Lions vs. 49ers preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch NFC conference championship

The 2024 NFL playoff field is whittled down to four teams still in the hunt for Super Bowl LVIII. In the NFC, two teams match up for the conference title Sunday evening: the No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers and the No. 3 seed Detroit Lions.

The Lions are playing their first conference title game since the 1992 playoffs. Only two players on Detroit's current roster were alive when that happened - defensive lineman Tyson Alualu and long snapper Jack McQuaide. They're here thanks to a 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round at home. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a game-high 114 yards from scrimmage and the defense forced two turnovers to secure Detroit's second consecutive playoff win.

NFC championship burning questions: How do you stop Christian McCaffrey?

San Francisco's back in the NFC conference championship for the third straight year and the fourth time in the last five seasons. It didn't come easily, though, as the 49ers needed coach Kyle Shanahan's first win when trailing by seven or more points in the fourth quarter. All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey's second touchdown put the 49ers ahead with 1:07 left and linebacker Dre Greenlaw's second interception of the game sealed the 24-21 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Rain affected the divisional round game at Levi's Stadium between the 49ers and Packers. Current AccuWeather forecasts show sunny skies and little to no wind for Sunday's NFC conference championship matchup.

NFC conference championship game: Sorry San Francisco 49ers. The Detroit Lions are the people's (NFC) champion

2024 NFL playoffs: Predictions for Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Arizona Republic: 49ers 27, Lions 23

Jeremy Cluff writes: "Can the Lions beat the 49ers? Yes, they can. Will they? We don't think so. Detroit will have to play outside the friendly confines of Ford Field for the first time this postseason and San Francisco's defense will get to Jared Goff enough to force some turnovers. Brock Purdy will be efficient enough to lead the 49ers back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2020."

Sporting News: 49ers 34, Lions 20

Vinnie Iyer says: "The Lions have had a great run, but it comes to an end, as they simply do not have enough defense to slow down all the 49ers' weapons around Purdy. Goff will be under more duress all game with his backs being less of a factor than McCaffrey will. Aiyuk and Kittle also will explode for bigger games than St. Brown and LaPorta. Bosa and the defense flex again in the fourth quarter to shut the door."

CBS Sports: 49ers 27, Lions 23

Cody Benjamin writes: "Detroit is a feel-good story, living up to preseason hype as a hard-nosed fighter, and if Goff gets run support while feeding St. Brown early and often, the Lions are capable of the upset. But Goff has also been significantly less effective on the road than at home, and the 49ers tend to take advantage of defensive opportunities. While Purdy and Shanahan proved vulnerable in their decision-making against the Packers, the superior talent is the safer bet."

PicksWise: Lions +7

Chris Farley says: "The 49ers are a massive upgrade in competition from the Bucs, but Jared Goff has been here before, conceivably one over-throw away from a Super Bowl win just 6 years ago. We also know Dan Campbell is an effective motivator, someone who has his men fighting hard and always battle ready. We can’t say that about Kyle Shanahan. Genius play caller? Probably. But we’ve seen the 49ers crack in the playoffs before, not to mention on a tough road trip (aka “adversity”) and 3-game losing streak earlier this season. We trust Purdy will play well, but will he play so well that Goff and an explosive Lions’ offense can’t keep up? Even if Samuel plays, I think not."

Action Network: 49ers -7

Sam Farley says: "When it comes to this matchup against the Lions, I think the 49ers are superior across the board. As much fun as the Lions are to watch, I simply can't see them keeping the 49ers at bay with a pass-funnel defense. The Lions allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game in the regular season and just let Baker Mayfield throw for 349 yards and three touchdowns."

2024 NFL playoffs: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers odds, spread, and lines

The 49ers are favored to defeat the Lions in the NFC conference championship, according to the BetMGM odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.

All odds as of Saturday afternoon.

• Spread: San Francisco (-7)

• Moneyline: San Francisco (-350); Detroit (+275)

• Over/under: 52

How to watch 2024 NFL playoffs: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers TV, streaming and schedule

When: Sunday, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Cable TV: FOX

Streaming: FOX Sports app+; NFL+ TV; FuboTV

How to watch: Catch football action with a Fubo subscription

2024 NFL playoffs: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers injury report

Detroit Lions:

San Francisco 49ers:

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions vs. 49ers predictions, odds, injury news for NFC playoff game