NFC Championship 2020: When the 49ers Beat the Packers

San Francisco 49ers 37, Green Bay Packers 20 — January 19, 2020

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium, advancing to Super Bowl LIV. It was the second time that season San Francisco beat Green Bay (Week 12: 37–8).

Game Summary

• Dominant Ground Game: Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and 4 TDs (NFC Championship record), exploiting a Packers defense missing key linemen.
• Efficient Passing: Jimmy Garoppolo threw just 8 passes (6 completions, 77 yds)—the fewest attempts in a conference championship since 1971.
• Packers Struggles: Aaron Rodgers: 31/39, 326 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT. Green Bay never led, trailed 27–0 at halftime.
• Key Moment: Mostert's 18-yd TD run on 4th & 1 late 3rd quarter made it 34–7.

Context

• Packers were 13–3, #2 seed; 49ers 13–3, #1 seed.
• Green Bay's 4th NFC Championship loss since 2014 (2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 seasons).
• 49ers lost Super Bowl LIV to Chiefs 31–20.

Historical Note

All-time regular + postseason: 49ers lead series 37–32–1. Notable playoff meetings: 1995, 1996, 1997 (Packers won all three), 2012, 2019, 2021 (49ers won).

The 2020 game showcased Shanahan's run-heavy mastery and exposed Green Bay's inability to stop inside zone—lessons that shaped both franchises' subsequent offseasons.