San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with guard Jon Feliciano (55) and offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after a play against the Detroit Lions during the second half of the NFC Championship game. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Crazy stat makes 49ers’ comeback vs. Lions even more remarkable

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 1/30/24

The San Francisco 49ers' comeback against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game stunned many NFL fans. And as remarkable as it was, it also has a case to be one of the most impressive comebacks in NFL history.

As ESPN's Nick Wagoner highlighted, there have been 114 teams to trail by 17-plus points at halftime of a playoff game. Precisely one of those teams was no longer trailing when the fourth quarter got underway — the 49ers.

How swift and dramatic was the #49ers' comeback on Sunday night?

In NFL history, 114 teams have trailed by 17+ points at halftime of a playoff game. Only one of those teams was no longer trailing entering the fourth quarter:

The Niners on Sunday night
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 29, 2024

It's an impressive stat and an incredible accomplishment by the 49ers, which highlights their upside on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The 49ers had three possessions in the third quarter and scored the game-tying touchdown with 3:02 left, so plenty of time remained before the fourth quarter even began.

The 49ers now face arguably their toughest playoff opponent in Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who have now advanced to the Super Bowl in four of the last five seasons. The Chiefs are seeking their third Super Bowl victory in that span, winning it in 2019 and 2022.

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