SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Detroit Lions are keenly focused on their aspirations for the season, eyeing a division title, the top spot in the NFC playoffs, and their first appearance in the Super Bowl. As they faced San Francisco in a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship game, which Detroit lost, head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions approached the game with the same intense mindset that has characterized their season.
Quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes as the Lions defeated the 49ers 40-34 on Monday night, setting the tone for their critical upcoming Week 18 division clash against Minnesota. “Finding a way to win is all we know how to do,” Goff expressed. He emphasized the significance of this game, as many players still remember last year’s season-ending defeat, wanting to avenge that loss despite the game lacking major playoff stakes for both teams.
The implications of this matchup were minor compared to the tension of their previous encounter when a Super Bowl berth was up for grabs last January. The 49ers had already been eliminated from playoff contention, and the Lions will now compete against Minnesota in the regular-season finale for the NFC North title. The outcome of that game will determine who earns the coveted top seed in the NFC playoffs, with the loser potentially becoming the first 14-win wild-card team in NFL history. “It feels almost like a fairy tale,” Campbell remarked of their current situation.
Originally, if the Vikings had lost on Sunday, the Lions could have clinched the division and top seed during this game. However, Detroit’s victory over San Francisco is now only crucial if they find themselves tied with the Vikings in their upcoming matchup. Campbell deliberated resting starters but ultimately decided against it, believing it wouldn’t be fair to the backups who hadn’t prepared adequately while the starters had still followed their routines. In the end, the decision to play them paid off, resulting in a win while the team emerged relatively unscathed.
Goff connected with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for a crucial touchdown pass late in the third quarter, aided by one of Kerby Joseph’s two interceptions of quarterback Brock Purdy in the second half. This play helped solidify the Lions’ advantage as they finished the regular season undefeated on the road, securing their first victory against the 49ers in San Francisco since 1975 and gaining a touch of redemption following last year’s playoff defeat.
“I carried that motivation from last year with me. We were so close yet fell short,” Joseph commented on his team’s effort. Jahymr Gibbs sealed the game with a decisive 30-yard touchdown run, capping off a stellar night with 117 rushing yards.
The offenses were relentless throughout the game, as both teams scored touchdowns on their initial five drives. Remarkably, Goff and Purdy completed the first 17 passes of the contest, including a well-executed hook-and-ladder play that resulted in Goff’s touchdown. On this play, Goff threw a short pass to St. Brown, who then pitched it to Jameson Williams, who sprinted down the sideline for a significant touchdown.
The first half only saw a couple of defensive stops, one courtesy of Renardo Green’s breakup of a pass aimed at Sam LaPorta and another involving Jake Moody, who missed a 51-yard field goal attempt as time expired for San Francisco.
In the second half, Purdy tossed a 5-yard touchdown on the 49ers’ first drive, but Detroit’s defense finally gained traction when Joseph intercepted an overthrown pass. Goff subsequently threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown on a pivotal fourth down that gave the Lions their first lead at 31-28 late in the third quarter.
Moody missed a 58-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, marking his ninth missed kick of the season. He also failed to convert an extra point after a late touchdown run from Joshua Dobbs. “We just couldn’t slow them down defensively,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan reflected. “That was a solid offense we faced, but we needed to control their scoring more to change the game’s dynamics. Our turnovers were significant as well.”
Injury updates saw Lions right tackle Penei Sewell leave briefly in the first half due to a thumb issue, but there were no concerns regarding his condition. Meanwhile, Purdy exited late in the game after sustaining an elbow injury from a sack, although initial assessments indicated his previously injured ligament was not at risk.
Looking ahead, the Lions will host Minnesota for what promises to be a high-stakes showdown on Sunday night, while the 49ers prepare for their game against Arizona on the same day.
