The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in an epic Divisional playoff matchup on Saturday night with Christian McCaffrey scoring two touchdowns to lead his team to a dramatic victory.

After spending all regular season as front-runners, the Niners (13-5) needed to come from behind for a change, and Brock Purdy and McCaffrey did just enough on the last drive to send San Francisco to its third straight NFC championship game. The Niners will host the winner of Sunday's game between Tampa Bay and Detroit next weekend for a spot in the Super Bowl.

'Obviously, it's four quarters for a reason, you know? So the way I started, it's like, 'Man, I've got to be better, got to play efficient football,' 49er quarterback Brock Purdy said.

'But when it comes down to it, with the season on the line, you've got to make it happen for your boys around you.'

The Packers were the first team to earn themselves a spot on the scoreboard after a 29-yard field goal from Anders Carlson gave them a 3-0 lead that lasted throughout the rest of the first quarter.

San Francisco was able to strike back in the second quarter and take the lead after Purdy found his tight end Greg Kittle deep downfield for a 32-yard touchdown and take a 7-3 lead.

Another 29-yard field goal from Carson brought the Packers to within one point before the 49ers eventually missed a field goal just before the half expired and the game entered halftime.

During the intermission 49ers star wide receiver Deebo Samuel was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a shoulder injury - something that will be a cause for concern for San Francisco as they move forward.

Samuel had exited the game during the first half and was eventually ruled questionable to return. He emerged from the locker room without his helmet and shoulder pads and was said to be having more imaging done on the shoulder.

Shortly after the third quarter began Samuel was officially ruled out due to the shoulder injury. He had missed two games during the regular season due to the shoulder as well although it was not confirmed whether it was the same issue or a separate injury.

Not long after the third quarter was underway Green Bay took the lead with their first touchdown after Bo Melton caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Love after a San Francisco defender slipped and fell in pass coverage.

Green Bay took a brief 13-7 lead although that did not last long.

Only around two minutes later 49ers running back McCaffrey broke off a huge gain for a 39-yard rushing touchdown to put the 49ers up by one point once again as the scoreboard read 14-13.

Following the 49ers touchdown Green Bay was set up with amazing field position thanks to a 73-yard kick return that was nearly fumbled away.