Cowboys vs. 49ers final score, results: San Francisco books return to NFC title game with defensive showing

David Suggs

Cowboys vs. 49ers final score, results: San Francisco books return to NFC title game with defensive showing image

The 2023 NFC championship game will feature the conference's two most talented teams.

The 49ers made sure of that, riding a lockdown defensive performance to a 19-12 victory over the Cowboys in Santa Clara on Sunday in the divisional round.

It was a game befitting the legendary rivalry that precedes it, with both sides being propelled by standout defenses. The 49ers proved the more stout of the units, picking off Dak Prescott twice en route to victory.

MORE: Breaking down the AFC & NFC championship game matchups

Burgeoning star Brock Purdy didn't have to do much, but he did outplay his opposite number, making a series of impressive throws — including one to George Kittle that seemingly broke San Francisco out of its early stupor.

Kittle was a force, as well. He saved his best for the Niners' only touchdown drive, first making a stunning one-handed catch through traffic, and then drawing a defensive holding penalty to get the Niners inside the red zone. From there, it was quite easy for Christian McCaffrey to get into the end zone.

MORE: How Brett Maher's inaccuracy, instability changed Cowboys' game plan vs. 49ers

Ultimately, though, it was the top-ranked defense that put things away. After stuffing KaVontae Turpin on the final play of the game, it was fitting that the DeMeco Ryans-coached unit led the celebrations. Now, it will prep for its next matchup: a date with the high-powered Eagles next Sunday in Philadelphia.

Better get your popcorn ready.

MORE: Watch NFL playoff games live with fuboTV (free trial)

The Sporting News tracked live updates the NFC divisional matchup between the Cowboys and 49ers. Below are highlights and results from Sunday's game at Levi's Stadium.

Cowboys vs. 49ers score

  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4 
Cowboys 0 6 3 3 12
49ers 3 3 3 10 19

Cowboys vs. 49ers live updates, highlights from 2023 NFL playoffs

(All times Eastern)

Final score: 49ers 19, Cowboys 12

9:45 p.m.: Bizarre final play drawn up by McCarthy. Lines Ezekiel Elliott up at center. It goes about as well as you would expect: Turpin gets stuffed, drawing an end to the game.

9:43 p.m.: Six seconds left. One more play. Let's see what happens.

9:39 p.m.: Schultz had the easy grab on the out route. However, he fails to drag his toe in bounds, which means the catch will be overturned. Brain fart by the Dallas tight end.

9:38 p.m.: 10 seconds left. Ball on Dallas' 24. Niners in prevent defense here.

9:37 p.m.: Prescott evades Arik Armstead's sack, getting the ball away. However, it falls harmlessly to the turf.

9:35 p.m.: Dallas stuffs the Niners on third down, giving Prescott and company one last chance to get down the field. 51 seconds left. Quite a tall order.

9:31 p.m.: Mitchell gets the first down with an impressive run. However, for some baffling reason, he decides to go out of bounds. If he stays in, you have to imagine the game would be on ice. Bizarre decision by the backup running back.

9:27 p.m.: Kittle crosses over the middle to make a catch through traffic and gets the first down as the two minute warning approaches. What a second half by Kittle.

9:25 p.m.: Prescott unable to find Gallup on second down, is sacked by Samson Ebukam on third down, forcing a punt back to the 49ers. That's not what you want to see if you're in Dallas.

9:24 p.m.: Prescott throws the ball right into Greenlaw's hands. However, the star linebacker couldn't reel the pass in. Cowboys fans will be breathing a sigh of relief there.

9:20 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Gould hits his fourth field goal of the game, taking San Francisco's lead back to seven.

49ers 19, Cowboys 12

9:19 p.m.: Purdy with an intermediate gain on the third down scramble, setting up Gould for another chip shot.

9:18 p.m.: Elijah Mitchell bursts through the line for another massive first down. Clock is dwindling now. You have to imagine McCarthy will start considering using timeouts if the clock doesn't stop.

9:15 p.m.: Purdy flicks a dime to McCaffrey, who shows great focus to reel it through contact. That's another first down, one that will help the Niners continue to milk that clock. 

9:10 p.m.: San Francisco is cooking with gas at the moment. Finding it easy to work its way through this beleaguered Dallas defense. Dan Quinn's defense desperately needs a stop.

9:04 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Maher sinks from 42 yards out, cutting San Francisco's lead to four. He's been immense in this second half. 

9:03 p.m.: Great play by Hufanga, who blows up Prescott's play-action boot on the blitz.

9:02 p.m.: Lamb continuing to make his mark, crossing the 100-yard threshold with yet another first down.

9:01 p.m.: Elliott moves the chains with a strong run through the tackles. Lots to like about Zeke's performance thus far.

