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

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.

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.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury