Lions stumble, 34-31, vs. 49ers in NFC Championship

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff leaves the field after losing to San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

San Francisco safety Ji'Ayir Brown stops Detroit tight end Anthony Firkser from scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams fails to make this catch in the end zone while under pressure from San Francisco safety Ji'Ayir Brown during the fourth quarter.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff throws in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Fans watch as the Lions trail late in the fourth quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

San Francisco guard Jon Feliciano celebrates in the final moments of their 34-31 win over the Detroit Lions during the NFC championship game.

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey scores a touchdown while Detroit linebacker Jack Campbell fails to tackle him during the third quarter.

Detroit safety Kerby Joseph tripes up San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel during the fourth quarter.

Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams makes a touchdown catch while under pressure from San Francisco cornerback Deommodore Lenoir during the fourth quarter.

Former University of Michigan Wolverine and San Francisco place kicker Jake Moody, right, is congratulated by teammate punter Mitch Wishnowsky after kicking a field goal during the fourth quarter.

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy evades a tackle by Detroit linebacker Alex Anzalone during the fourth quarter.

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey evades a tackle by Detroit defensive end Romeo Okwara during the fourth quarter.

Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown walks off the field after the Detroit Lions lost 34-31to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game.

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff walks off the field after the Detroit Lions lost 34-31to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game.

Fans watch as the Lions trail in the fourth quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Fans watch as the Lions trail in the fourth quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Fans watch as the Lions trail in the fourth quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

From left, Paulina Ruiz, 27, of Lincoln Park leans on her boyfriend, Ricardo Olguin, 27, of Detroit at the end of the game during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Linda Saunders, 48, of Detroit holds her son, Joshua, 8, as the Lions trail late in the fourth quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Disappointed Lions fans look up at the screen in the last minute of the game during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Randy Laney, 27, of Ferndale watches in the third quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Detroit Lions fan Steve Triplett calls out to Jameson Williams, “I love you guys!” aster losing to San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

San Francisco 49er’ George Kittle recovers an onside kick near the end of the game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

San Francisco 49ers player Christian McCaffrey gets away from Detroit Lions player Romeo Okwara during the fourth quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

San Francisco 49er’s Christian McCaffrey runs in toudchdown in third at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

San Francisco 49er’s. Brandon Aiyuk pulls in reception over Lions’ Kindle Vildor at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

San Francisco 49er’s. Brandon Aiyuk pulls in reception over Lions’ Kindle Vildor at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

San Francisco 49er’s Brandon Aiyuk pulls in touchdown reception in front of Lions C.J. Gradner-Johson in third at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

San Francisco 49er’s Brandon Aiyuk pulls in touchdown reception in front of Lions C.J. Gradner-Johson in third at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

San Francisco 49ers player Christian McCaffrey scores a touchdown during the third quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson is pushed off by San Francisco 49er’s Christian McCafffrey in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson is pushed off by San Francisco 49er’s Christian McCafffreuy in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams celebrate Gibbs touchdown run in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass during the third quarter.

San Francisco tight end George Kittle stiff arms Detroit safety Ifeatu Melifonwu during the fourth quarter.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs pulls in a pass back from quarter back Jared Goff and takes it into the end zone in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff is welcomed back to the sidelines by Dan Campbell after a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ David Montgomery pulls in a reception in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ fans show their love during the game against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams shrugs off San Francisco 49er’s Dre Greenlaw and goes into the end zone in the firs quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff looks for running back David Montgomery during a play in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ David Montgomery is flipped on a run against the San Francisco 49er’s in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Josh Paschal pressures San Francisco 49er’s Brock Purdy in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

The band Journey plays during halftime of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs, left, celebrates after running for a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs for a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs for a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs for a touchdown during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta runs the ball during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta is tackled by San Francisco linebacker Dre Greenlaw, top and cornerback Ambry Thomas during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Sarah Ranz, 29, cheers as she holds her son, Finnegan Ranz, 3 months, with her husband, Tommy Ranz, 30, while watching the second quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024.