8:58 p.m.: KaVontae Turpin with a huge return, taking it into the 40 before Gould — yes, Gould — brought him down.

8:56 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! McCaffrey waltzes into the end zone with ease, giving the Niners the lead! What a time to get your first touchdown of the game!

49ers 16, Cowboys 9

End of third quarter: 49ers 9, Cowboys 9

8:52 p.m.: Another defensive holding call brings the ball inside the 10-yard line. Miscues starting to pile up for the Cowboys' defense, who has looked so impenetrable throughout the day.

8:50 p.m.: It looked as if Dallas got out of jail with a sack from DeMarcus Lawrence. However, Kittle draws the defensive holding call, bringing the ball inside the red zone with a new set of downs.

8:49 p.m.: Close call for the 49ers, who see Purdy's deflected pass slip right through Trevon Diggs' grasp. He really should be picking that off.

8:47 p.m.: McCaffrey looking rather lively off the blocks, bursting off the line with speed and vigor. Niners are just outside the 20.

8:45 p.m.: Sensational catch by George Kittle, who avoids contact to make a highlight-reel grab. Unreal stuff from the All-Pro caliber tight end.

8:39 p.m.: Incredible coverage by Warner, who does just enough to throw Lamb off on third down. Punt team headed on the field.

8:36 p.m.: What a play by Lamb! The second team All-Pro receiver tracks a Prescott under throw and reels it in through contact to flip the field for the Cowboys. 44 yards in the blink of an eye. Lamb having himself quite the performance in this second half.

8:32 p.m.: Dallas' defense firms up to force the three-and-out. Impressive stuff given the gaudy gain by McCloud on the kick return.

8:29 p.m.: What a play by McCloud, who follows up his muffed return with a 53-yard gain on the ensuing kickoff. 

8:26 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Maher hits from short distance, knotting the game up at nine! You gotta feel great for the kicker, who has struggled throughout the postseason.

Cowboys 9, 49ers 9

8:24 p.m.: Lamb's influence on the game is growing. After fielding a hand off for some good yardage, the third-year wideout moves the chains with another short yardage gain.

8:22 p.m.: FUMBLE! Ray-Ray McCloud has the ball jarred loose on the punt return, and it ends up in Cowboys' hands. Huge break there for America's team, who gets the ball in prime position to score.

8:21 p.m.: Prescott misses Elliott, who is unable to reel in the ball with one hand. Punt team is on the field.

8:19 p.m.: Lamb gets past the marker on the screen play, moving the ball just outside of midfield.

8:18 p.m.: Elliott's role will be crucial going forward, with Pollard rules out with a high ankle sprain.

End of second quarter: 49ers 9, Cowboys 6

8:02 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Gould sinks from 51, putting the 49ers out in front to end the first half.

49ers 9, Cowboys 6

8:01 p.m.: Gould headed on the field as he tries to give San Francisco the lead.

7:59 p.m.: Brilliant pitch and catch from Purdy and Jennings. The rookie QB hangs in the pocket as Parsons bursts through before tossing a deft 27-yard dot to Jennings. That will put the Niners in field goal range.

7:57 p.m.: Purdy hits Samuel for a ten yard gain, getting the Niners into Dallas territory. However, the 49ers took their final timeout, changing the play calls they can call with just 27 seconds left in the half.

7:52 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! Prescott tries to fire a pass into Lamb. However, Jimmie Ward was all over the pass, tipping it to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. Backbreaking turnover by the Cowboys there.

7:50 p.m.: Pollard with a decent gain on the pass play. However, looks like he hurt himself when he was brought down. Official timeout called as he's slow to get up.

7:48 p.m.: FIRST DOWN! Prescott tucks it and runs on first, getting the first down in the process. The gamble pays off for McCarthy and the Cowboys.

7:45 p.m.: Great tackle by Greenlaw, who redeems himself by ripping Pollard to the turf in the open field. Dallas has a decision to make on fourth-and-four: go for it or give Maher a chance to kick the long-range field goal.

7:41 p.m.: Some more laundry on the field after Dre Greenlaw rams into Elliott as he head out of bounds. Unnecessary roughness will take the ball into San Francisco's territory.

7:37 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Gould is about as reliable as they come. And he keeps the good times rolling, finding the target from 47 yards out.

Cowboys 6, 49ers 6

7:31 p.m.: Silly flag by Bland, who tosses Jauan Jennings into the sidelines after he gives up the catch, drawing an unnecessary roughness flag. That will take the ball into Dallas' side of the field.

7:30 p.m.: Samuel makes a man miss on the screen before going down a couple yards short of the first down line. Will set up a third-and-short.

7:28 p.m.: McCaffrey carves a lane out in the slot before fielding a pass from Purdy, getting stopped right at the marker. That's a first down...just barely.

