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49ers vs. Lions predictions: Experts pick NFC Championship winner originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers are one win away from Super Bowl LVIII.
The only thing standing in their way of a trip to Las Vegas is the Detroit Lions, who they will host in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
San Francisco is the heavy favorite over Detroit entering the conference title game, but making their third consecutive NFC Championship Game appearance, the 49ers have come up short twice before.
For the Lions, who already have won more playoff games this season (two) than they did over the last 30 years (one), they’re eager to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.
Here’s what NFL experts are predicting for Sunday’s showdown.
49ers 27, Lions 23
“Detroit is a feel-good story, living up to preseason hype as a hard-nosed fighter, and if Goff gets run support while feeding St. Brown early and often, the Lions are capable of the upset. But Goff has also been significantly less effective on the road than at home, and the 49ers tend to take advantage of defensive opportunities. While Purdy and Shanahan proved vulnerable in their decision-making against the Packers, the superior talent is the safer bet.”
49ers 34, Lions 20
“The Lions have had a great run, but it comes to an end, as they simply do not have enough defense to slow down all the 49ers’ weapons around Purdy. Goff will be under more duress all game with his backs being less of a factor than McCaffrey will. Aiyuk and Kittle also will explode for bigger games than St. Brown and LaPorta. Bosa and the defense flex again in the fourth quarter to shut the door.”
Moody: Lions 31, 49ers 28
Walder: 49ers 34, Lions 24
“The Lions’ pass defense is the weakest unit left in the playoffs, ranking 30th in EPA per dropback over the course of the season. Hutchinson is one person who can change that in a flash, and he has been a different player in the postseason with a 29% pass rush win rate — more…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-vs-lions-predictions-experts-181611703.html
Author : NBC Sports BayArea
Publish date : 2024-01-28 18:16:11
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