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The Detroit Lions capped off an incredible regular season with a thrilling 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, setting multiple records in the process. In a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game, Detroit avenged their loss to the 49ers, breaking a 14-game road losing streak at San Francisco that dated back to 1975.
The win also marked the Lions’ first-ever perfect 8-0 record on the road, solidifying their dominance as they gear up for the playoffs.
Lions Shine in Primetime
Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear he wasn’t resting starters, and his decision paid off. Quarterback Jared Goff delivered under pressure, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns, all on pivotal third and fourth downs. Goff now boasts an impressive 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions on third and fourth downs this season.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams continued his breakout streak, contributing a rushing touchdown and a stunning 41-yard receiving score. Williams, now just 33 yards away from his first 1,000-yard season, has become a key offensive weapon for the Lions.
However, Detroit’s defense struggled, allowing 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to exploit gaps with pinpoint accuracy. Purdy threw for a career-high 377 yards and four total touchdowns before exiting late in the game with a wrist injury.
49ers Find Silver Linings in Tough Loss
For San Francisco, the game highlighted resilience despite a disappointing season. Rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall shined, recording 8 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, the first 49ers rookie to achieve this since Deebo Samuel in 2019.
While the loss dropped the 49ers to 6-10, it secured a last-place schedule for 2025 and a favorable position in the upcoming draft. Despite the challenges, San Francisco showed flashes of fight, offering hope for the future under coach Kyle Shanahan.
Game Recap: Offensive Showcase
The matchup was an offensive spectacle, with both teams combining for 74 points and 914 total yards. Neither side threw an incomplete pass until late in the second quarter, underscoring the high-level execution on both ends.
For the Lions, this win is a statement of their growth and readiness for the postseason, as they aim to clinch the NFC’s top seed against Minnesota next week. For the 49ers, it marks the end of a challenging season, with optimism for a brighter 2025.
Key Stats
- Jared Goff (DET): 303 yards, 3 TDs
- Jameson Williams (DET): 41-yard TD catch, 3-yard rushing TD
- Brock Purdy (SF): 377 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD
The Lions head into the playoffs with confidence, while the 49ers look to rebuild and regroup after a turbulent season.