Second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick outdueled reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers to lead the San Francisco 49ers to a 45-31 playoff win over the visiting Green Bay Packers on Saturday.

The emphatic victory lifted the 49ers into the Jan. 20 National Football Conference title game against the winner of Sunday's showdown between the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks.

Kaepernick had a sensational game, setting a National Football League (NFL) playoff rushing record for a quarterback by gaining 181 yards, including scoring gallops of 56 and 20 yards. He also threw a pair of touchdown passes in the romp.

A 31-yard field by David Akers gave the 49ers a 24-21 lead after a see-saw first half, and San Francisco ran roughshod over the Packers in the second half, rushing for three touchdowns as they put the game out of reach.