- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: December 30, 2024
- Who: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Time: 5:15 p.m. PST
- Where: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
The Detroit Lions (13-2) are marching into Levi’s Stadium to face the San Francisco 49ers (6-9) in a game that, while not critical for the Niners, is a must-win for the Lions as they pursue the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Following a commanding 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 16, the Lions aim to maintain their momentum against a San Francisco team that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
The betting line has the Lions as 3.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 50 points. While some might be tempted to take the Lions to cover the spread, I’m leaning towards a more conservative approach.
Detroit
Quarterback Jared Goff has been a revelation, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns this season. He’s been particularly effective in recent weeks, tossing multiple touchdowns in four straight games.
In the blowout against the Bears, Goff completed 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead a high-powered offense. With the Lions looking to avenge last season’s NFC Championship loss to the 49ers, expect Goff to come out firing.
Let's end 2024 right! pic.twitter.com/A7ExrlWqG7
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 30, 2024
The Lions have a lot to play for, not just in terms of playoff positioning but also for pride after last year’s NFC title game.
They’ll be motivated to prove they’re a different team this year, and with a chance to go 8-0 on the road, they’ll be looking to make history. The 49ers, on the other hand, are playing for pride but have little to gain in terms of playoff implications.
In terms of matchups, the Lions’ run game, led by Jahmyr Gibbs, should find success against a 49ers defense that ranks 24th in defending the run.
This will allow Goff to play off the play-action, creating opportunities for big plays downfield. The 49ers’ defense, while still formidable, has been hampered by injuries, and without their top players, they may struggle to contain the Lions’ offensive firepower.
San Francisco
The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and with key players like All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and running back Christian McCaffrey sidelined, their chances of pulling off an upset seem slim.
San Francisco has struggled to cover the spread, failing to do so in six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Lions are riding high, and their offense is firing on all cylinders, ranking second in total yardage and first in points per game this season.
Gameday at the crib! #DETvsSF pic.twitter.com/8Aw18Mb3Qi
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 30, 2024
On the other side, Brock Purdy has had his moments, completing 65% of his passes for 3,487 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
However, with the 49ers missing key offensive weapons and facing a Lions defense that, despite its struggles, has shown resilience, it’s hard to see them keeping pace.
The Lions’ defense has allowed an average of 69 points per game over the last three weeks, but they still have the talent to make plays when it counts.
Lions-49ers Best Bet
Ultimately, this game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, but I expect the Lions to edge out the 49ers in a close contest.
With the stakes high for Detroit and the 49ers lacking motivation, the Lions should be able to secure a victory, but it may not be a blowout.
Betting on the Lions to win by 1-13 points is a smart play, as it accounts for the potential for a close game while still capitalizing on Detroit’s current form.
Betting on the Lions to win by 1-13 points at +115 odds at BetMGM feels like the right call. This allows for a little wiggle room in case the 49ers manage to keep it close, which they might, given their talent and the primetime atmosphere.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
