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:Burgeoning star Brock Purdy didn't have to do much, but he did outplay his opposite number, making a series of impre sive throws including one to George Kittle that Freddie Hamilton Women Jersey 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: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: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. Q1Q2Q3Q4FCowboys06331249ers3331019 (All times Eastern)Final score: 49ers 19, Cowboys 129:45 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 harmle sly to the turf.9:35 p.m Cam Talbot Men Jersey .: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 impre sive 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 cro ses over the middle to make a catch through traffic and gets the first down as the two minute Flames Blank Jersey 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 pa s 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 129:19 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 ma sive 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, cro sing 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.KaVontae Turpin gives the a spark!: on FOX: Stream on NFL+ NFL ( TJ Brodie Kids Jersey @NFL) 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!CMC puts the ahead! : on FOX: Stream on NFL+ NFL (@NFL) 49ers 16, Cowboys 9End of third quarter: 49ers 9, Cowboys 98:52 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 pa s 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.MR. KITTLE STOP IT. : on FOX: Stream on NFL+ NFL (@NFL) 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.CeeDEEP Mike Vernon Jersey .: on FOX: Stream on NFL+ NFL (@NFL) 8:32 p.m.:Dallas' defense firms up to force the three-and-out. Impre sive stuff given the gaudy gain by McCloud on the kick return.8:29 p.m.:Wha