NFC Championship 2024-25 Odds: Is This Detroit’s Year?

• • NFC Position in 2023-24: Champions
  • Key Players: Christian McCaffrey (RB), Deebo Samuel (WR), Brock Purdy (QB), Nick Bosa (DE), Fred Warner (LB)
  • Total NFC Championships: 8 (1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1995, 2013, 2020, 2024)
  • Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. The roster has talent on both sides of the ball to have success again this season. 2023-24 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, returns to an offense that suits his talents. That said, McCaffrey is dealing with an Achilles injury that has held him out of the last two games.

McCaffrey recently jetted to Germany to meet with a specialist to examine his ankle. He is unlikely to be lost for the season, but McCaffrey will be out for the next several weeks at least.

RUMOR: Dr. Kenton Fibel, an NHL medical director who specializes in orthobiologics, thinks Christian McCaffrey’s (Achilles) absence could last a couple of months, per @sfchronicle

There has been no new update from the team regarding CMC’s availability. pic.twitter.com/mcUGOvVZ8F

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 26, 2024

The trade to the 49ers from the Carolina Panthers was a positive career move for McCaffrey. He went from a weak offensive line to one of the better offenses in the NFL. The ability to line McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel up anywhere on the field is a problem for defensive coordinators.

The 49ers shored up contract disputes with WR Brandon Aiyuk and LT Trent Williams. The Aiyuk contract hung over the 49ers’ heads throughout the offseason, but they got it done, and then Williams followed before Week 1.

The defense possesses two of the best disruptors in football, as edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner lead a strong unit. Last year, the 49ers ranked third in the NFL, yielding 17.5 points per game. They’ve been vulnerable to open the season, though.

San Francisco is 21st in the NFL with 23 points against per game. I noted that DT Arik Armstead’s absence would be felt, and that has seemed to be the case. It isn’t the only explanation, but the defense hasn’t been as dominant!

• • NFC Position in 2023-24: Loss in NFC Wild Card Round
  • Key Players: Jalen Hurts (QB), Saquon Barkley (RB), A.J. Brown (WR), DeVonta Smith (WR), Jordan Davis (DT), Jalen Carter (DT)
  • Total NFC Championships: 4 (1981, 2005, 2018, 2023)
  • Head Coach: Nick Sirianni

Did we witness the downfall of the Philadelphia Eagles last year? After a 10-1 start and the favorite at Super Bowl betting sites in late November, the Eagles finished the season with losses in five of their last six games.

The Eagles’ year came to an end disappointingly with a 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round. Despite a tough ending, the Eagles are highly unlikely to fall off this season. In fact, Jalen Hurts has more weapons to work with this season.

Saquon Barkley has moved into the lead to win the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. The former Giant has been a welcome addition to the Eagles’ offense. He is heading into Week 4 with 351 yards and four touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry!

Saquon Barkley leads the league in rushing yards after Week 3. 🔥 #NFL pic.twitter.com/V82nMe0H8y

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 24, 2024

With our bet on Barkley to lead the NFL in rushing looking good, are the Eagles’ NFC Championship odds worth betting on? Currently, the Eagles have looked fine, with a record of 2-1 through three weeks. In such a wide open race, they will have a shot in the NFC.

Barkley’s success will lead to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith having more opportunities downfield. However, both stars are questionable to play in Week 4. The wide receiver depth is becoming a growing concern, but it shouldn’t be a long-term issue.

Some NFL pundits are down on the Eagles this season, but I don’t see them regressing to irrelevancy. On the contrary, the Eagles are going to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With a stout defense, strong offensive line, and multiple playmakers, don’t look past the Eagles to win the NFC Championship and return to the Super Bowl!

• • NFC Position in 2023-24: Loss in NFC Championship
  • Key Players: Jared Goff (QB), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Sam LaPorta (TE), Aidan Hutchinson (DE)
  • Total NFC Championships: 0
  • Head Coach: Dan Campbell

After reaching their first NFC Championship Game since the 1991 season, Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are looking to achieve even more in 2024-25. The Lions came up short in a 34-31 final at Levi’s Stadium, but it was a season to remember.

DETROIT CAN FEEL IT. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/3h31FBHtKV

— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024

After three weeks of NFL football, there is plenty of reason for optimism in the Motor City. They had the snafu against the Buccaneers on the road, but were able to bounce back in fine form to advance to 2-1 in Arizona.

The Lions bring back one of, if not the best offensive lines in football. Led by Penei Sewell, they will move bodies and clear running lanes this season!

Second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs is ready for a big season behind this offensive line. The passing game is in good hands after the organization locked up quarterback Jared Goff on a four-year, $212 million extension.

When this guy has time to throw, he is one of the strongest passers in the NFL. Pressure him, and he folds, but the Lions’ offensive line affords him plenty of protection. Goff will have his favorite target back, as 24-year-old wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown inked a four-year extension worth $120 million.

The offense finished third in the NFL, roughly four yards behind the 49ers, with an average of 394.8 yards per game. With several weapons at Goff’s disposal and an elite offensive line, expect more of the same. They haven’t gotten off to the best start through three games, but look for that to change shortly.

Detroit’s defense has been a joy to watch with Aidan Hutchinson leading a dangerous pass rush. The Lions are ninth-best in the NFL, with 17.7 points yielded per game!

.@aidanhutch97 with the sack!#DETvsAZ | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/A5Tp4K6axK

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 22, 2024

Once the offense comes around to match the defensive production, the Lions will look like the most well-rounded team in the league. With this in mind, they are getting top betting value to win the NFC at +600!