NFC Championship Game 2024: Updated Odds, Prop Bets for Lions vs. 49ers

We've reached the penultimate weekend of the 2023 NFL postseason, and the action will be capped by the NFC Championship Game. On Sunday evening, the San Francisco 49ers will host the Detroit Lions with a trip to Super Bowl LVIII on the line.

It's a fantastic matchup between a franchise with five Super Bowl wins on its resume and one that has never appeared in the big game.

Below, you'll find a look at the latest odds, predictions and a few top player props to consider.

Check the latest lines at DraftKings.

Date: Sunday, January 28

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

TV and Live Stream: Fox, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports app

Line: San Francisco -7.5

Over/Under: 51.5 Points

Money Line: San Francisco -340 (bet $340 to win $100), Detroit +270 (bet $100 to win $270)

The Lions have never appeared in the Super Bowl. Their last trip to the NFC title game came after the 2021 season. Detroit's recent playoff history stands in stark contrast to that of San Francisco, which has appeared in three NFC Championship Games over the past four seasons.

However, this shouldn't be viewed as a major mismatch. The 49ers have the more well-rounded team, largely because Detroit was unable to completely revamp its defense during the offseason. San Francisco has few glaring weaknesses, while the Lions' 27th-ranked pass defense has often been a liability.

Yet, the Lions match up with San Francisco well because of their dominant defensive front. Detroit can stop the run, and it can limit the impact Christian McCaffrey has on the game. This will place a lot of pressure on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who was injured early in last year's title game.

And while this Lions team has no experience at this stage, quarterback Jared Goff does. He helped the Los Angeles Rams reach the Super Bowl in the 2018 season, and he can use playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta to pressure San Francisco's secondary.

The 49ers had some trouble limiting Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers a week ago.

More importantly, the Lions have one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the league. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery form a tremendous tandem, and San Francisco has had occasional issues against the run.

Ultimately, this game will likely be won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes. Purdy and Goff are similarly capable pocket passers, and the turnover battle could truly go either way. The prediction here is that Detroit's ability to run and stop the run makes the difference.

Prediction: Lions 29 49ers 27

Deebo Samuel's shoulder injury casts some uncertainty on San Francisco's ability to pass the ball effectively. Samuel missed much of last week's game against Green Bay, and Purdy struggled for long stretches of the game.

However, the 49ers still have tremendous pass-catchers in McCaffrey, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. Even if Samuel is at less than 100 percent, the 49ers should find some success against an underwhelming Lions secondary.

Last week, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns against Detroit, albeit with two interceptions. Purdy may well toss a pick or two in this one, but he should also find the end zone multiple times.

Detroit's ability to smother the ground game could leave Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers frequently looking to pass in the red zone. Purdy is -200 (bet $200 to win $100) to hit the over, but that's the favorable play here.

The 49ers didn't do a very good job of limiting the Packers' ground game last week, and that's been a constant during San Francisco's close games and losses this season. Against Green Bay and in losses to the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, the 49ers surrendered more than 100 yards on the ground.

Aaron Jones gashed San Francisco for 6.0 yards per carry last week.

The over on rushing yards is favorable for both Gibbs and Montgomery (42.5 yards), but we like the rookie a little more because of his breakaway ability. Gibbs ran for 74 yards against Tampa and has topped 50 rushing yards in six of his last nine games.

The absence of standout guard Jonah Jackson (knee) will likely hinder Detroit's ground game to a degree. However, the Lions should lean heavily on the run, which will give both running backs multiple opportunities to add to their yardage totals.

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Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.