SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS VS. DETROIT LIONS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTIONS — December 30, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS VS. DETROIT LIONS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTIONS — December 29, 2024 — Greetings, football fans. Welcome back to our NFL coverage here at Godzilla Wins. Our Monday Night Football matchup features the San Francisco 49ers (6-9 SU, 5-10 ATS) hosting the Detroit Lions (13-2 SU, 10-5 ATS).

Here is a look at which squad has the edge going into this contest and why.

Kickoff

When: Monday, December 30, 2024 @ 8:15 PM ET

Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

TV: ABC/ESPN

San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions — In-Season Stats & Betting Trends

Reigning NFC Champs Eliminated From Postseason Contention

Thanks to injuries to several key players, the 49ers have struggled this season. They have gone 2-5 in their last seven contests following a 4-4 start and enter this matchup amid a two-game losing skid. This includes a 29-17 setback against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16. Trailing 19-10 early in the final frame, Brock Purdy connected with tight end Eric Saubert for a two-yard touchdown pass that cut the deficit to two points.

Unfortunately, multiple penalties on Miami’s next possession helped set up a 48-yard field goal, pushing the lead to five points. On San Francisco’s next drive, Purdy was intercepted by cornerback Kader Kohou. Following that turnover, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane put the game out of reach with a 50-yard touchdown run. In addition to being eliminated from postseason contention before their matchup against the Dolphins, the Niners latest loss ensured them a losing season for the first time since 2020.

Lions Control Their Destiny For NFC’s Top Spot

On the other side of this matchup, the Lions bounced back from a 48-42 loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 by defeating the Chicago Bears 34-17 last week. Facing an inferior opponent, Detroit scored the first 20 points of the contest before Chicago finally got on the scoreboard. As has been the case for most of the season, the Lions’ offense looked nearly flawless, amassing 475 yards. Jared Goff completed 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 109 yards on 21 carries and a score. Jameson Williams had five catches for 143 yards and a TD.

While the Niners have little to play for, Detroit can earn the conference’s top seed and a first-round bye if it can defeat the Niners and the Minnesota Vikings in its final two games. Going against a defense that ranks 30th in the NFL and has allowed its opposition to score a touchdown in 65.3 percent of red zone opportunities, Detroit should win this one in convincing fashion.

Now that we have set the stage for this NFC showdown, let’s examine the betting trends for both teams.

Hey, make sure you check out our picks on the GW Daily Picks page.

Niners vs. Lions Spread Analysis

Following their double-digit loss against Miami, the 49ers enter this contest as a 3.5-point underdog (via OddsShark.com). Let’s see how both teams have fared against the spread.

• The 49ers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games.
• San Francisco is 4-11 ATS  in its previous 15 home contests.
• Meanwhile, the Lions are 12-5 in their last 17 outings.
• Detroit has covered the spread 12 times in its previous 16 matchups against NFC opponents.

Prediction: Detroit Lions (-3.5)

Niners vs. Lions Over/Under Prediction

The projected scoring total for this matchup is 50.5 points (via OddsShark.com). Here are a few trends that suggest why going with the “over” is the smart choice.

• The total has gone OVER four times in the Niners’ last five matchups against Detroit.
• The OVER total is 4-2 in San Francisco’s previous six Monday home games.
• The total has gone OVER eight times in the Lions’ last 12 outings.
• The OVER total has prevailed five times in Detroit’s previous six December contests.

Prediction: OVER 50.5 points

Niners vs. Lions Player Prop Bet

Coming off a performance in which he threw for 300-plus yards for the fourth time this season, Brock Purdy is this week’s key player to watch for the home team. He currently has -110 odds of finishing with more than 255.5 passing yards and -110 odds of finishing with less than 255.5 yards (via Bet365). Here’s how his numbers measure up to the projected yards total.

• During the season, Purdy has averaged 249.1 yards per outing.
• Purdy has faced NFC teams nine times this season. In those contests, he is averaging 261.0 yards per outing.
• San Francisco has played eight home games this season. In those contests, Purdy averages 232.6 yards per outing.
• Over his last four starts, Purdy has averaged 218.5 yards per contest, exceeding the yards total for this matchup twice during that stretch.

Prediction: Brock Purdy UNDER 255.5 passing yards