49ers Pull Off Historic Comeback vs. Lions in NFC Championship to Reach Super Bowl

San Francisco is heading to the Super Bowl.

It took an enormous comeback effort, but the San Francisco 49ers are heading to the Super Bowl after a thrilling 34–31 win over the Detroit Lions in the NFC championship.

The Lions got off to a hot start, putting the 49ers’ defense on its back foot early as the combined rushing attack of the Detroit offense took over.

Speedster wide receiver Jameson Williams broke free for a 42-yard rushing touchdown to open the scoring.

After San Francisco missed a field goal on their opening possession, the Lions marched down the field again, this time capping off the drive with a one-yard touchdown rush from David Montgomery.

Gritty score @MontgomerDavid❗️#DETvsSF | NBC | #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/GEjBpgzFq2

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 29, 2024

Detroit would ride its hot start to a 24–7 lead at the half, but the winds would quickly turn in the third quarter.

The 49ers managed a field goal to open the second half, cutting the Lions lead to 24–10. Detroit had the chance to get those three points back on its next drive, but decided to go for it on fourth-and-2 in 49ers’ territory.

Jared Goff hit wide receiver Josh Reynolds in the hands, but he could not come down with the catch.

The 49ers found a miracle a few plays later, with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk coming up with a deep catch off the helmet of his defender.

Aiyuk would score a few plays later.

The Lions fumbled the ball back on their next possession, and the 49ers scored to tie the game.

Suddenly, the 49ers were rolling and the Lions were reeling. San Francisco hit a field goal to take its first lead of the game, and when the Lions had the opportunity to tie the game on another fourth-and-short, coach Dan Campbell again kept his offense on the field.

Passing up a 48-yard field goal, the Lions would fail to convert again.

San Francisco drove the field and suddenly had a 10-point lead, having scored 27 points unanswered.

The Lions would get a touchdown back with a minute to play. But after a failed onside kick, the 49ers were able to secure the win with a first down.

The 17-point comeback win for San Francisco tied the largest in the history of the NFC championship, and now the 49ers have a date with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.