NFC Championship: Lions vs 49ers preview, odds and more

Set for a showdown in the NFC Championship Game this Sunday, the Detroit Lions are gearing up to take on the San Francisco 49ers on their home turf in the Levi’s Stadium.

Both teams have battled their way through the season to reach this point. Last weekend, Detroit (14-5 SU, 13-6 ATS, 12-7 O/U) clinched a 31-23 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite being outgained, the Lions emerged triumphant by securing wins in the turnover and time of possession battles. Now, Detroit maintains a strong record on the road, boasting 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS.

Meanwhile, San Francisco (13-5 SU, 9-9 ATS, 9-8-1 O/U) secured a 24-21 win over the Green Bay Packers in their recent matchup. Narrowly outgaining the Packers, the 49ers dominated the turnover battle and successfully converted 10 of their 16 third-down attempts.

However, San Francisco has struggled at home with a 6-3 SU record but a less impressive 3-6 ATS.

The highly anticipated kickoff between Detroit and San Fransisco is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, with the game available to watch on TV Channel Fox. It will also be on streaming platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and Sling, among many others.

America’s underdog

The Lions earned a trip to the NFC title game with a remarkable streak of victories, with many calling them America’s underdog this season.

Detroit scores 27.1 points per game and averages 394.8 total yards, including 258.9 passing yards and 135.9 rushing yards. The team also converts 41.3 percent of third-down attempts and scores a touchdown on 66.2 percent of red zone trips.

On defense, the Lions allow 23.2 points and 336.1 total yards per game, with 247.4 passing yards and 88.8 rushing yards. During the regular season, they accumulated 40 sacks and 12 interceptions.

Even so, the Lions will be without several starters in this upcoming match. Tight end James Mitchell, cornerback Jerry Jacobs and guard Jonah Jackson are officially ruled out. Meanwhile, wide receiver Kalif Raymond is labeled questionable, while center Frank Ragnor is marked as probable, both supporting a knee injury.

Quarterback showdown

San Fransisco is home to star talents like running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. With these players in the lineup, the 49ers are without doubt an offensive powerhouse capable of prolific scoring, with Brock “Mr. Irrelevant” Purdy as a competent leader and quarterback.

Purdy, who earned the moniker due to being the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, has defied all expectations and helped propel the 49ers to the NFC Championship round. While San Fransisco doesn’t have a top draft pick quarterback, the upcoming matchup will feature a quarterback showdown between No. 1 pick Jared Goff and Purdy, the draft’s final selection.

While recent evidence suggests a prevalence of first-round picks in conference title games, it is crucial to acknowledge that NFL success is a team effort extending beyond the quarterback. The 49ers, equipped with a robust roster and a history of success, may overcome the absence of an elite signal-caller.

San Francisco puts up 28.9 points per game and averages 398.4 total yards, including 257.9 passing yards and 140.5 rushing yards. Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers are converting 48.7 percent of third downs and scoring on 67.6 percent of red zone visits.

On defense, the Niners surrender 17.5 points and 303.9 total yards per game, with 214.2 passing yards and 89.7 rushing yards. They have 48 sacks and 22 interceptions.

Heading into the matchup, the 49ers are favored by seven points in the spread, with a game total set at 51.5 points. However, they will be without tight end Ross Dwelley, wide receiver Danny Gray and defensive line Clelin Ferrell. Samuel, however, is currently questionable with a shoulder injury.