It’s funny how quickly things change. A season ago, 49ers QB Brock Purdy, upon entering the NFC title bout, was the talk of the NFL. Flash forward 12 months and the team he’ll be playing against, the Detroit Lions, is the sentimental favourite. San Fran barely got by the Packers in the Divisional Round, 24-21, whereas the Lions were in tough against the Buccaneers but ultimately prevailed, 31-23.

The NFL odds have more faith in the host 49ers than the visiting Lions for this one, pegging them as -7 favourites to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LVII.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Injury updates for these teams. The Lions might be missing LBs Alex Anzalone and James Houston. Guard Jonah Jackson is expected to miss the game entirely. On the other side of the field the 49ers might go into battle without WR Deebo Samuel, who has a shoulder injury. It’s been reported that he did not suffer a fracture.

It’s been said on every podcast and written in every article. This is the first time since 1991 that the Lions are a participant in a conference championship, so there isn’t much history to speak of. What can be discussed is the team’s mesmerizing season ATS. At 13-6 (including the playoffs), the Lions are one of the hottest bets around. Given their seven-point underdog status, that makes them a very interesting proposition. Through 19 total games, they have never been pegged as such considerable underdogs.

The last decade or so has been all about at least reaching the NFC title match for the 49ers. This will be their third consecutive participation, albeit two years ago with a different QB and last year Purdy didn’t finish the match because of an injury. Potentially not having Deebo will hurt, but this would arguably be the most disappointing failure of the three should they lose. They’re still relatively healthy, have a terrific lineup, and are at home. Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, anyone?

Detroit Lions

It’s understandable that the emotions may not have been as high in the Division Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as in the Wild Card round versus the Rams. It was the second home playoff game, not the first. It was against Baker Mayfield, not former Detroit darling Matthew Stafford.

Still, there was no letup whatsoever by head coach Dan Campbell’s group. They played their hearts out from the opening minute, fed off the home crowd’s energy, and put in their second strong performance of the playoffs in a 31-23 victory. They never trailed (although the Bucs fought back to tie three times) and when the game mattered most in the fourth quarter with the score level at 17-17, the Lions roared louder.

Jared Goff was on point when he had to be, RB Jahmyr Gibbs is turning out to be an excellent compliment to David Montgomery, and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is now a full stud for all to recognize and appreciate.

San Francisco 49ers

Every win carries with it lessons to learn and the potential for character building. The 24-21 Divisional round win over the Packers was a true nail-biter. Maybe the 49ers need to be better prepared for the Lions just as maybe the Packers were more resilient than we gave them credit for.

Put simply, despite the loss, the Packers went toe-to-toe with the top seed in the NFC. They just got beat by the better team when push came to shove. Brock Purdy was good if not great and George Kittle became the prime target on the night once Deebo was out. But of course, when the story isn’t about Samuel, it’s about RB Christian McCaffrey. He finished with 98 yards on 15 touches and two scores. Most critically, he scored with barely a minute to play when his side was down 21-17 and the home crowd mighty nervous.

LB Dre Greenlaw had himself a night to remember, picking off Jordon Love twice, including the game-sealing interception.

Who Will Win Lions vs. 49ers?

LIONS

Away

23

49ERS

Home

28

Score
Predictions

Matchup