Lions are early underdogs against 49ers in NFC Championship
Tony PaulDetroit — The cats now become the (under)dogs.
The top-seeded San Francisco 49ers have opened as a 7-point favorite over the Detroit Lions in next Sunday's NFC Championship, according to the opening odds posted by Circa Sports in Las Vegas.
This marks the first time the Lions have been underdogs in this postseason, after beating the Los Angeles Rams, 24-23, in the playoff opener, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-23, on Sunday. Both games were at Ford Field.
They now head on the road to play the 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The game kicks off at 6:30 ET, and airs on Fox.
The 49ers advanced by holding off the Green Bay Packers, 24-21, on Saturday, when San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy struggled in the passing game amid a driving rain. The weather forecast is much better for the next game.
The NFC Championship matchup features a battle of the No. 2 (49ers) and No. 3 (Lions) offenses during the regular season, though it'll be worth keeping an eye on the injury status of 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder), who was knocked out of the game against the Packers.
If he's missing, that could be a boost for a Lions' defense that has had its fair share of issues in the secondary, and did again Sunday.
San Francisco has the better defense, also top 10 during the regular season. The 49ers are really good statistically against the run, though they also didn't face a ton of rushing, given their opponents mostly were playing from behind this season, as San Francisco went 12-5 and won the NFL West.
The Lions went 12-5 and won the NFC North.
The early over-under, via Circa Sports, is 51.5.
In the AFC Championship, set for 3:30 next Sunday on CBS, the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs will play at the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens are favored by 3.5 points, with an over-under of 44.5.
The Super Bowl is Sunday, Feb. 11, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
@tonypaul1984