Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers – As the NFL season approaches its zenith, the NFC Championship presents a thrilling showdown between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, both boasting identical 12-5 records. This game not only promises high-octane football action but also presents intriguing opportunities for betting enthusiasts, with many looking towards the best sportsbook in Canada for competitive odds and insights.
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers
Date & Time: Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 6:30 PM ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium
TV: FOX
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Lions | +280 | +7 (+100) | 51.5 over (-110) |
| 49ers | -350 | -7 (-120) | 51.5 under (-110) |
Detroit Lions Analysis
The Lions’ offense has been clicking lately, scoring 30+ points in 5 of their last 6 games. Quarterback Jared Goff is playing efficient football, demonstrated by his 111.8 passer rating over the past two games. Goff has passed for 564 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in that span. Top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has also excelled, catching 15 passes for 187 yards and 1 touchdown through two playoff games. Detroit’s ground game features running back David Montgomery, who has rushed for 90 yards on 24 carries (3.8 avg) with 1 touchdown during the playoffs. The Lions will need to continue riding their passing game success from Goff and St. Brown while getting Montgomery more involved to upset the 49ers.
Defensively, the data shows Detroit ranks 20th, allowing 21.5 points per game. While they contained the Eagles to just 14 points last week, their defense remains vulnerable against elite offenses like the 49ers, specifically against the run. The Lions have allowed 4.7 yards per carry over the past six games, so slowing down San Francisco’s rushing attack will be key.
San Francisco 49ers Analysis
Offensively, Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 252 yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs last week while the 49ers put up 19 points. Running back Christian McCaffrey powered the ground game with 98 rush yards and 2 TDs on 17 carries. McCaffrey also added 6 catches, demonstrating his dual-threat ability. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings pitched in with 5 catches for 61 yards. The 49ers will aim to continue relying on their rushing attack with McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel while avoiding mistakes from Purdy through the air.
San Francisco owns the NFL’s #1 defense, giving up just 300.6 total yards and 16.3 points per game. Last week versus Dallas, they held the Cowboys’ offense out of the end zone. Limiting big passing plays to Lions WR St. Brown and getting pressure on Goff will be key for playmakers Nick Bosa and the defensive line. The 49ers defense matches up well against Detroit’s attack.
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Against the Spread
The Lions have been an excellent bet lately, covering the spread in 5 of their last 6 games. Detroit is also 8-2 ATS over their last 10 road games. The Lions are entering this game hot and getting over a touchdown, making them an enticing option against the spread.
Conversely, the 49ers have struggled against the number at home, going just 1-5 ATS over their last 6 games at Levi’s Stadium. Overall on the year, San Francisco is 6-10 ATS including last week’s non-cover versus Dallas. With the Lions receiving over a touchdown, the betting trends point to Detroit keeping this one close.
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: San Francisco 49ers. Despite the Lions’ impressive season, the 49ers’ historical dominance, especially at home against Detroit, makes them the safer bet.
Spread: Detroit Lions +7. Getting over a touchdown with a red-hot Lions team seems like strong value. The Lions should keep this close.
Total: Over 51.5. Given both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent trends towards high-scoring games, the over seems like a promising bet.
Predicted Score: San Francisco 49ers 30, Detroit Lions 24
As the NFC Championship looms, the betting landscape is fraught with intriguing possibilities. While the 49ers emerge as the favorites, especially in the moneyline market, the Lions’ resilience against the spread presents a tantalizing prospect for bettors. In the realm of Super Bowl expert picks, this game epitomizes the unpredictable nature of football, where historical trends, current form, and individual brilliance converge to craft a compelling narrative.
