Packers Outlast 49ers, Advance to NFC Championship Game

SANTA CLARA, CA - The Packers are headed back to the NFC Championship Game after surviving a back-and-forth battle at Levi's Stadium, defeating the 49ers 23-20 in the opening game of the Divisional Round.

Green Bay leaned on a physical rushing attack, timely defense, and a late kick from Harrison Mevis to close out the victory. The Packers finished with 320 offensive yards, converted seven third downs, and overcame a late San Francisco comeback attempt to punch their ticket to the conference title game. The win sends Green Bay into a matchup against either the Cowboys or Buccaneers with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

Josh Roberts powers Green Bay offense

The centerpiece of Green Bay's offense was Josh Roberts, who steadily wore down the San Francisco defense throughout the afternoon. Roberts carried the ball 24 times for 78 yards, forced 10 broken tackles, added 55 receiving yards, and scored both Packers touchdowns. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet as he consistently kept drives alive and helped Green Bay control tempo during critical moments.

His first score came late in the third quarter when he powered into the end zone from two yards out to give Green Bay its first lead of the afternoon. Later, with the game tied entering the closing minutes, Roberts found the end zone again on another two-yard run that put the Packers ahead for good.

"Josh set the tone all game," quarterback Jordan Love said afterward. "He was fighting through contact, keeping drives alive and making the tough yards matter."

Roberts credited the offensive line and patience in the running game for the late success.

"We stayed with it even when the big runs weren't there early," Roberts said. "The line kept working, and eventually those small gains started becoming important plays late in the game."

Love quietly delivered an efficient performance of his own, completing 28 of 35 passes for 261 yards while distributing the ball across the offense. Romeo Doubs led the receivers with 94 yards, while Matthew Golden and Savion Williams each added 42 receiving yards.

Turnovers and missed opportunities change the game

San Francisco had opportunities to seize control but could never fully capitalize.

The 49ers took a 10-3 lead late in the second quarter when Brock Purdy connected with Ricky Pearsall for a 38-yard touchdown strike with only 44 seconds remaining before halftime. The momentum initially appeared to stay with San Francisco early in the third quarter when Fred Warner intercepted Jordan Love, creating another chance for the offense to build separation.

Instead, turnovers shifted the game back toward Green Bay.

Midway through the second quarter, Isaac Guerendo lost a fumble after a promising San Francisco drive moved into Packers territory. Safety Will Woody recovered the ball and immediately flipped field position. Later, another Guerendo turnover stalled a separate opportunity and became one of the defining moments of the afternoon.

Those mistakes proved costly because the 49ers repeatedly moved into scoring territory but struggled to finish drives. San Francisco reached the red zone five times yet converted only two field goals outside of its touchdown drives, finishing at just 40 percent efficiency in the red zone. Green Bay, meanwhile, turned all four red-zone trips into points.

"We left points on the field," Jeffrey Jarin said after the loss. "Against a playoff team like Green Bay, you can't give possessions away and expect to recover from it."

Kittle rallies the 49ers before Mevis delivers the winner

Despite the setbacks, San Francisco still mounted one final push.

Trailing 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, Purdy led the offense downfield and found George Kittle for a 23-yard touchdown with 1:33 remaining. The score tied the game and reignited the crowd inside Levi's Stadium, giving the 49ers life after spending much of the second half chasing Green Bay.

Purdy finished the afternoon completing 16 of 24 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Kittle posted 76 receiving yards and the late score, while Brandon Aiyuk added 84 yards and Pearsall contributed 60 yards with his second-quarter touchdown reception.

Green Bay, however, answered immediately.

Love moved the offense into scoring range, and Harrison Mevis delivered the decisive moment by drilling a 44-yard field goal with 38 seconds left to restore the lead. The Packers defense closed out the final possession moments later to secure the victory.

"We never panicked," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. "The group kept responding every time momentum shifted, and that's what playoff football is about."

Jarin acknowledged the effort from his team but pointed back to the missed opportunities.

"We fought back and tied it late, but turnovers hurt us," he said. "Those are the plays that decide games this time of year."

Up Next

Green Bay advances to the NFC Championship Game and will face either the Dallas Cowboys or Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a chance to reach the Super Bowl.