfect sendoff for a stadium that had seen so many memories of championship teams. The 49ers, with Harbaugh, were in the midst of making their own memories.

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