From left, Chuka Bright, 28, of Westland, Alex Facundo, 60, in black, center, and Louis Castillo, 40, both of Bay City celebrate after the Lions score a touchdown in the second quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Toya Mason, 51, of Detroit cheers after the Lions score a touchdown in the second quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown runs the ball during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

A good mix of red and blue during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown runs the ball during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy looks for an open man during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez makes an interception during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez runs the ball after making an interception during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez celebrates after making an interception during the second quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff flips the ball to running back David Montgomery during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit defensive tackle Alim McNeill tackles San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez tackles San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs the ball during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown runs the ball during the first quarter of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)

From left, Tommy Cardinal, 40, and his wife, Cassandra Cardinal, 39, of Clarkston cheer after the Lions score a touchdown in the first quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

From left, Tommy Cardinal, 40, and his wife, Cassandra Cardinal, 39, of Clarkston cheer after the Lions score a touchdown in the first quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

From left, Devin Denryter (cq), 36, of St. Clair Shores reaches out for some streamer as she cheers with Reba Stanley, 28, of Roseville after the Lions score a touchdown in the first quarter during a watch party of the Detroit Lions NFL NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit on January 28, 2024. (The Detroit News/Robin Buckson)

Detroit Lions player Jameson Williams stumbles his way through the San Francisco 49er's defense and into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions player Jameson Williams stumbles his way through the San Francisco 49er's defense and into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Craig Reynolds just misses pulling in an onside kick near the end of the game with San Francisco 49er’s Chris Conley at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff is welcomed back to the sidelines by Dan Campbell after a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Sam LaPorta readies for a reception in the THIRD quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ David Montgomery looks for the endzone, going over a San Francisco 49er’s defender in the second half at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff on the sidelines near the end of the loss , 34-31, to the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams can’t pull in a reception with San Francisco 49er’s JiAyir Brown in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Gofff hands off to running back David Montgomery in the fist half against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams stumbles his way through the San Francisco 49er’s defense and into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions player Jameson Williams stumbles his way through the San Francisco 49er's defense and into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions' David Montgomery works through the San Francisco 49er's defense in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Lions fans go wild before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Detroit cornerback Chase Lucas tries to rally the fans before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi's Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions fans in the stands during the game against the San Francisco 49er's at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

San Francisco 49er's great Joe Montana and Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders on the field during the coin flip at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell before the game against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Zach Kelsey, of Kimberly, Idaho, photographs the Lions running out of the tunnel before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, center, rallies his teammates before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fan John Iadipaolo, of Fenton, waits in line to enter the stadium before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Haresh Sajnani, of Westland, top right, his brother Aakash, left, and his children Neil, front left, and Maya, get wild before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fans Ethan Nam, left, and Barret Kelly, of Los Angeles, hang out before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fan Bob Schmidt, of Metamora, waits in line to enter the stadium before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fan Steve Triplett, of Nashville, waits in line to enter the stadium before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fan John Vargas, of Ontario, California, hangs out outside the stadium before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

A 49ers fan drags a stuffed lion through the crowd before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fans Celina Shands, of San Diego, and her friend Dale Wong hang out outside the stadium before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

A large contingent of Lions fans rally together before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Haresh Sajnani, of Westland, walks with his son Neil before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

A large contingent of Lions fans rally together before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

A large contingent of Lions fans rally together before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

San Francisco and Detroit fans try to out shout each other before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Lions fan Momi Wilkins, of Honolulu, hangs out outside the stadium before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell arrives to Levi's Stadium for a game agains the San Francisco 49er’s in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Steve Bayramian, of Oakley, California, hangs out before the start of the NFC championship game at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibb arrives to Levi's Stadium for a game agains the San Francisco 49er’s in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff arrives to Levi's Stadium for a game agains the San Francisco 49er’s in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker arrives to Levi's Stadium for a game agains the San Francisco 49er’s in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Masked Detroit Lions C.J. Grander-Johnson arrives to Levi's Stadium for a game agains the San Francisco 49er’s in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown arrives to Levi's Stadium for a game agains the San Francisco 49er’s in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions' tight end Brock White in a sling before the game against the San Francisco 49er's at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions' great Lomas Brown jokes around with officers before the game against the San Francisco 49er's at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions Barry Sanders on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49er's at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions' Jared Goff throwing before the game against the San Francisco 49er's at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell comes out of the tunnel before the gam against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Lions fans in the stands before the game against the San Francisco 49er’s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on January 28, 2024.

Detroit Lions hall of famer Barry Sanders and San Francisco 49er hall of famer Joe Montana take part in the coin toss before the start of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi Stadium, in Santa Clara, California, January 28, 2024. (David Guralnick / The Detroit News)