49ers vs Lions NFC Championship Preview, 49ers Look to Advance to First Super Bowl Since 2020

Liam O'Connor

January 25th, 2024

(49ers QB Brock Purdy and Lions QB Jared Goff)

Having secured their spot in the NFC Championship Game for the third consecutive year, the San Francisco 49ers are aiming to make their way to the Super Bowl, a feat they haven't achieved since the 2019-2020 season. Standing in their path are the Detroit Lions, who clinched their first playoff victory in over three decades this postseason and are determined to reach the NFL championship game for the first time in the Super Bowl era.

This game will be in Levi's Stadium this Sunday at 3:30.

The Lions, victorious in five of their last six games dating back to the regular season, rely on an explosive offensive trio led by quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. This high-powered Detroit offense is poised to face off against one of the league's best defenses, anchored by 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. The Lions offense has been considered second best all year to this San Francisco offense, but lead the league in total touchdowns. For the 49ers to win this game, the defense will need to generate pressure on Jared Goff, as he has the 27th best passer rating in the NFL when under pressure. Goff has also lost his last 5 games against the 49ers.

In assessing Goff's familiarity with the 49ers from his time in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco defense, now under coordinator Steve Wilks, has evolved since Goff's divisional tenure. The health of the Lions' offensive line, particularly with left guard Jonah Jackson sidelined, becomes a critical factor influencing Goff's performance against this feared 49ers defense. The offensive line is a key reason that the Lions offense has kept Goff under limited pressure this season, but when banged up and against this defensive line, it will be hard to limit the pressure the 49ers will get.

Despite the 49ers' absence of sacks against the Packers last week, their high-pressure rate suggests a potential challenge for Goff. The Lions quarterback, who performed impressively in the postseason, faces a defense known for its takeaways, adding an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming game.

The status of 49ers' key player Deebo Samuel. Williams revealed that Samuel, dealing with a shoulder injury, has practiced today, and is almost certain to play in this game. The significance of Samuel to the 49ers' offense was underscored, with stats indicating a considerable difference in performance with and without him. The Lions main weakness in their low ranked defense, is their secondary. Deebo Samuel has the ability to not only be a deep threat, but is one of the best receivers in the league when it comes to screen passes and yards after catch. He will certainly be an X factor for the 49ers offense this game.

The 49ers other main X factor is obviously Brock Purdy. Coming of a average game with a great drive to win the game, Purdy is looking to capitalize on this opportunity to bring this team to the super bowl. The Lions play man coverage at a very high rate, a scheme that Brock Purdy leads the league in every category against. Purdy is sure to carve up this secondary, but should look to minimize the mistakes. With all thew playmakers around him, he should focus on a game that he makes smart decisions, something that he is the best at in this league.

The 49ers key to winning this game will be the defense, but Brock Purdy and the offense should look to take advantage of a struggling opponent and cash their ticket to the Super Bowl in Vegas.

(Deebo Samuel runs after a catch against the Lions in a 2021 Week 1 game.)