Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers: The Big Preview

The Detroit Lions are playing in today’s NFC Championship game. Detroit’s day of destiny is finally here—the Lions head to Santa Clara for a date with the San Francisco 49ers. A spot at Super Bowl 58 is on the line. It is the biggest day in the Detroit Lions’ 21st-century history. Here is everything you need to know.

When and Where Is This Game?

The game takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Form Guide

The Lions roll into California, having won three consecutive games. This is the Detroit Lions’ first road game since their Week 17 game at Dallas.

The 49ers outlasted the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round. San Francisco did not play on Super Wildcard Weekend because of a bye.

Injury Report

The Detroit Lions have ruled out starting guard Jonah Jackson. Wideout and return specialist Kalif Raymond is also out. Rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker is questionable with a tooth issue.

The rookie will still likely dress as the emergency quarterback. A vital part of the Lions’ injury report is the team did not designate James Houston. The speedy pass-rusher could return to the lineup on Sunday.

  • Jonah Jackson, Guard, Knee – Out
  • Kalif Raymond, Wide Receiver, Knee – Out
  • Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tooth – Questionable
  • Chase Lucas, Cornerback, Illness – Questionable

The big news from San Francisco is Deebo Samuel’s status. The superstar wide receiver did leave the Divisional Round game with a shoulder problem. But the 49ers confirmed that Samuel will go in full.

  • Oren Burks, Linebacker, Shoulder – Questionable
  • Kalla Davis, Defensive Tackle, Ankle – Questionable

Betting Odds

FanDuel Sportsbook currently has the game like this:

Detroit Lions

SPREAD+7.5-120

MONEYLINE+290

TOTAL O 52.5-110

San Francisco 49ers

SPREAD-7.5-102

MONEYLINE-360

TOTAL U 52.5-110

What They’ve Said

Dan Campbell underlined the 49ers’ strengths ahead of this game:

“They’re going to test your boundaries; they’re going to find weaknesses and just try to pepper you on those. So this is a heck of a matchup for us. They are outstanding playmakers on both sides of the ball. John Lynch has done a hell of a job; he and Kyle are both building that roster. This will be an outstanding test for us, but it’s one we’re ready for.”

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan outlined his thoughts on Lions quarterback Jared Goff:

“He’s shown some of the stuff he did in Los Angeles… He played at an MVP-type level. When they give him a good scheme, when he’s got good people around him, Jared will always find the spot. He’s as accurate as any quarterback I’ve seen. He can play at a very top level. He will gash you if you sit and make things easy for him. I’ve seen it over and over, whether he’s with the Rams, whether he is with Detroit. That’s why he challenges you. You better be on your stuff, or he can embarrass you fast.”

What’s at Stake?

The NFC Championship, and a place at Super Bowl 58. It does not get any bigger.

 

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