NFC Championship Prediction: Can Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions Play Close with Niners on Sunday?
The Detroit Lions will battle with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Can Jahmyr Gibbs help keep the Lions close and give them a shot at the upset? Joey Ruiz believes the Lions have the pieces to get this done, and is backing them on the spread in his Lions vs. 49ers prediction.
Joey Ruiz - January 28, 2024, 2:45 PM EST
5 minNFC Championship Prediction: Can Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions Play Close with Niners on Sunday?
It has been a dream season for the Lions, but now they have to face the juggernaut that is the 49ers in their house. Can Detroit continue this dream season and steal a win to move on to the Super Bowl? Let’s break it down.
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)
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Prediction
The Lions find themselves as 7.5-point underdogs in this NFC championship road game against San Francisco. The 49ers nearly lost last week against Green Bay, and likely should have lost if they had been able to make a short field goal and hold onto some potential interceptions thrown by Brock Purdy, but nonetheless they got the win and moved into the NFC championship to face the Lions.
Detroit enters this game with playoff wins against the Rams and Bucs, in which they never trailed in either game. Sure, some of those wins were tight, but Detroit was able to take control in the clutch moments of both second halves when the game was tied or close. Jared Goff has been playing lights out, and I think he is poised for another big game tonight. Goff has always played better in domes or in better weather and lucky for him, there is great weather expected in San Francisco tonight as temps are expected in the 60s or 70s and no rain, snow, or inclement weather.
This Lions offense has been cooking both on the ground and through the air, as the two-headed monster in the backfield with Gibbs and Montgomery have been getting the job done at an elite level. Last week against Green Bay, the 49ers defense was gashed on the ground by Aaron Jones. They simply could not contain him, which essentially shortened the game and led to less possessions for this high-powered 49ers offense, giving the Packers the best chance to win. The Packers were able to drive down the field at will on most drives, but faltered many times when they got into the red zone or in field goal range.
The Lions have been excellent in the red zone both on offense and defense, as they have been a bend but don’t break defense, and have finished drives with touchdowns on offense. I think the key to this game will be the red zone, and which team can be more efficient in that part of the field. The Lions have shown to be more aggressive and efficient in the red zone to this point, and I think that will help them keep this game close. With that being said, I am rolling with Lions +7.5 at -106 odds for two units as my most confident NFL play for tonight’s action.
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Pick
Pick: Detroit Lions +7.5 -120 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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