When the schedule came out, fans were stoked about this matchup as many expected this game could determine the top seed in the NFC. It was going to be a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game, between two teams considered to be Super Bowl contenders. Well, how times have changed. The Lions are still a contender, but the 49ers are out of the playoffs and in shambles. But can they play spoiler on Monday Night Football? Let’s find out.
Prediction: Lions -3.5
The Lions are better than the 49ers in every aspect of the game. San Francisco has scored 17 or fewer points in five of the last six and are missing some big offensive pieces. Brock Purdy hasn’t looked the same as he did last season and the defense has struggled lately allowing at least 29 points in three of the last five games. Last year, they allowed 29 points just three times all season long. The Lions are on a mission and still have plenty to play for, including the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They lead the NFL in scoring, averaging 33 points a game and hung 34 on the Bears last week. Detroit has scored 30+ three straight weeks and eight times overall this season. While the defense is decimated with injuries it allowed just 17 points to Chicago and forced two turnovers. San Francisco will show up and give them a run but the depth, skill and motivation should carry the Lions to an easy win in the Bay.
Player Prop Best Bets
Jared Goff: OVER 2.5 Passing Touchdowns
Jared Goff should have had a good shot at the MVP award but early this season, his running backs were scoring rather than the QB passing for scores. But in the last three weeks, Goff is making a run at hitting the 40-touchdown mark. He’s thrown for 11 majors in those games, and at least three in each outing. Goff has thrown for 3 or more TDs six times this season, and will look for some revenge on the Niners in front of a national audience.
Deebo Samuel: OVER Receiving Yards
Deebo Samuel had his best game in two months against the Dolphins last week when he had 7 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. With no playoff pressure, expect the 49ers to use the passing game against the Lions. In last year’s NFC title game, Samuel had 8 receptions for 89 yards so he should find some space against this secondary.
Prop odds and prices have yet to be released at time of writing, check website for latest odds
Game Betting Odds
Lions -3.5
49ers +3.5
Total: 51
Moneyline: Lions -190, San Francisco +160
Recent Betting Trends
San Francisco is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Detroit is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit’s last 12 games
Detroit is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games against San Francisco
