How 49ers, Lions match up in upcoming NFC Championship Game

How 49ers, Lions match up in upcoming NFC Championship Game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With their heart rates back to normal, the 49ers awaited the outcome Sunday afternoon to find out which team would be coming to Levi’s Stadium next week.

The answer: The Detroit Lions.

The road was not easy for either team, as the 49ers struggled throughout before finally clicking late in the fourth quarter for a 24-21 come-from-behind victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC divisional playoff round.

The Lions looked more crisp but their 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was not exactly a breeze, either.

It figures to be a good matchup in the NFC Championship Game to determine

It figures to be a good matchup in the NFC Championship Game to determine which one advances to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas.

Here is a closer look at the 49ers-Lions matchup:

It’s uncertain whether 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be available for the game. He played only nine snaps Saturday night before exiting with a left shoulder injury.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said the injury was “something similar” to what Samuel experienced in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. Samuel did not play in the second half of that game and was out for the next two games with a hairline fracture.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said the injury was “something similar” to what Samuel experienced in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. Samuel did not play in the second half of that game and was out for the next two games with a hairline fracture.

Quarterback Brock Purdy must be sharper than he was throughout most of Saturday’s game. He also must spread the ball around to all his targets — not just Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. Jauan Jennings and Chris Conley could have opportunities to shine, as they did late in the victory over the Packers.

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is a candidate for at least four of the head coach openings.

Glenn certainly will focus on stacking the line of scrimmage to neutralize 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. The Lions’ run defense is very good, allowing just 3.7 yards per rush attempt

While the Lions’ linebackers are good near the line of scrimmage, the 49ers might be able to exploit those matchups in the middle of the field.

The 49ers face a challenge in keeping Purdy protected against one of the NFL’s better pass-rushes. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson led the way for Detroit with 11.5 sacks.

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