After
earning their first two playoff victories in 32 years, the Lions stand on the
precipice of history. If they can go on the road and find a way to beat the
top-seeded 49ers as touchdown underdogs, the reward will be the inaugural Super
Bowl appearance for an often-woeful franchise. This game marks Detroit’s first time
playing outdoors since losing to the Bears on Dec. 10, and a man who began his
pro career on that team is the subject of our top prop:
The
bet: Over 5½ receiving yards for Lions running back David Montgomery (FanDuel)
In
his four years with Chicago, Montgomery averaged a robust 20.7 receiving yards
per game. But that figure dropped to 8.4 this season, largely due to sharing
the backfield with dynamic rookie Jahmyr Gibbs.
However,
Montgomery has comfortably cleared this number in each of the Lions’ two
playoff games. He gained 11 yards on his lone reception versus the Rams and made
three catches for 14 in the divisional win over the Buccaneers. It’s clear that
he’s the more trusted back in pass protection, and Jared Goff should be checking
down to him in the face of the strong San Francisco pass rush.
The
49ers generated pressure at the seventh-highest rate this season, forcing
opposing quarterbacks into making quick decisions with the ball. In their only
previous game against a conference finalist, they allowed a combined 70
receiving yards to the Ravens’ duo of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill (the
other player we’re backing).
While
Gibbs is likely to produce more yards through the air, Montgomery can get us
home on a single play.