The Lions are one of just four teams never to have played in a Super Bowl, therefore their AFC Championship title-deciding clash with the 49ers on Sunday is a very big deal. The odds are stacked against Dan Campbell’s men, who are up against the conference’s No.1 seed in their own backyard – and the Niners have even had an extra day of rest – but this Detroit team has taken utmost pleasure in breaking the mould all season.
What’s more, anybody who watched these teams in action last weekend might hesitate to call the 49ers the clear favourites. They came within a whisker of being dumped out by the Packers in what would have been an almighty shock, and for all the greatness of Christian McCaffrey, one of the Lions defense's key strengths is stopping the run. Deebo Samuel's status could be a huge factor.
