NFC Championship Game Preview

 

The Detroit Lions have become "America's Team" with their recent playoff push that has them in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season. That was way back when running back Barry Sanders was dominating the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers are the home team and are in their third consecutive NFC title tilt and are the favorites to advance to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. 

 

This game will likely be an exciting and close contest with Detroit's running game looking to establish itself once again in the post-season. The 49ers defense has been vulnerable in recent weeks and they will need to tighten it up if they want to hold off a very hungry Lions team. 

The 49ers offense is led by quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was injured (shoulder) in last week's victory over Green Bay and might not be available for the game on Sunday. Others will need to step in, such as wide receiver's Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings and perhaps RB Elijah Mitchell.  

The Lions defense has been suspect at times during their 12-5 campaign and defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson is the anchor that will look to pressure and rattle Purdy and keep things tight. As far as the Lions offense facing the 49ers defense, QB Jared Goff has been solid all season long and will need to be sharp in this one. His main target is WR Amon-Ra St. Brown along with tight end Sam LaPorta, who has been a rookie sensation. The running tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs has been great and they showed out against Tampa Bay last weekend in the win after doing the same in the wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams. 

The 'Niners will look to force Goff to have to scramble and throw on the run rather than stay comfortable in the pocket and choose his targets. The Lions have a solid offensive line and keeping San Francisco edge rusher Nick Bosa at bay will be huge in coming away with a win.

The key to the game as always, will be turnovers and if Detroit can maintain their poise on the road and play their game, they could pull this one out and get to the Super Bowl for the first time in team history. On the other side, San Francisco will be looking to avoid a third straight setback in the title game, so there is way more pressure on them to win. 

Look for a close contest and as long as neither team is plagued with turnovers, one that will possibly come down to the final possession. If Deebo Samuel is ready to go, it could be a very significant swing to the 49ers side. The 49ers definitely rate the edge at home, but the Lions are a very gritty bunch and emulate (head coach) Dan Campbell's personality and that could make a difference in the outcome.

PREDICTION - Detroit 27, San Francisco 24

 

Last Week's Record - 3-1 

PLAYOFFS RECORD - 6-4