The Detroit Lions play the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, January 28th, at 5:30 P.M. Central Time.
Which team is the favorite in the NFC Championship game?
San Francisco is favored by 7.5, and the over/under is 52.
How has the playoffs treated Detroit?
Detroit defeated Los Angeles 24-23 in the Wild Card. Goff completed 22 out of 27 pass attempts for 277 yards and threw one touchdown, Montgomery had 57 yards on 14 attempts and one touchdown, and St. Brown had seven receptions for 110 yards.
Detroit was up by one point with 4:07 left. All they need is a few first downs to ice the game. They got two first downs and kneeled to end the game.
Detroit defeated Tampa Bay 31-23 in the Divisional Round. Goff completed 30 out of 43 pass attempts for 287 yards and threw two touchdowns, Gibbs had 74 yards on nine attempts and one touchdown, and St. Brown had eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown.
With 1:35 left, Barnes intercepted Mayfield’s pass intended for Otton. Detroit kneeled three times to end the game.
How has the playoffs treated San Francisco?
San Francisco defeated Green Bay 24-21 in the Divisional Round. Purdy completed 23 out of 39 pass attempts for 252 yards and threw one touchdown, McCaffrey had 98 yards on 17 attempts and two touchdowns, and Kittle had four receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown.
With 1:07 left, McCaffrey scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown to take the lead.
With 0:52 left, Greenlaw intercepted Love’s pass intended for Watson to end the game.
Detroit’s offense and defensive rankings during the regular season
Their offense was one of the best. They ranked 5th in points, 3rd in total yards, 14th in turnovers, 2nd in passing, 5th in rushing, and allowed the 4th-fewest sacks.
Their defense struggled. They ranked 23rd in points, 19th in total yards, 18th in takeaways, 27th in passing, 2nd in rushing, and 23rd in sacks.
San Francisco’s offense and defensive rankings during the regular season
Their offense was one of the best. They ranked 3rd in points, 2nd in total yards, 22nd in turnovers, 4th in passing, 3rd in rushing, and allowed the 7th-fewest sacks.
Their defense was elite. They ranked 3rd in points, 8th in total yards, 6th in takeaways, 14th in passing, 3rd in rushing, and 9th in sacks.
1 Offensive and 1 Defensive Key to Victory-Detroit Lions
Detroit’s biggest offensive key to victory is running the ball effectively. Their offense thrives when they can run the ball with David Montgomery or Jahmyr Gibbs. Their rushing attack will be tested against the 3rd best-rushing defense.
Detroit’s biggest defensive key to victory is stopping Brock Purdy. San Francisco has one of the best-receiving corps in the league, with Kittle, Aiyuk, Samuel, Jennings, and McCaffrey—the secondary needs to play their hearts out.
1 Offensive and 1 Defensive Key to Victory-San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco’s biggest offensive key to victory is Brock Purdy. Purdy needs to play lights out against the 27th-ranked passing defense.
San Francisco’s biggest defensive key to victory is stopping the run. If San Francisco can control the running game and force Goff to drop back over 50 times with a banged-up offensive line, they have a better chance of winning.
NFC Championship prediction
I predict a San Francisco 49ers victory by 14 points over the Detroit Lions because San Francisco is great at stopping the run.
Another reason why I predict a San Francisco victory is San Francisco’s offense is superior to Detroit’s defense. San Francisco has an elite offense, and Detroit’s defense is in the lower half.
San Francisco’s defense is superior to Detroit’s offense. Bosa, Young, Armstead, and Hargrave will feast against Detroit’s banged-up offensive line.
San Francisco got their ugly win over with. They are ready to dominate again.
Finally, I am taking the over.
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