It’s a rematch of the title game vs Kansas City.

The Detroit Lions appeared to have a chance to make it to their first-ever Super Bowl for thirty minutes on Sunday. However, the NFC Championship was stolen by the San Francisco 49ers, guaranteeing a rematch of the title game against the legendary Kansas City Chiefs.

The NFC’s top seed, the 49ers, didn’t exactly have a glamorous postseason run. They almost avoided the resurgent Green Bay Packers before falling behind Detroit 24-7. In other words, how precisely did they win their way back to the Super Bowl and secure their second chance to win a Lombardi Trophy in the previous five years? Ten reasons are listed below:

1. Kyle Shanahan has an all-star lineup

Although general manager John Lynch deserves credit for putting together such a strong roster, the 49ers truly shine each and every week when their exceptional talent is combined with Shanahan’s schemes, particularly his offence that spreads the ball to a variety of versatile players.

2. Brock Purdy is Shanahan’s best QB

Furthermore, it’s not that close. As Shanahan’s prior leader, Jimmy Garoppolo made it to a Super Bowl, but in his one and a half seasons as the starter, Purdy has already shown himself to be far more explosive, both as a downfield thrower and as a play-extender. Purdy is 24 years old. Although he has occasionally acted erratically, this young man has a grace and polish that are difficult to ignore.

3. Christian McCaffrey has been a legit MVP

As Shanahan’s attack’s point guard, Purdy has been the ceremonial MVP, but McCaffrey has been the force behind the attack, never giving up as a receiver or runner. If there is anyone on this squad who is ready to win Super Bowl MVP, it’s him. He is a genuine safety valve and an unquestionable momentum-maker at a position that is otherwise undervalued.

4. The defense rallies, and wears teams down

After all, Detroit scored 31 points on Sunday, so the 49ers aren’t unbeatable. However, they became more dominant in the final moments of the NFC title game and have been notably physical throughout the season, much like the Chiefs and Ravens who faced off in the other conference championship. They have so many seasoned leaders, like Fred Warner, that they are designed to outlast rivals.

5. They’ve been to the big stage before

Although there have been some player changes since the 49ers played in the Super Bowl, they are no strangers to high-stakes games—they have been in four of the previous five NFC title games. The Lynch-Shanahan regime and player infrastructure have been in the discussion for a while, but the Chiefs will garner most of the attention as the team that has been there, done that.

6. Their top WR duo is still underrated

While Purdy and McCaffrey were the darlings for MVP this year, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk have continued to be Grade-A wide receivers; the former is an explosive human wrecking ball, while the latter is an amazing downfield outlet. Against the Lions, both targets were dependable, carrying over their influence from the previous campaign.

7. Every level of the ‘D’ has a difference-maker

It might be Javon Hargrave or Nick Bosa up front in the trenches. Warner or Dre Greenlaw might be in the middle. In the rear, Charvarius Ward is most likely to blame. You’re going to have problems with San Francisco’s defence no matter where you look. Call it an outgrowth of their all-star roster construction, but it plays a major role in their success as a winning ball control team.

8. They can win any kind of game

When it comes to ball management, the 49ers are most equipped to grab an early lead and hold onto it because of their prowess as a rushing offence. Despite early difficulties in the air, they have now demonstrated in back-to-back postseason games that they are capable of rallying from a deficit and defeating a shootout, outgunning both the Packers and Lions.

9. Their staff is adaptable

In contrast to the Lions, who lost control of the game at halfway on Sunday by sticking with their signature aggressiveness instead of using situational awareness, the 49ers made a change of direction at the half to regain control when it mattered most. It was the second week in a row that San Francisco’s players and playcallers showed resiliency.

10. The NFC playoff field was kind of peculiar

While the 49ers’ trip should not be minimised, the conference postseason roster was unanticipated: Once-considered heavyweights like the Eagles and Cowboys fell short of expectations early on, allowing the Bucs, Packers, and Rams to proceed and, in a sense, clearing the way for San Francisco to reach the championship game.