But can Detroit finally overcome a nightmarish 12-game losing rut in the series to reach their first ever Super Bowl?
Detroit Roars Into Position For History
Riding high from a 31-23 Divisional Round upset over the Buccaneers, the Lions roll into the NFC Championship Game as sizzling 6-1 SU underdogs. Detroit also brings betting confidence from a stellar 13-6 ATS record consistently covering this season.
Monday's win also snapped an 0-7 SU playoff drought stretching back to 1993. But now Detroit must reverse a far longer curse to secure a shocking Super Bowl berth:
12 Straight Losses Against San Francisco
Dating back to 1977, the Lions stagger into the NFC Championship lugging a miserable 1-12 SU record all-time in San Francisco. Roaring past the 49ers on their home turf shapes up as a supreme test threatening to prolong Detroit's 0-4 record in conference championships.
Does Detroit finally possess the firepower to overcome four anguishing decades of disappointment?
Scouting the Soaring Lions
Surging Offense
The Lions offense erupts for 31 points per game during their current 6-1 surge. Quarterback Jared Goff pilots these winning ways in his best season yet compiling:
- 4,438 passing yards (2nd in NFL)
- 32 TD passes
- 7 interceptions
Goff also completed nearly 70% of attempts in playoff wins over the Rams and Bucs. Top wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as his preferred aerial weapon averaging 93.5 receiving yards per game in postseason play including 100 yard efforts in 4 of 6 games.
Ground Game Provides Balance
Running back Jamaal Williams ranks top five league-wide in both rushing yards (1,455) and touchdowns (17). Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs provides a speedy change of pace highlighted by 99 yards and 2 touchdowns thus far in playoffs.
This multifaceted attack allows Detroit to stay aggressively balanced, even when chasing points.
Room for Defensive Improvement
While praised for timely turnovers, Detroit still allows substantial yardage on defense - including surrendering 384.5 yards per playoff game. Tightening up against elite competition shapes up as crucial toward surviving three playoff rounds.
But after toppling Tom Brady for Detroit's first playoff win since 1993, confidence surely flirts with an all-time high.
Scouting the Stumbling 49ers
Offense Out of Rhythm
Conversely, the 49ers seek a third NFC Championship victory in four years despite recent offensive struggles. During a 3-3 stretch, San Francisco averaged just 15 points the past three games while failing to score at all in the third quarter. Last week, three Green Bay leads got toppled only by a late rally.
Can the 49ers offense rediscover its mojo in crunch time?
Concern Over Purdy
Further powering this uncertainty is the reliance on rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. Thrust into action after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garropolo, Purdy performed admirably until recent hiccups. Specifically, during his past three starts, Purdy:
- Completed under 60% of passes twice
- Totaled just three touchdowns
- Averaged 170 passing yards
- Posted a 2-1 record
Purdy must channel veteran poise if San Francisco hopes to return to the Super Bowl.
Home Field Heartaches
Finally, the Niners must shake discouraging home field vibes, including:
- 3-3 SU last six games in Levi's Stadium
- Six straight home ATS losses
- 7 points total after halftime the past two NFC Championships
With Detroit invading on a mission, San Francisco must re-establish imposing dominance in their home confines.
Lions vs 49ers Betting Prediction
Predicting this clash presents a convoluted puzzle with Detroit's aspirations colliding into San Francisco's championship heritage.
The Lions present compelling upset ingredients:
- Motivated franchise starved for relevance
- Red hot 6-1 surge
- Balanced offensive attack
- Commitment to ball security
But the 49ers boast enviable experience including:
- Trip to NFC Championship three straight seasons
- Deeper playoff pedigree
- Stingiest scoring defense entering Sunday
So what gives in this marquee matchup?
Trust Detroit's fire against playoff-tested San Francisco...but not enough to win straight up. The Niners defense should make enough key stops while their offense grinds out long sustained drives to set up makeable field goals.
49ers win...but fail to cover.
Pick: Lions +2.5