The NFC Championship game is between the #1 and #3 seeds in the conference: the Detroit Lions (+7) take on the San Francisco 49ers. Detroit is coming off of two impressive performances at home these last 2 weeks, while the 49ers went wire-to-wire with the Green Bay Packers. This has led to a lot of uncertainty in this week's matchup. For me, this game comes down to one thing: can San Francisco get pressure with their front 4? If they can, Jared Goff will look significantly different than he has in the first 2 rounds and Brock Purdy should get a boost playing against this Lions defense (hopefully not in the rain). Goff has lost 5 straight starts to the 49ers, dating back to his days as the quarterback of the LA Rams. Will that change here? You can read our expert'NFL picks for predictions on the side and total of both Sunday’s games, but for now, let’s get into my best Lions vs 49ers player prop bet.
Christian McCaffrey (SF) over 35.5 receiving yards (-114)
Deebo Samuel's status is up in the air, but even if he suits up, I'm going to assume he won't be 100%. Many will be on Aiyuk and Kittle's overs this weekend after seeing how Detroit's defense has been “bend but don't break” for everything underneath, as we've seen of late where teams are easily able to move into the red zone but fail to cash in. The Lions are a mixed bag against running backs. Their run defense is stout, but they're allowing the 2nd-most yards per carry to opposing running backs 9.07 yards. So far in the playoffs, we've seen Rachaad White and Ronnie Rivers have success underneath and if Deebo is out or at least hampered, Kyle Shanahan should find a way to get the ball into the hands of his top playmaker. In the 2 games this season that Deebo has missed, CMC went for 51 and 64 receiving yards. McCaffrey's reception line is set at 4.5, which is one higher than I'd like to play it at, but piv oting to his yards given Detroit's propensity to allow splash plays seems to be the safer bet. I'll also be playing his alt-line of 50+ receiving yards for 0.5u at (+188). 1u on over 35.5 receiving yards.