Will the Lions avenge their NFC Championship game loss to the 49ers in Week 17?
Wrapping up the Week 17 slate will be a rematch of the NFC Championship game from last January. The Detroit Lions will be traveling to the Bay Area to take on the San Francisco 49ers. Coming into the season, this matchup looked like one that may before the top seed in the NFC. While the Lions are in contention for the number one seed, the 49ers have been eliminated from the playoffs at 6-9.
The 49ers have dealt with their fare share of injuries this season, but they’ve also been a team that’s been unable to finish games. Despite being 6-9, they rank top-10 in DVOA. The 49ers may not have anything to play for on Monday night, but they can still play the role of spoiler and make things interesting for the Lions in Week 18.
For the first time in NFL history, two teams with 13 wins will go head to head next week when the Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings. That game will be for the NFC North title and the top seed in the NFC. That game will be the Sunday Night football game next week and the Lions could overlook the 49ers.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lions are 3.5-point favorites on the road. That seems like a small line considering how good the Lions have been this season. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been beaten 35-10 to the Bills and 38-10 to the Packers in recent weeks. THe Lions should win this game and easily cover.
The Pick: Lions (-3.5)
Season Record: 24-26
