ATLANTA — The Falcons blew another postseason lead, and this time Matt Ryan couldn’t help Atlanta recover in a 28-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game Sunday.

The Falcons led 17-0 in the first half and 24-21 entering the fourth quarter. Frank Gore’s second touchdown run midway through the quarter gave San Francisco its first lead.

Ryan led the Falcons from the Atlanta 20 to the 49ers 10. On fourth-and-4 from the 10, Ryan’s pass over the middle for Roddy White was deflected by linebacker NaVorro Bowman.

It was the second straight week the Falcons blew a big lead. They led Seattle 20-0 in the first half of last week’s divisional playoff game but needed a late field goal by Matt Bryant for a 30-28 win. The field goal was set up by Ryan’s two clutch passes.

The Falcons had one last chance, taking the ball on their 41 with 6 seconds remaining. Ryan completed a pass to Julio Jones at the 49ers 35 as the game ended.

The Falcons (14-4) were denied their second Super Bowl appearance.

Ryan completed 30 of 42 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns, but was hurt by two turnovers – an interception and a lost fumble on a shotgun snap.

Ryan’s pass for Roddy White was intercepted by cornerback Chris Culliver early in the third quarter. The 49ers couldn’t take advantage of the game’s first turnover when David Akers’ try for a 38-yard field goal hit the left upright.

Later in the third quarter, Ryan fumbled a shotgun snap. Again, the 49ers were denied when receiver Michael Crabtree fumbled at the goal line when stripped by Dunta Robinson. William Moore helped on the hit and Stephen Nicholas was credited with the recovery.

Julio Jones was Ryan’s top target, catching 11 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns.

Running back Michael Turner set out much of the second half with an ankle injury and was limited to eight carries for 30 yards.

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  • Matt Ryan

    Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan walks off the field as the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Matt Ryan

    Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan walks off the field after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Jim Harbaugh, Ray McDonald

    San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with Ray McDonald after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Jim Harbaugh, Colin Kaepernick

    San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, hugs Colin Kaepernick after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • San Francisco 49ers’ NaVorro Bowman, Darcel McBath and LaMichael James celebrate as time runs out in the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Colin Kaepernick, Matt Ryan

    San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick, right, talks to Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Todd McClure

    Atlanta Falcons’ Todd McClure walks off the field after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Atlanta Falcons’ Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being defeated by San Francisco 49ers in the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Ricky Jean Francois

    San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Matt Ryan

    Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) walks off the field as time runs out in the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Jim Harbaugh

    San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field with an assistant after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard Davis and Daniel Kilgore (67) after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • San Francisco quarterback 49ers Colin Kaepernick, left, speaks with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Frank Gore

    San Francisco 49ers’ Frank Gore (21) breaks away for a nine-yard touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Harry Douglas

    Atlanta Falcons’ Harry Douglas makes a catch during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

  • Matt Ryan, Patrick Willis

    San Francisco 49ers’ Patrick Willis (52) tackles Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan (2) after a short run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Frank Gore

    San Francisco 49ers’ Frank Gore (21) breaks away for a nine-yard touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Roddy White, Carlos Rogers

    Atlanta Falcons’ Roddy White (84) breaks up a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ Carlos Rogers during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Dunta Robinson

    Atlanta Falcons’ Dunta Robinson celebrates after stripping the ball from San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Dunta Robinson, Michael Crabtree

    Atlanta Falcons’ Dunta Robinson strips the ball from San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Dunta Robinson, Michael Crabtree

    Atlanta Falcons’ Dunta Robinson strips the ball from San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Michael Crabtree

    San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree (15) loses the ball neat the goal line during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Atlanta Falcons’ Stephen Nicholas (54) tries to grab the ball after it was stripped by Dunta Robinson (23) from San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree (15) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Stephen Nicholas, Michael Crabtree

    Atlanta Falcons’ Stephen Nicholas (54) tries to grab the ball after it was stripped by Dunta Robinson (23) from San Francisco 49ers’ Michael Crabtree (15) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Aldon Smith

    San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith recovers a fumble in front of Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

  • Aldon Smith

    San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith reacts after recovering a fumble during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Aldon Smith

    San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith (99) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • David Akers

    San Francisco 49ers’ David Akers watches his missed field goal during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • David Akers

    San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers, second right, walks off the field after missing a field goal during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Chris Culliver

    San Francisco 49ers’ Chris Culliver (29) intercepts a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons’ Roddy White during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Vernon Davis

    San Francisco 49ers’ Vernon Davis catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons’ Stephen Nicholas (54) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Matt Ryan, Chris Culliver

    Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan looks at San Francisco 49ers’ Chris Culliver (29) after throwing an interception during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Matt Ryan, Parys Haralson

    Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is taken down by San Francisco 49ers’ Parys Haralson during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Chris Culliver

    San Francisco 49ers’ Chris Culliver intercepts a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons’ Harry Douglas (83) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

  • Matt Ryan, Isaac Sopoaga

    Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) tries to get away from San Francisco 49ers’ Isaac Sopoaga during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Frank Gore

    San Francisco 49ers’ Frank Gore breaks away for a five-yard touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Jim Harbaugh, Colin Kaepernick

    San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with Colin Kaepernick (7) after a touchdown during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Frank Gore

    San Francisco 49ers’ Frank Gore rushes for a five-yard touchdown during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. Left is Atlanta Falcons’ Akeem Dent and William Moore. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Frank Gore

    San Francisco 49ers’ Frank Gore gets away from Atlanta Falcons’ Jonathan Babineaux (95) for a five-yard touchdown run during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Fans cheer during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Colin Kaepernick

    San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick walks off the field during halftime of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Julio Jones, Tarell Brown

    Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones (11) catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers’ Tarell Brown (25) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Tony Gonzalez, Donte Whitner

    Atlanta Falcons’ Tony Gonzalez catches a 10-yard touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers’ Donte Whitner (31) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. Center is 49ers Patrick Willis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Tony Gonzalez

    Atlanta Falcons’ Tony Gonzalez celebrates after his 10-yard touchdown catch during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

  • Tony Gonzalez

    Atlanta Falcons’ Tony Gonzalez reacts after his 10-yard touchdown reception during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Tony Gonzalez

    Atlanta Falcons’ Tony Gonzalez celebrates after his 10-yard touchdown reception during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Tony Gonzalez

    Atlanta Falcons’ Tony Gonzalez (88) is congratulated by Michael Palmer after his 10-yard touchdown catch during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

  • Julio Jones, Tarell Brown

    Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones catches touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers’ Tarell Brown during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

  • Vernon Davis

    San Francisco 49ers’ Vernon Davis catches a four-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

  • Vernon Davis, Thomas DeCoud

    San Francisco 49ers’ Vernon Davis catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons’ Thomas DeCoud during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

  • Colin Kaepernick

    San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick runs past Atlanta Falcons’ Kroy Biermann during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)