Detroit lions

Lions Prepare for NFC Championship Rematch vs. Injured 49ers

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is seen discussing plays with his teammates before a snap during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

The Detroit Lions will have a clear understanding of the stakes for their Monday night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers even before they take the field.

If the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Lions will need a win in their regular-season finale against the Vikings to secure the NFC North title and the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

On the other hand, a Packers victory would allow the Lions (13-2) to clinch both the division and the NFC’s best record with a win in Santa Clara, California.

Regardless of the scenario, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is determined to leave no stone unturned in seeking revenge against the 49ers, who ended Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes in last season’s NFC Championship game.

The Lions had a commanding 24-7 lead at halftime, only to see San Francisco storm back to secure a 34-31 victory.

“That experience, as tough as it was, prepared us for what we’re doing this year,” Campbell said.

“You don’t want to lose, and when you face a team that got the better of you, it motivates you to find a way to win.”

With running back David Montgomery sidelined due to a knee injury, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs stepped up in Detroit’s 34-17 win over Chicago on Sunday.

Gibbs handled 27 touches, rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while also adding 45 yards on four receptions.

Montgomery is expected back for the playoffs, but Gibbs will remain a key player against the 49ers.

Quarterback Jared Goff surpassed the 4,000-yard passing milestone during the game against the Bears.

Over his last six games, Goff has thrown 17 touchdown passes with just one interception, demonstrating his consistent form.

Meanwhile, San Francisco (6-9) has struggled this season, losing five of its last six games and officially being eliminated from playoff contention last week.

Despite the team’s challenges, head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized professionalism and effort from his players.

“You still have to show up and play the game the right way,” Shanahan said.

Goff remains cautious about the 49ers, despite their struggles.

“They’re still a talented team, regardless of being eliminated,” Goff said.

“They’ve got experienced players who have been in big games, and they’ll want to beat us. We need to be ready to perform, especially in a tough road environment.

I’ve got family coming out, which will be great, but it’s going to be a battle.”

With top running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason out for the season, the 49ers’ offense has leaned heavily on quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.

Purdy has surpassed 300 passing yards in two of his last three games, while Kittle has been the team’s top receiver in four of the past five matchups.

However, Purdy’s season has been challenging compared to his 31-touchdown performance last year.

This season, he has thrown 17 touchdowns, hindered by McCaffrey’s absence and the early season-ending injury to star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

“This year’s been tougher for him with so many players out,” Shanahan said. “But challenges like these can make you stronger.

He’s fought through it all season and has two more games to keep pushing.”

Shanahan added that Purdy’s disappointment is palpable, given his high expectations and lack of experience in losing situations.

San Francisco’s injury woes extend beyond its skill players.

Offensive tackle Trent Williams was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been shut down for the season due to leg issues.

Running back Isaac Guerendo, who missed last week’s 29-17 loss to Miami, practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

On Detroit’s side, cornerback Terrion Arnold missed practice Thursday due to illness, but the team remains focused on finishing the season strong.

 

 

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