Lions vs 49ers: Who Will Reign Supreme?
An NFC Championship game that no one could have predicted coming into the season, between Detroit and San Francisco, will decide who will go onto the ultimate goal, the Super Bowl. Due to the magnitude of the AFC QBs, this may be the lesser-talked-about game but this matchup has much in store for football fans. Detroit is making only its second appearance in the NFC Championship, the first one resulting in a loss in 1992. On the San Francisco side, they have been here before and are looking to go to the Super Bowl for the second time in the previous four years. These two teams are hungry for a chance to go to the Super Bowl, and both will play with every ounce of effort they have left. But only one will be victorious.
Detroit Lions Keys
- Feed the Two-back Punch
Detroit's backfield bolsters the best one-two punch I've seen in recent memory. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs and veteran David Montgomery are the perfect mix of thunder and lightning. This two-man backfield has made the Lion's offense so diverse and unpredictable. In last week's divisional game, Packers Running back Aaron Jones torched the 49ers' defense for over 100 yards rushing. That rushing attack opened up many options in the passing game and ultimately almost brought Green Bay out on top, if not for some costly mistakes.
- Jared Goff: Zero Turnovers
Part of what made this season so magical for Detroit is the resurgence of Jared Goff and how well he played. Goff has made tremendous strides since his days as a Los Angeles Ram, but he can get flustered under duress. Goff has to hang in and make tough throws if Detroit wants to win this game. Relying solely on the run game isn't going to work against this 49er's defense, and if Goff can't carry his weight, they will lose.
San Francisco 49ers Keys
- Feed CMC
A simple key but a pivotal one, is feeding Christian McCaffery, who, in all seriousness, is the best player on either team and will give the 49ers a considerable boost. CMC is a dynamic playmaker in the passing and rushing game and should be used effectively. He had nearly 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns last week against Green Bay, and indeed, he will see a lot of action again today.
- Use the run game to set up Purdy play action
Using CMC in the run game further opens up the gaps and makes things easier in the passing game. Play action with crossers over the middle to San Fran's dynamic duo at WR with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Getting those two involved with Tight End George Kittle will also be fruitful for the Niner offense.
- Make Detroit One Dimensional
Finally, if the 49ers can stop the dynamic duo mentioned above, they can win this game. Make Jared Goff beat you with his arm while facing heavy pressure from Nick Bosa and company. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner will be flying around the field, and if they can get downfield and fill lanes, it will be a scary night for Detroit.
Conclusion: Lions 20, 49ers 21
This will be the closest of the two Conference Championship games, with both going down to the wire. I expect both run games to get serious momentum in this game, and ultimately, it will fall on the quarterback's shoulders. While Jared Goff has been here before, I expect Brock Purdy to make the plays needed to get his team over the top. Purdy's supporting cast and coaching give the Niners the edge in this one and send them to another Super Bowl.