SANTA CLARA (AP) — The runner Christian McCaffrey scored on a 2-yard run to give the United States the lead san francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter, and the defense did the rest, sending the hosts to their second straight NFC title game with a 19-12 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Dallas Cowboys.
The 49ers (15-4) used back-to-back scoring drives in the second half to wear down the Cowboys (13-6) for their 12th straight win. San Francisco advanced to face the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC title clash next Sunday, after losing in that round to Los Angeles Rams a year ago.
The Cowboys suffered their seventh straight loss in the Divisional Round and have failed to reach the NFC title game since winning their fifth Super Bowl title after the 1995 season.
Dak Prescott threw two interceptions and Brett Maher he missed his fifth extra point of the postseason when his attempt was blocked. He subsequently connected on two field goals.
El quarterback novato Brock Purdythe last pick in the draft last April, improved to 7-0 as a starter since replacing Jimmy Garoppolowho was injured early in Week 13. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 215 yards with no turnovers against the Cowboys, joining Joe Flacco. (2008) and Mark Sanchez (2009) as the only rookie quarterbacks to win two playoff games as starters.
