Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers Week 17 Preview

Matchup: Detroit Lions (13-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9)

Date: Monday, December 30, 2024

Time: 8:15 PM EST / 5:15 PM PST

TV: ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes

Radio: KNBR 680 AM / 104.5 FM • 107.7 FM “THE BONE" / SACTOWN SPORTS 1140AM

Key Themes:

• High Stakes for Detroit: The Lions are vying for the #1 seed in the NFC and can clinch it with a win against the 49ers. A Packers win over the Vikings would further solidify their position. As a user on r/detroitlions notes, "Just to be sure, if GB beats Minnesota, does beating SF clinch the #1 seed?"
• San Francisco's Injury Woes: The 49ers are riddled with injuries, especially on the offensive line. Trent Williams and Aaron Banks will miss the final two games, forcing the team to make roster moves, including signing OL Matt Hennessy to a two-year deal. Coach Shanahan confirmed this, stating "Kyle Shanahan Confirms Trent Williams, Aaron Banks and More to Miss Final Two Games of 2024".
• Detroit's Momentum: The Lions are coming off a dominant win against the Bears, and their offense is firing on all cylinders. As one r/detroitlions user put it, "“I thought this was a Lions game” made it on ESPN at the Sports Bowl (multiple times)"
• San Francisco's Home Field Advantage: Despite their struggles, the 49ers will be looking to end their season on a high note in front of their home crowd. However, a warning from a Bay Area resident on r/detroitlions reminds fans to "LEAVE NOTHING IN YOUR CAR... whatever you leave in your car, anywhere in the bay area will be removed when you come back to your car and windows will be smashed."

Key Facts:

• Lions QB Jared Goff is playing at a high level and has a strong rapport with WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.
• The Lions defense has shown improvement but still needs to be consistent.
• 49ers DE Nick Bosa remains a formidable threat despite the team's offensive struggles.
• The Lions have re-signed QB Teddy Bridgewater, adding depth and experience to their quarterback room. Dan Campbell stated, "I've been in contact with Teddy for a while."
• Lions rookie Christian Mahogany had a "solid outing" in his first start at guard.

Quotes:

• Dan Campbell (Lions Head Coach): "I've been in contact with Teddy for a while."
• r/detroitlions User: "There is no way Ben Johnson would want to go to that program after watching tonight's game. FTP"

Analysis:

This game presents a significant challenge for the injury-plagued 49ers against a high-flying Lions team. The Lions are the clear favorites, but the 49ers will be motivated to spoil their playoff aspirations. The Lions must avoid complacency and execute their game plan to secure the crucial victory. For the 49ers, this game is an opportunity to evaluate players and build momentum heading into the offseason.