NFL Conference championship weekend X-factors

Four teams are on the precipice of making it to the Super Bowl, but will first have to navigate a high-stakes conference championship game. There are a lot of people involved in the AFC and NFC title games who will have the opportunity to help swing momentum in their team’s favor. We’ll place the spotlight on several key figures ahead of Sunday’s games.

Deebo Samuel left the Divisional Round contest with a shoulder injury, and appears legitimately questionable to suit up for the NFC championship game. As a result, Jennings may have a huge role in determining whether the 49ers can make it to the Super Bowl. We expect Jennings to receive fewer carries out of the backfield than Samuel might receive.

Game planning for the dual threat ability of Lamar Jackson tends to keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night. Spagnuolo will have his hands full this week, and it’ll be interesting to see how he deploys his front seven. He may elect to bring consistent pressure to force Jackson to make quick decisions, but might also mix in coverage as well at key moments.

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Stopping Detroit wide receiver Amon’Ra St. Brown is going to be at the top of San Francisco’s priority list heading into the NFC title game. The 49ers’ secondary has been up and down this season, and Thomas was called for critical pass interference penalties against Green Bay. He’ll have to be much better against the dynamic Brown on Sunday.

There was a chance that Andrews was going to make it back for the Divisional Round, but instead will set his sights on returning for the AFC title game. It would seem unlikely that Andrews would play a full compliment of snaps in his first game back, but his presence would make an already dangerous Baltimore offense that much more formidable.

Gardner-Johnson is known for talking the talk, but he’s also been able to walk the walk as well. His main focus will be shadowing 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is the aerial lynchpin of San Francisco’s offense. It’ll be a fun cat-and-mouse game between the veteran corner and young San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy.

Hutchinson has been a force in his two NFL seasons, and will have a chance to watch 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa up close and personal on Sunday. Hutchinson’s athleticism might cause a problem for the largely stationery Purdy, and the Lions will need a turnover or two to help spring the upset.

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Glenn brought a lot of pressure against Tampa Bay in the Divisional Round last week, but we’ll find out how willing he is to be that aggressive against San Francisco. If Hutchinson and the front four can get pressure against a stout San Francisco offensive line, Glenn might elect to drop seven back against an elite group of 49ers skill position players.

While fans at the game and watching on TV may have diverted their attention, Cook received several carriers for Baltimore after their Divisional Round contest was decided. He looked fresh and spry, which may put him in line for a greater workload against Kansas City. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill should still get most of the backfield work, though.

Somewhat surprisingly, Rice was held in check against a Buffalo secondary marred by injuries last Sunday. He’ll face a much tougher test against Baltimore in the AFC title game, and it’ll be intriguing to see how he adjusts. He’s been the Chiefs’ best receiver all season, and they’ll need him to get open and put his stamp on the game.

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