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NFL conference championship round picks and predictions
Lorenzo Reyes is back with his best bets for the NFC and AFC conference championship games.
The NFC will be decided in the Bay Area Sunday night when the Detroit Lions (14-5) take on the San Francisco 49ers (13-5) with a spot in Super Bowl 58 on the line.
The dream season for Detroit continues into the conference championship round, as the Lions were able to fend off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a win in the divisional round. The defense stepped up when it needed to, and the offense was able to wake up in the second half to send the Lions to their first NFC title game since 1991.
The No. 1 seed in the NFC got all it could handle from the No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers, but a clutch fourth quarter resulted in a come-from-behind win for the 49ers. San Francisco is back in the NFC championship game for the third-straight season, but can it reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2019 season? Or will Detroit shock the top seed by clinching its first ever Super Bowl appearance?
49ers vs. Lions odds, moneyline, over/under
The 49ers are favorites to defeat the Lions, according to BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
- Spread: 49ers (-7)
- Moneyline: 49ers (-350); Lions(+275)
- Over/under: 51.5
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NFL championship round odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Ravens vs. Chiefs
NFC: 49ers vs. Lions
Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers 29, Lions 24
The 49ers simply have the stronger roster, but the Lions actually match up fairly well. Detroit excels at stopping the run, which could limit the effectiveness of Christian McCaffrey. The Lions are certainly weaker on the back end, but San Francisco may be dealt a blow with the health of Deebo Samuel. I think this game stays closer and Detroit covers because the San Francisco secondary has yielded big plays and may have difficulty containing Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.
Tyler Dragon: 49ers 27, Lions 21
The 49ers are advancing the NFC championship game for the third consecutive season and fourth time in the last five years. While the Lions have exceeded expectations on their way to the conference championship. Watch the battle in the trenches. These two teams excel in that area. But the 49ers have the more complete team and a stout defense headlined by All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year defensive end Nick Bosa. Deebo Samuel’s shoulder injury is concern. The 49ers aren’t the same without the versatile wideout, but San Francisco’s defense is going to make the Lions uncomfortable.
Safid Deen: Lions 29, 49ers 26
Deebo Samuel or not, I don’t think the 49ers are ready for what’s coming to San Francisco this weekend. The Detroit Lions are playing on another level with one of the best run games in the NFL, a quarterback that’s sure of himself and his offense, and weapons across the board on both sides to reach the franchise’s first Super Bowl. Somehow, some way, Brock Purdy or Kyle Shanahan will find a way to cost their team in this one.
Victoria Hernandez: Lions 27, 49ers 25
The 49ers have one of the most well-rounded offenses in the league, but Deebo Samuel’s health is a major question mark. I went back and forth on this pick, but the Lions are America’s Team right now and if there is a script, they are in the Super Bowl.
Jordan Mendoza: Lions 24, 49ers 23
Will the magical run continue in Detroit? Despite all the weapons the 49ers have on both sides of the ball, they can only go as far as Brock Purdy takes them. The shaky performance against Green Bay is enough to believe the Lions can put the pressure against the 49ers offense, while the passing game is able to exploit the San Francisco secondary. Detroit pulls off the shocker, and plays for the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in team history.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY’s NFL expert predictions here.
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