7:22 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Prescott made San Fran fear the run after trotting down the field to make it first and goal the play before. This time, he pulls it back, tossing the ball to Dalton Schultz to give Dallas the lead.

Brett Maher — who missed four extra points last week — is headed on the field to kick the PAT. His kick is up and...it's blocked! Rough time for the kicker.

Cowboys 6, 49ers 3

7:20 p.m.: Faced with a fourth and short, Mike McCarthy opts to hand the ball off to Lamb, who makes Talanoa Hufanga miss to get the 'Boys into the red zone.

7:19 p.m.: Ezekiel Elliott gets to the first down marker after pushing through the pile on third down.

7:17 p.m.: Dallas needed three yards to gain the first. It got 17, courtesy of a quick pitch-and-catch between Prescott and Brown. Cowboys in Niners' territory.

End of first quarter: 49ers 3, Cowboys 0

7:12 p.m.: Prescott back to work after his pick, hitting Noah Brown and CeeDee Lamb to move the chains.

7:07 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Gould hits from short range to open the scoring for the 49ers.

49ers 3, Cowboys 0

7:06 p.m.: After a pair of minimal gains, Purdy evades pressure before sailing the ball out of play. Should be a chip shot for Robbie Gould.

7:03 p.m.: After taking a sack on the first play of the possession, Purdy finds Brandon Aiyuk, who expertly shed his marker away to take San Francisco to the Cowboys' 10.

7:01 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! Dak Prescott was looking for Michael Gallup, who saw his curl route interrupted. Deommodore Lenoir sneaks in front and plucks the ball out the sky, setting the Niners up at Dallas' 21.

6:57 p.m.: Purdy fires a low pass to McCaffrey that skips into the ground. Looks like the Niners will punt the ball.

6:56 p.m.: Purdy rolls out to the left and looks to have Aiyuk open. However, he wasn't able to set his feet in time, giving defensive back Daron Bland the opportunity to knock it down. Great recovery by the rookie.

6:54 p.m.: San Francisco already starting the game on the front foot. Brock Purdy hits George Kittle with a delicate touch pass for 31 yards. Niners in Cowboys territory early.

6:52 p.m.: Deebo Samuel's first touch comes on a run play. The Niners' star finds a hole before scampering for seven yards.

6:50 p.m.: 49ers will start their opening possession inside the 20. Let's see what Brock Purdy and company can do.

Cowboys vs. 49ers start time

  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 22
  • Time: 6:30 ET (3:30 p.m. local time)

Sunday's game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local time) from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

What channel is Cowboys vs. 49ers on today? 

  • TV channel (national): Fox 
  • TV channel (Dallas): WFAA
  • TV channel (San Francisco): KTVU
  • TV channel (Canada): CTV, RDS
  • Live stream: Fox Sports App, fuboTV (US) | DAZN (Canada)

Cowboys vs. 49ers will be aired on Fox in the U.S. Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analyst) and Erin Andrews (sideline reporter) will handle the coverage from Levi's Stadium.

For cord cutters, the game will be available on a number of platforms, including the Fox Sports App and fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

Canadian viewers can find Sunday's matchup on CTV, RDS or DAZN, which airs every game over the course of the season.

NFL playoff schedule 2023

Wild-card round

Saturday, Jan. 14

Matchup Result
Seahawks at 49ers SF 41, SEA 23
Chargers at Jaguars JAC 31, LAC 30

Sunday, Jan. 15

Matchup Result
Dolphins at Bills BUF 34, MIA 31
Giants at Vikings NYG 31, MIN 24
Ravens at Bengals CIN 24, BAL 17

Monday, Jan. 16

Matchup Result
Cowboys at Buccaneers DAL 31, TB 14

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 21

Matchup Time (ET) TV channel Live stream Tickets
Jaguars vs. Chiefs KC 27, JAC 20 NBC Peacock, fuboTV Buy tickets
Giants vs. Eagles PHI 38, NYG 7 Fox FoxSports.com, fuboTV Buy tickets

Sunday, Jan. 22

Matchup Time (ET) TV channel Live stream Tickets
Bengals vs. Bills CIN 27, BUF 10 CBS Paramount+, fuboTV Buy tickets
Cowboys vs. 49ers SF 19, DAL 12 Fox FoxSports.com, fuboTV Buy tickets

Conference championships

Sunday, Jan. 29

Matchup Time (ET) TV channel Live stream Tickets
NFC: 49ers at Eagles 3 p.m. Fox FoxSports.com, fuboTV Buy tickets
AFC: Bengals at Chiefs 6:30 p.m. CBS Paramount+, fuboTV Buy tickets

Super Bowl 57

Sunday, Feb. 12

Matchup Time (ET) TV Live stream Tickets
Super Bowl 57 6:30 p.m. Fox FoxSports.com, fuboTV Buy tickets

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.