The Detroit Lions’ journey toward a historic season took another step forward Monday night with a 40-34 win over the San Francisco 49ers. While the stakes were far less monumental than the last time these two teams met — in last season’s NFC Championship Game — Detroit showed the same ferocity that has defined coach Dan Campbell’s tenure.
With the NFC North title and top seed in the playoffs hanging in the balance next week, the Lions (14-2) opted to treat this game as a vital tune-up for their regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Jared Goff led the way with three touchdown passes, including a decisive strike to Amon-Ra St. Brown late in the third quarter. The Lions, now assured of at least a wild-card spot, kept their hopes alive for a division crown and the top seed in the NFC.
San Francisco (6-10), eliminated from playoff contention a week earlier, came into the game seeking to salvage pride. However, Detroit delivered a statement win, avenging their NFC Championship loss while also finishing a perfect regular season on the road.
“We talked about what this game could mean,” Campbell said. “Even if it wasn’t everything, it was about sharpening ourselves for what’s next. The way the guys fought tonight was exactly what I wanted to see.”
Goff’s performance was pivotal, completing 25 of 33 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with St. Brown (10 catches, 123 yards, two touchdowns) proved unstoppable, particularly in the second half.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also starred, sealing the game with a 30-yard touchdown run in the final minutes. Gibbs tallied 117 yards on the ground, consistently finding ways to break through the 49ers’ defensive front.
The game started with offensive fireworks as both teams scored touchdowns on their first five possessions. Goff and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy combined to complete their first 17 passes, showcasing precision in a back-and-forth affair.
One of the night’s highlights came on a perfectly executed hook-and-ladder play: Goff threw a short pass to St. Brown, who lateraled to Jameson Williams. Williams sprinted 41 yards down the sideline to complete the 42-yard touchdown, his second of the first half.
The first defensive stop of the game didn’t occur until Renardo Green broke up a potential touchdown pass from Goff to tight end Sam LaPorta. The Lions’ defense stepped up in the second half, with safety Kerby Joseph intercepting Purdy twice.
After Purdy opened the second half with a 5-yard touchdown pass, Joseph snagged an overthrown ball, setting up Goff’s fourth-and-goal touchdown pass to St. Brown. That gave Detroit its first lead at 31-28 late in the third quarter.
San Francisco kicker Jake Moody had a rough night, missing two critical field goals, including a 58-yarder that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter. Moody also missed an extra point after Joshua Dobbs’ late-game touchdown run, effectively sealing the 49ers’ fate.
Detroit now turns its attention to Sunday night’s NFC North showdown against Minnesota, with the winner claiming the division title and the conference’s top seed. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the loser will enter the playoffs as the first 14-win wild-card team in NFL history.
Meanwhile, the 49ers will visit Arizona in their final game, looking to end a disappointing season on a high note.
For the Lions, Monday’s win was another step in their pursuit of history — one they hope ends with the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.
