Lions vs. 49ers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Brock Purdy, Niners Roll in NFC Championship Game?
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game as a touchdown favorite. Can Brock Purdy and the Niners clean up their mistakes and handle business as they look to make the Super Bowl? Jason Radowitz provides his pick against the spread in Lions vs. 49ers.
Jason Radowitz - January 23, 2024, 1:45 PM EST
5 minLions vs. 49ers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Brock Purdy, Niners Roll in NFC Championship Game?
The San Francisco 49ers have many doubters after a subpar performance against the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Playoffs.
But after sneaking by the Packers, the 49ers are headed into the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions.
Unlike the 49ers, the Lions had to play their first playoff game in Wild Card Weekend. Detroit escaped Matthew Stafford and the Rams and earned an eight-point win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Playoffs.
Now Detroit's got the opportunity to play in its first Super Bowl ever with a win against the 49ers.
However, it won't be easy. Oddsmakers have the Niners as pretty hefty favorites at home.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers.
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 28, 2024
- Game Time: 6:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Lions vs. 49ers Odds
- Spread: Lions +7 (-115), 49ers -7 (-105)
- Total Odds: O/U 50.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Lions (+260), 49ers (-320)
Lions vs. 49ers Injury Report
Lions
Questionable: WR Kalif Raymond (Knee), LB James Houston (Ankle), G Jonah Jackson (Knee),
Out: TE Brock Wright (Forearm), TE James Mitchell (Hand), CB Jerry Jacobs (Thigh)
49ers
Questionable: WR Deebo Samuel (Shoulder)
Out: CB Jason Verrett (Shoulder), DE Clelin Ferrell (Knee)
Lions vs. 49ers Prediction
The San Francisco 49ers didn't play the best football against the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Playoffs. Maybe it was the rust. But ultimately, the Niners were outplayed by the Packers but used a couple of massive interceptions to hold on and defeat the Packers.
I guess that's what good teams do. Even when things aren't going their way, they find a way.
Brock Purdy has taken a lot of heat from the media and fans of the game. He threw one touchdown but completed only 59% of his passes in the Divisional Playoffs. Part of the problem was Deebo Samuel's absence from the game due to a shoulder injury.
However, Purdy still didn't throw an interception in that game and finished the season with a solid ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions. His QBR was still the best in the NFL at 72.8.
While the Lions have a terrific pass rush and good run defense, the secondary is typically weak. As long as Purdy is protected, he shouldn't have any problems getting the ball to open receivers. His completion percentage should be above 60% at home against the Lions. Although the Lions have been good against the run, they struggled at times against Rachaad White last week and will likely have their hands full with Christian McCaffrey this week. On the other hand, the Lions have one of the most unique offenses in the NFL. This team has many high-caliber players but is seriously banged up on the offensive line. Jonah Jackson likely won't play. Therefore, Detroit will need a backup at left guard. Meanwhile, Frank Ragnow will play, but he's got multiple injuries that he suffered last week. The 49ers should be able to get after it in the trenches. San Francisco has one of the best defensive lines in football and ultimately has a top-five defense in the NFL all-around. I still don't think Detroit has put together a complete game in the playoffs. The defense stepped up in the second half in the Wild Card matchup. But in the Divisional Playoffs, it was the offense scoring at will. However, the Lions haven't seen the offense score at will with the defense stepping up. That hasn't happened and likely won't against the 49ers. Let's back San Francisco at -7.
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Pick
- 49ers -7 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
NFL Odds
