“I’m not holding anything back,” he chimed in.
The last time these two teams faced off was in Week 1 of 2021 at Ford Field, marking Lions coach Dan Campbell’s debut game. Samuel had a standout performance, amassing a career-high 189 receiving yards. He dashed past Lions’ cornerback Jeff Okudah for a spectacular 79-yard touchdown, sealing a 41-33 victory for the Niners with Jimmy Garoppolo leading the charge. (Despite Samuel’s late fumble giving the Lions a glimmer of hope, they couldn’t capitalize.)
“I ain’t protecting nothing!”
Deebo Samuel is LOCKED IN!! #49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/zochF3U5aK
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 26, 2024
On the Lions’ side, center Frank Ragnow is expected to play through several injuries. However, left guard Jonah Jackson will be sidelined due to a knee injury sustained in last week’s divisional win against Tampa Bay. Return specialist Kalif Raymond will miss his third consecutive game due to a knee injury.
The showdown is set for Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern in Santa Clara, California, at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers are favored by 7 points over the Lions.
Deebo Samuel Vs The Lions loading 🔋 #49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/JhGS5aLN5i
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 26, 2024
The Lions have a 0-1 record in NFC championship games, last appearing in one during the 1991 season and suffering a 45-10 defeat against Washington. They remain the only NFC team to have never played in a Super Bowl. The Lions’ last playoff road victory occurred 66 years ago, marked by one of the NFL’s most memorable comebacks, fittingly against San Francisco.
