49ers-Cardinals final score: Phil Dawson with two big field goals as San Francisco prepares...

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals by a final score of 23-20. The win nets them the No. 5 seed, and a date with the Green Bay Packers. We break it all down.

It wasn't pretty much of the game, but the San Francisco 49ers figured out a way to win ugly. The 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 23-20, keyed by a pair of clutch Phil Dawson field goals. The win nets the 49ers the No. 5 seed, and a date with the Green Bay Packers next week at Lambeau Field.

The 49ers offense got off to a strong start, taking a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. The defense was strong, and the passing game was making plays. However, things got ugly quickly as the 49ers would not see the end zone the rest of the day. The run game couldn't get going, and the play-calling left something to be desired in the second half. The 49ers defense didn't completely fold, but it grew soft, and the Cardinals climbed back to tie the game at 17.

Fortunately, the 49ers have a huge weapon in Phil Dawson. The 49ers kicker nailed a 56-yard field goal and a 40-yard field goal late to claim the victory. The final game-winner was keyed by a big LaMichael James kick return, and a huge catch by rookie wide receiver Quinton Patton. I'm guessing we see a little more of Patton in the coming week(s).

We'll have plenty more on the game, but now it's time to look ahead to the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers road win over the Chicago Bears netted them the NFC North title, and the No. 4 seed. The 49ers will travel to Lambeau Field next week to begin their journey toward what we all hope ends with Lombardi No. 6.

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