Green Bay sent packing, as late blitz sends 49ers to NFC title game

The San Francisco 49ers overturned a fourth-quarter deficit to beat an inspired Green Bay squad 24-21 in the NFL playoffs on Saturday, returning to the NFC Championship game for the third straight season.

The top-seeded 49ers were staring at defeat to the seventh-seeded Packers until quarterback Brock Purdy led a 69-yard drive that culminated in Christian McCaffrey's game-winning touchdown with just over a minute remaining.

The Packers, who had upset the Dallas Cowboys in the first round, were left to rue two crucial errors — a missed 41-yard field goal attempt from Anders Carlsen in the fourth quarter and an interception thrown by Jordan Love on their final possession.

Purdy saved his best for last as the 49ers ended Green Bay's dreams, with the quarterback keeping his cool throughout the crucial 12-play drive.

"I was like 'calm down, go through reads, take what they give you and put this game together'. We needed it. The season was on the line," said Purdy.

San Francisco had led 7-6 at halftime thanks to a 32-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to George Kittle, but Love shone in a thrilling third quarter.

First, facing intense pressure, he floated a pass to Bo Melton, wide open in the end zone, and after a 39-yard McCaffrey rushing score kept the 49ers in touch, Love connected with Tucker Kraft on a two-yard pass and a successful two-point conversion made it 21-14 to the Packers.

Jake Moody's 52-yard field goal brought the Niners within striking distance, before Purdy's perfectly executed drive set up the impressive McCaffrey for his second rushing score. Green Bay had one last possession, but Love's calmness departed at the worst moment with an ill-judged pass towards Christian Watson that was picked off by Dre Greenlaw to seal the victory.

The 49ers will host the winner of Sunday's game between the Detroit Lions and the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship game on Jan 28.

Meanwhile, in the AFC, quarterback Lamar Jackson rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more to leave the Baltimore Ravens one win away from the Super Bowl thanks to a 34-10 home victory over the Houston Texans.

NFL Most Valuable Player front-runner Jackson tossed a three-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor in the second quarter and showcased his feared running game with a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter of the Ravens' triumph.

Jackson then delivered the knockout blow early in the fourth quarter, cleverly wrong-footing the Texans defense before hitting Isaiah Likely in the end zone for a score that left Baltimore ahead 24-10, before scampering over for his second touchdown to seal victory.

"This is just the first playoff game. We're finally in the AFC championship game — we've still got more work to do," said Jackson, who finished with 152 passing yards, as well as 100 rushing yards.

The Texans were left reflecting on a disappointing end to a dazzling rookie season for quarterback CJ Stroud.

The 22-year-old from California struggled to get Houston's offense moving in the face of Baltimore's rock-solid defense, finishing with just 175 passing yards.

AFP