San Francisco 49ers vs Detroit Lions Prediction and Betting Odds

Need-to-know info

• Who: Detroit Lions (#3) @ San Francisco 49ers (#1)
• When: Sunday, Jan 28th at 6:30pm ET
• Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
• How to watch: FOX

The bookmakers have been on San Francisco’s side for a long, long time. Now they face the Detroit Lions, the scrappy underdogs looking to put years of disappointment behind them.

It feels like one of those games where almost everyone will be rooting for the Lions, but San Francisco are ready to spoil the party. The hard-fought Divisional Round win against the seventh seeds, Green Bay, could be cause for concern – but after effectively taking Week 18 off and having a Bye in Week 1, it could have just been a case of blowing away the cobwebs. That’d explain having to leave it so late to advance. It’s no fun doing it the easy way.

The jury is still split on QB Brock Purdy, but he was unshakeable when it mattered last weekend, delivering the game-winning touchdown drive to send the 49ers to their 19th Championship game. With plenty of tools at his disposal, Purdy is more than capable of guiding his team to the Bowl.

After two home games as favorites, the Lions are on the road again looking to reach their first NFC Championship game since 1991. That ended very badly – a 41-10 blowout loss to Washington – but it’d be a surprise to see a scoreline like that this weekend.

Detroit go in as 7-point underdogs which seems fair, but Jared Goff is proving just as effective as his opposite number. The former Rams QB has been well protected all season, and he’s proving an expert in not turning over the football. Spoiler alert, that helps you win games.

Rookie Tight End Sam LaPorta was used sparingly against the Rams but his knee seemed just fine in the Divisional Round win against the Buccaneers. His 65 yards on nine catches was only bettered by Amari St. Brown (8-77-1). So if you’re talking offensive weapons, Detroit can match San Fran stride for stride.

And for Christian McCaffrey, Lions have two stars in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The RB tandem have been electric all year, can they keep it rollin’ in Detroit’s biggest game for over three decades. You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow…

The do-it-all star Deebo Samuel is a concern with a shoulder injury sustained against the Packers, a recurrence of a problem earlier in the year. The multi-talented receiver is optimistic he’ll make it, but he’ll be monitored closely in the build-up. The 49ers have no other fresh concerns. It’s alright for some.

Detroit’s offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, but it’s under threat this week. Left Guard Jonah Jackson is doubtful with a knee injury, while Frank Ragnow picked up a few knocks in the win over the Buccaneers. However, the center is positive about suiting up for this monumental clash. Edge Rusher James Houston is edging closer to a return but might not be thrown in having been out since Week 2, while Punt Returner Kalif Raymond is Questionable.

Season Record

San Francisco 49ers: 12-5 (1st in the NFC West)

Detroit Lions: 11-6 (1st in the NFC North)

Final Five

49ers: WWLWL

Lions: LWWLW

Last meeting

49ers 41-33 Lions

It’s been a couple of years since the last meeting, back when Jimmy G was at Quarterback for San Francisco. All change on the West Coast now, but Jared G was under center for the Lions, throwing for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He’d be more than happy with that stat line again.

San Francisco 49ers. The NFC’s top seeds looked a little rusty last week, but the Lions have been far from perfect down the stretch. Dan Campbell’s team play hard and will push San Francisco to their limits, but the 49ers have the star quality to pull through on home turf.

Odds and spreads correct as of 01/23/2024

Odds and spreads correct as of 01/23/2024

Odds and spreads correct as of 01/23/2024

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