49ers defeat Lions, return to Super Bowl for 2020 rematch with Chiefs
By Nick Antonakas
The San Francisco 49ers are NFC Champions, defeating the Detroit Lions 34-31. The Niners will face the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl 58 in a Super Bowl 54 rematch.
The Niners path to NFC Championship gold wasn’t easy, as it certainly didn’t look like San Francisco would be making it to the NFL’s biggest game of the year in the first half.
Jameson Williams bursted out of the gates on Detroit’s first drive of the game for a 42-yard touchdown run. The Lions found themselves in front 7-0 just under two minutes into the game.
Ben Johnson’s offensive game plan for the Lions saw Detroit run over the Niners defense throughout the first half…literally. All three of Detroit’s running backs out-rushed 49ers’ star back Christian McCaffery in the first half. The Lions rushers totaled 148 yards and entered the locker room with a convincing 24-7 lead.
The 49ers 17-point deficit would fade quickly with San Francisco scoring 20-straight points to take the 27-24 lead. Faced with a 4th-and-3 on the Niners 30-yard line, Dan Campbell’s trademark bold decision making would bite him as the Lions failed to convert. This turnover on downs would lead the 49ers on a 70-yard drive capped off by a McCaffery touchdown to go up 34-24.
“I just felt really good about us converting and getting our momentum and not letting them play long ball,” Campbell said after surrendering 27 consecutive 49ers points throughout the second half.
Despite the deficit, Detroit would not go down easily. They drove back down the field for a second Williams touchdown to draw themselves within three. Unfortunately for the Lions, their storybook season would end on a failed onside kick, with San Fransisco being crowned NFC champions for the eighth time in franchise history.
With the Niners and Chiefs respective conference championship wins, they have both punched their ticket to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas – the home of the 2024 Super Bowl. The two teams will square off on Sunday, Feb. 11.