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NFC Championship Game
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San Francisco 49ers
Detroit Lions (14-5) at San Francisco 49ers (13-5)
In what had been a remarkable season, capped by a Cinderella run in the postseason, the Detroit Lions have managed to reach the NFC Championship Game for only the second time since 1957. Incidentally, 1957 was the last time that the Lions were NFL champions. But this has been the most successful season that the Lions have had since then. They and their fans should be happy with this season, and with the team's remarkable postseason success to this point.
Now the last time that they reached the NFC Championship, they got absolutely blown out. That was in the 1991-92 season, and they ran into an absolute juggernaut in Washington, a team that likely does not get the respect that it deserves. They were truly dominant that season, as the Lions found out the hard way. They lost that NFC Championship Game 41-10, which was not nearly as bad as their 45-0 loss in Washington during the regular season.
While I don't expect the Lions to get completely dismantled like that this time around, I have serious doubts about their chances going on the road to the West Coast and facing the 49ers. San Francisco is a team with a hell of a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. They also have excellent coaching. There are stars on both sides of the ball. Also, they have a ton of recent playoff experience. Remember, they have now qualified for the NFC Championship Game three years in a row, and four of the past five seasons overall. Also, they reached the Super Bowl five years ago.
So experience definitely goes on the side of the 49ers. Also, I expect that their defense will prove tougher. They are a very physical team, and while they struggled at times against Green Bay last weekend, they ultimately shut down that dangerous Packers offense when they had to. As for offense, this team has a tremendous amount of talent. A top notch running back in Christian McCaffrey, and some dangerous receivers that will likely stretch that Detroit defense.
About the only question I still have regarding the 49ers offense would be with quarterback Brock Purdy. Remember, he is still very young. If there is one thing which I suspect the Lions defense may have success in, it is if they manage to put pressure on Purdy, and force him to make mistakes. Both the Vikings and the Ravens managed to force him into throwing interceptions, and Detroit might really have a chance if they can force him into similar circumstances.
However, Purdy has looked very solid, generally speaking. Yes, he is young, but he appears to have a bright future as the Niners quarterback. If he gets protection and avoids mistakes, he should prove to be an asset for the 49ers, and can help them to win and lift up another NFC Championship trophy.
Detroit's Jared Goff can help his team with his own experience. Remember, he led the 2018 Rams to the Super Bowl. He knows all about winning playoff games, which he did both in Los Angeles and now, with the Lions. If he keeps his cool and does not make mistake, there is no reason why the Lions cannot put some points on the board and make a good run at this thing. If running back Jahmyr Gibbs can break free at times and keep the 49ers defense busy, then that could help open up the passing attack, where Goff can really give Detroit a chance for an upset.
Still, all in all, I suspect that the 49ers have made serious runs in the playoffs in recent seasons for a reason. They likely are the more complete team. They struggled more than expected to beat the Packers in the divisional round, and they may have some difficulties in this one. However, I do expect that the Niners will win this one in the end.
My pick: San Francisco 49ers
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