Lions vs. 49ers Monday Night Football Picks: Will Detroit Get Some Payback?

Detroit Lions

Jared Goff threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns as the Detroit Lions secured their franchise-record 13th win with a 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, maintaining their hold on the top spot in the NFC.

Jameson Williams had a breakout performance with a career-high 143 receiving yards on five catches, including an electrifying 82-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Jahmyr Gibbs added to the offensive explosion with 109 rushing yards and a touchdown, as the Lions set a single-season franchise record for points scored with 493. Detroit also improved to 7-0 on the road, another franchise milestone, breaking ties with their 1991 and 2023 squads for the most wins in team history.

Detroit dominated from the start, showcasing their creativity with a trick play that saw Goff fake a stumble while dropping back. Amid shouts of “Fumble!” and Gibbs pretending to dive for the ball, Goff connected with Sam LaPorta for a 21-yard touchdown to push the lead to 34-14.

The win was a strong rebound for the Lions after a high-scoring 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills the previous week, which ended their franchise-best 11-game win streak. The victory keeps Detroit in a tight race atop the NFC standings with Philadelphia and division rival Minnesota.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers fell 29-17 to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Brock Purdy threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns on 26-of-40 passing but also had one interception. Purdy led the team in rushing with 26 yards on four carries, while George Kittle hauled in eight catches for 106 yards, and Deebo Samuel added seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

The 49ers, eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the day due to wins by the Rams and Commanders, will finish with a losing record for the first time since 2020. Despite trailing by nine early in the fourth quarter, Purdy’s two-yard touchdown pass to Eric Saubert brought the game within two points at 19-17, but costly mistakes ultimately sealed San Francisco’s fate.

Key Matchups

Detroit’s offense, powered by Jared Goff’s precision passing and explosive weapons like Williams and Gibbs, has been nearly unstoppable. Meanwhile, the 49ers, led by Purdy and versatile playmakers like Kittle and Samuel, have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency and costly mistakes.

Jared Goff vs. San Francisco’s Secondary

Goff is coming off a stellar performance, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns against Chicago, including a memorable trick-play touchdown. His connection with Williams is peaking, as Williams posted 143 yards and a long score last week.

San Francisco’s defense, however, has struggled to create turnovers, which could be a problem if Goff finds his rhythm. If the 49ers can pressure Goff into quick throws and disrupt his timing, they might limit the Lions’ deep-threat capabilities.

Jameson Williams vs. San Francisco’s Coverage

Williams’ speed and ability to stretch the field will be a major test for the 49ers’ defensive backs. With an 82-yard touchdown in his arsenal, Williams can flip the game with a single play. The 49ers will need to double-cover him or risk giving up explosive plays that could put the game out of reach early.

Jahmyr Gibbs vs. San Francisco’s Run Defense

Gibbs ran for 109 yards and a touchdown last week, complementing Detroit’s passing game perfectly. If he can exploit San Francisco’s defensive front and consistently move the chains, it will open up play-action opportunities for Goff. The 49ers must focus on stopping Gibbs to force Detroit into a one-dimensional attack.

Brock Purdy vs. Detroit’s Defense

Purdy had 313 passing yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Miami, but turnovers and self-inflicted wounds derailed San Francisco’s comeback efforts. Facing a Detroit defense that thrives when protecting a lead, Purdy must avoid mistakes and take advantage of mismatches with Kittle and Samuel. His ability to extend plays with his legs could also keep the Lions’ pass rush in check.

George Kittle and Deebo Samuel vs. Detroit’s Secondary

Kittle and Samuel combined for 202 receiving yards last week, and their versatility presents a matchup nightmare for Detroit. If the 49ers can get them involved early, it could take pressure off Purdy and keep Detroit’s offense on the sidelines. The Lions will need disciplined coverage to prevent big plays and control the tempo.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Detroit’s trick play against Chicago highlighted their ability to take calculated risks. Conversely, San Francisco has struggled with turnovers, and another mistake-filled performance could cost them dearly. The team that wins the turnover battle will likely dictate the flow of this game.

The Pick

The Lions’ balanced attack and record-setting offense will likely overwhelm the 49ers, especially given San Francisco’s recent struggles. While Purdy, Kittle, and Samuel have the talent to keep it competitive for a bit, Detroit’s superior execution and ability to capitalize on mistakes should prove decisive.

NFL Pick: Lions -3.5 (-105) at BetOnline 

Lions -3.5 (-105)

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