Key Matchup: Lions Aidan Hutchinson vs. 49ers Colton McKivitz

He's certainly amplified his production as the Lions have needed it, and in doing so, has validated his status as one of the top pass-rushers in the game today. 

Going into Detroit's NFC Championship Game matchup with San Francisco Sunday, it's expected that he'll go head-to-head with 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz. 

McKivitz has been a weak link for San Francisco’s offensive line, struggling to protect quarterback Brock Purdy all season.

In 573 pass-blocking snaps this season, the 27-year-old has allowed both the fourth-most total pressures (52) and the fourth-most sacks (nine) among all offensive tackles. Additionally, he's tallied a PFF pass-blocking grade of just 56.7 (accounting for the regular season and playoffs), ranking 61st out of 73 tackles with at least 300 pass-blocking snaps.

Hutchinson, with all that said, has a prime opportunity to feast against the much-maligned offensive lineman. 

“He gives incredible effort, and that’s what you want when you draft a guy as high as he got drafted," Lions left tackle Taylor Decker said of Hutchinson this week. "And, on top of that, he’s the epitome of a professional. He goes about everything the right way, he’s always going to be prepared and then he’s just a confident player. Confidence can’t be understated when you’re out there playing against the best athletes on the planet, and he’s confident he can go out there and go toe-to-toe with those guys.”

At this present juncture, I'm going to predict that Hutchinson ends up with a sack, four QB hits and seven total pressures against McKivitz and the 49ers.