The NFC Championship Game is just days away and here is all of the information you need to know.

Who: Detroit Lions at San Francisco

What: 2023-24 NFC Championship Game

When: Sunday, Jan. 28 at 6:30pm

Where: Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA

How Did We Get Here?

The San Francisco 49ers earned a first-round bye after finishing as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Niners welcomed the Green Bay Packers to town during the Division Round and escaped with a 24-21 win San Francisco will appear in the NFC title game for the fourth time in five years.

The Detroit Lions have put together a run that fans will remember for a long time. The Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams during Wild Card Weekend, logging their first postseason victory in over three decades. Detroit then hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend and came away with a 31-23 win. Both games took place in front of an insane crowd of hungry Lions’ fans.

MAJOR X-FACTORS

Can the Lions weather the storm early?

The Niners have been a team that has started fast all season long. There is plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and the team can take control as early as the opening possession. The Lions will have to swing that momentum, especially on the road, and not fall behind early.

The Packers stayed within striking distance early on and were able to hang in as the game went on. Green Bay had a chance to win it in the fourth quarter and that is what the Lions are looking for. Of course, there is plenty to work with. Jared Goff is playing at a high level and there is a First Team All-Pro wide receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown. The offensive line has been strong and Sam LaPorta has emerged as a rookie.

We know the talent that San Francisco will bring to the table, along with a home-field advantage. The Niners will look to get in the driver’s seat early and this could be detrimental for Detroit. It will be interesting to see how the first 10 minutes of the game will distract it moving forward.

The all-important turnover battle

Christmas Night saw Brock Purdy throw four interceptions against the elite defense of the Baltimore Ravens and the game was over early. This has not been the norm for Purdy during his time in San Francisco. Goff has also taken care of the ball well recently.

Turnovers are a big part of each game and that will be the case once again.

The Lions’ defense will be looking to come away with an interception to swing momentum while the Niners have schemed opponents well all season long. The turnover battle is what typically decides games, especially if it is large. Both teams have been on both sides of it this season. Will one side take advantage when it matters most?

Final Prediction: 49ers 31, Lions 24