Almost 50 years have passed since the San Francisco 49ers last lost a home game to the Detroit Lions. This streak was extended on Sunday when the 49ers pulled off an incredible comeback win against the Lions. Trailing 24-7 at halftime, the 49ers rallied back for a wild 34-31 victory, making history with the largest comeback in conference title game history.
The 49ers’ remarkable comeback was just one of the many surprising stats from Sunday’s games. Among them, the Chiefs managed to win the AFC title game despite scoring zero points in the second half, reminiscent of the 2010 Steelers’ similar feat. Additionally, Travis Kelce surpassed Jerry Rice to become the player with the most postseason catches in NFL history, with 156 receptions to his name.
In the NFC title game, the 49ers pulled off their largest NFC title game comeback ever, matching their 17-point comeback in a 2012 win over the Falcons. This victory also marked the 49ers’ 38th playoff win, surpassing both the Packers and the Patriots to become the team with the most playoff victories in NFL history.
The Lions, on the other hand, continued their road woes against the 49ers. They have now lost 14 straight road games against San Francisco, the longest active streak in the league. The Lions’ last road win against the 49ers dates all the way back to 1975.
As for individual player achievements, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is on track to become the first player to start in four Super Bowls before the age of 30. He also won his 14th postseason game, tying him for the third-most playoff wins in NFL history with Joe Montana.
While Mahomes is thriving in the postseason, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s playoff record is less impressive, with a career record of 2-4. This ties him for the fifth-worst postseason record among quarterbacks who have started at least five games.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs have a chance to become the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the 2003-2004 Patriots. They will face the 49ers in a matchup that marks only the fourth time in NFL history that two coaches have met in a Super Bowl at least twice.
As the Super Bowl approaches, Mahomes and the Chiefs find themselves in a familiar position as underdogs. However, Mahomes has a proven track record as a playoff underdog, boasting a perfect 3-0 record. In fact, he has as many playoff underdog wins as Hall of Fame quarterbacks Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Steve Young, and Jim Kelly combined.
As the anticipation builds for Super Bowl LVIII, the Chiefs opened as 2.5-point underdogs. However, early bettors’ action caused the line to shift, making the Chiefs only a 1-point underdog.
With these exhilarating storylines set to unfold on the biggest stage in football, fans around the country eagerly await the clash between the 49ers and Chiefs. Will the 49ers maintain their dominance over the Lions and complete another historic comeback? Or will Mahomes and the Chiefs continue their championship reign? Only time will tell.