Lions-49ers on ESPN, NFL+: Four Things to Watch for on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 17
The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers will face off in a pivotal Week 17 matchup on “Monday Night Football.” Both teams are in contention for playoff berths, making this a must-win game for both sides. Here are four key things to watch for in this highly anticipated contest:
The Battle in the Trenches
The matchup between the Lions’ offensive line and the 49ers’ defensive line will be one of the most important factors in determining the outcome of this game. The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, led by Pro Bowl guard Frank Ragnow and tackle Taylor Decker. The 49ers, on the other hand, have a formidable defensive line led by Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Fred Warner. If the Lions can win the battle in the trenches, they will be able to establish the run game and give Jared Goff time to pass. However, if the 49ers can generate pressure on Goff and disrupt the running game, they will have a significant advantage.
The Quarterback Play
Jared Goff and Brock Purdy will be under the microscope in this game. Goff has had a solid season for the Lions, completing 64.3% of his passes for 4,082 yards and 29 touchdowns. However, he has also thrown 10 interceptions and has been sacked 37 times. Purdy, on the other hand, has been a revelation since taking over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback. In three starts, he has completed 67.1% of his passes for 677 yards and six touchdowns. He has also rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback who plays better in this game will give his team a significant advantage.
The Playmakers on the Outside
Both the Lions and 49ers have a number of playmakers on the outside who can make big plays. For the Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown, D.J. Chark, and Kalif Raymond are all capable of making big plays downfield. The 49ers, meanwhile, have Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings. If either team can get their playmakers involved in the game, it could be a long night for the defense.
The Home Field Advantage
The 49ers will have the home field advantage in this game, which could be a significant factor. The 49ers have a 6-2 record at home this season, while the Lions are just 2-5 on the road. The crowd noise could make it difficult for the Lions to communicate on offense and defense. Additionally, the 49ers have a strong track record of success on “Monday Night Football,” with a 20-9 record in their last 29 games on the primetime stage.
Conclusion
The Lions-49ers matchup on “Monday Night Football” in Week 17 is a must-win game for both teams. The Lions need a win to stay in contention for a playoff berth, while the 49ers need a win to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. The game is sure to be a close and exciting one, and the outcome will likely be determined by the key matchups mentioned above.