Christian McCaffrey, center, of the San Francisco 49ers, celebrates his rushing score against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Santa.
Clara, California, during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/AP)(Jed Jacobsohn | Associated Press) Written by AP.
California’s Santa Clara (AP) — In a divisional-round playoff game on Saturday night, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-21 thanks to a touchdown run of 6 yards by Christian McCaffrey, which capped off their first-ever second-half comeback.
The Niners (13-5) needed to come from behind for a change after leading the entire regular season.
Brock Purdy and McCaffrey did just enough on the last drive to advance San Francisco to its third consecutive NFC championship game.
The winner of Tampa Bay vs. Detroit on Sunday will play Brock Purdy Niners the following weekend in hopes of earning a trip to the Super Bowl.
During the game-winning drive, Purdy completed 6 for 7 passes for 47 yards. He then converted a third down to Brandon Aiyuk and a 17-yard pass to Chris Conley.
fter McCaffrey’s touchdown run on third-and-short, the 49ers defense held strong, allowing San Francisco to defeat Green Bay (10-9) for the fifth week in a row. Dre Greenlaw picked off Jordan Love twice.
Love had given the Packers the lead with two touchdown passes in the third quarter, and that final toss over his body was one of his rare errors. However, the conclusion of his first full season starting in Aaron Rodgers’ place was disappointing.
It was an odd position for the Niners to be playing from behind because of Love. Verdant
