The Lions dominated the ball and the scoreboard in what was a stunning first half in San Francisco. They won the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball while rumbling to 148 first-half rushing yards against a strong 49ers defensive front en route to a 24-7 halftime lead. But then the third quarter hit.
The 48ers erupted for a 17-point outburst in the third quarter, thanks to a wild catch and eventual touchdown from Brandon Aiyuk and another from Christian McCaffrey — which came after a brutal Lions fumble. That completely wiped away the Lions' 17-point halftime lead. The 49ers took their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter on a 33-yard field goal, too.
After coming up with a huge stop, Brock Purdy and McCaffrey came up with huge runs to keep the 49ers' drive alive and eventually set up an Elijah Mitchell touchdown. That put them up by 10 points late in the fourth quarter. While Jared Goff led the Lions on one last touchdown drive, it came too late. Their onside kick failed, which sealed the three-point win for the 49ers.
The 49ers will now get the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens earlier on Sunday in the AFC championship game to reach their fourth Super Bowl in the last five seasons.
Follow along as Yahoo Sports provides the latest news, scores and highlights from the NFC championship game.
And the onside kick fails. The 49ers are going to win this one.
Ryan Young
Onside kick incoming for the Lions with the game on the line...
Ryan Young
The Lions got all the way down to 4th and goal at the 3, and Goff found Jameson Williams in the end zone. It's now a 3 point game with 56 seconds left.
Goff to Williams for six. Lions down 3 with 56 seconds to go.
Big stop for the 49ers. Lions go for it on fourth-and-2 from the San Francisco 28. Jared Goff's pass falls incomplete, and San Francisco takes over on downs. A 45-yard field goal would have extended Detroit's lead to three possessions.
Jason Owens
San Francisco gets points, but not a touchdown. Brock Purdy's third-down pass to Jauan Jennings sails, forcing a Jake Moody field goal. This time, Moody converts from 43 yards. Lions lead, 24-10 early in the third.
Jason Owens
The 49ers have the ball to start the first half. They need a touchdown here.
Jason Owens
The Lions dominated the ball and the box score in addition to the first-half scoreboard. Significant stats after 30 minutes of football:
Lions: 148 rushing yards on 7 yards per carry 49ers: 38 rushing yards on 2.9 yards per carry Lions total offense: 280 yards 49ers total offense: 131 yards Lions time of possession: 18:09 49ers time of possession: 11:52
Jason Owens
And that's the half. Detroit leads 24-7 after a dominant first half. This is a stunner.
Jason Owens
The 49ers force fourth-and-goal which amounts to a win at this point for San Francisco. Dan Campbell opts for the chip shot field goal to make it a three-possession game rather than roll the dice. Michael Badgley converts from 21 yards to extend Detroit's lead to 24-7 just before halftime.
Jason Owens
Another big conversion for Detroit. Nick Bosa backed Detroit up with his second sack of Jared Goff, but Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for a conversion on third-and-18.
The Lions just picked up a third-and-12 conversion — on a run play. Jahmyr Gibbs finds the first down on a run off the left edge. Detroit's dominating the line of scrimmage.
Chase Young sets the edge, and the 49ers finally get a win on a run play. Tackles Jahmyr Gibbs for a two-yard loss.
Jason Owens
Detroit's offensive line is bullying San Francisco's defensive front. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are both picking up big chunks.
Jason Owens
San Franciso's offense is out of sorts. Detroit forces a three-and-out after picking off Brock Purdy the previous possession. Lions lead, 21-7 and have the ball with 4:59 remaining in the first half.
Jason Owens
Detroit is loving this. Packed stands at Ford Field to watch a road game:
Jahmyr Gibbs runs it in from 15 yards as the Lions capitalize on the Brock Purdy interception. Lions lead, 21-7, and pressure is mounting on the 49ers.
Jason Owens
49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is back in the game.
Jason Owens
Malcolm Rodriguez picks off Brock Purdy on third down. Bad decision by Purdy under pressure sets up Detroit in 49ers territory. Lions defensive end Joshua Paschal tipped the ball at the line.
Brock Purdy is picked off by Malcolm Rodriguez! #AllGrit
Nick Bosa's first playoff sack since after the 2021 season short circuits a Lions drive. Detroit punts, and the 49ers have the ball back, trailing 14-7.
First quarter's over with Detroit holding a 14-0 lead. 49ers are driving in Lions territory.
Jason Owens
David Montgomery finds the end zone from one yard out, and the Lions are dealing. Strong balance of pass and run on an 11-play, 62-yard drive. 49ers defense is struggling for answers. Detroit leads, 14-0, and another No. 1 seed is in trouble.
Lions are driving again. Into the red zone with a 7-0 lead.
Jason Owens
Rough start for San Francisco. 49ers drive 45 yards on 12 plays after giving up an opening-drive touchdown to the Lions. But Jake Moody's 48-yard field goal attempt sails wide right. 7-0, Lions after a possession for each team.
NO GOOD!
Jake Moody -- who the Niners drafted in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft -- can't knock the 48-yard attempt through. #NFLPlayoffspic.twitter.com/8Lcnj1wOub
Great start for the Lions. Big-play threat Jameson Williams gets the Lions on the board with a 42-yard touchdown run. The speedy second-year receiver isn't a regular producer in Detroit's offense, but is always a threat to score. 7-0, Lions early.
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