Just over a year ago, the Lions made their way to San Francisco to play in the NFC Championship game. The Lions had won their first ever playoff game at Ford Field in Wild Card weekend against the Rams. They didn’t stop there. They were able to get another playoff win at Ford Field, this time against Tampa Bay. The Lions then had their first NFC Championship appearance since Barry Sanders in 1992, making it 32 years in between. Detroit came out hot, they were dominating the 9ers, and it didn’t seem like they would let up. Unfortunately for all Lions fans, the second half was completely different. The Lions went into the locker room up 24-7, but whatever the 49ers’ coaches said, lit a fire under their guys. The Lions were out-scored 17-0 in the 3rd quarter, making it 24-24 by the end. The Lions only scored 7 points in the second half to the 49ers’ 27. It was too much for Detroit to overcome, especially with one of those touchdowns coming off an absolute fluke of a play, where the ball bounced off Kindle Vildor’s facemask, right into the hands of Brandon Aiyuk. The Lions ultimately lost 34-31.

This time will be different. The 49ers are having a down year with a 6-9 record, and are coming into the game very banged up. But, Lions fans know about banged up teams more than anyone else this season. With that being said, let’s talk more about the 49ers’ team this season.

OVERVIEW:

While the 49ers are 6-9, their offense has still been productive. They rank 8th in total offense, 4th in yards per play, 7th in passing yards, 6th in time to throw, 5th in pass yards per play, 6th in rush yards per play, 9th in rush success rate, and 11th in rushing yards. However, the deeper numbers may show why they are losing, they rank 14th in points per game, 24th in passing TDs, 22nd in total TDs, 13th in QB pressure allowed, and 9th in pressure rate allowed. This tells me the 49ers are good at gaining yards, but have trouble putting it in the end zone. Also, it shows the offensive line has been shaky, and Purdy has been getting hit. They have suffered many injuries on the offensive side, along the line and in the skill positions. As we all know, they lost McCaffrey, Aiyuk, Williams, Mason, and more this season. I think Shanahan and company have done a pretty good job with what they have. Their defense has also been very productive despite their record. They rank 2nd in yards allowed, 4th in yards per play allowed, 3rd in passing yards allowed, 4th in yards per pass allowed, 15th in rush yards allowed, and 13th in rush yards per play allowed. Yet again, there are some key stats that could show why they aren’t winning more games. They rank 23rd in Touchdowns allowed, 21st in points allowed, 18th in time to throw, 26th in pressures, 18th in pressure rate, 20th in sacks, 13th in sack rate, 26th in pressures, 30th in blitz percentage, 14th in average separation allowed, and 22nd in run stuff rate. If you read between the lines, this tells me the 49ers defense is similar to their offense, good between the 20s, but not so good where it matters. They don’t blitz much at all, and don’t generate pressure from their defensive line enough to make up for it. They cover pretty well, but still allow more separation than you’d like. They also aren’t getting home to the quarterback, which bodes well for Jared Goff.

INJURY REPORT:

The 49ers offensive line is very banged up, they will be without All-Pro LT Trent Williams and his backup Spencer Burford. They are also without starting Left Guard Aaron Banks, and starting Linebacker Dre Greenlaw. They also have some notable questionables, with McKivits being the starter at Right Tackle, Brown at Safety, and Ward at Corner respectively. Needless to say, they are quite banged up, especially along the offensive line. *UPDATE: Charvarius Ward has been ruled OUT.

The Lions finally have a relatively clean injury report. Glasgow and Arnold are full go, and Raymond is the only player out who we had questions about. David Montgomery will be out until at least the playoffs. Reeves-Maybin is questionable, and it would be nice to get him back with how depleted the Linbeacker room has been recently.

KEY MATCH-UPS:

Lions Defensive Line vs 49ers Offensive Line:

First up, the obvious one. the Lions are without Hutchinson and McNeill, both stars of their defensive front. However, they signed veteran Defensive Tackle DJ Reader this off-season and traded for veteran Defensive End Za’Darius Smith shortly after Hutchinson’s injury. While it sucks the Lions will be without their main guys, they have some solid depth to step up. They have gotten 1.5 sacks and 24 total tackles from Levi Onwuzurike, 2 sacks, 20 tackles, and 5 tackles for loss from Josh Paschal, and 2 sacks from Al-Quadin Muhhamad, who started the season as a free agent. The Lions have done a pretty good job of getting something out of these guys, with guys like Pat O’Connor also holding their own when needed. The 49ers are very banged up along the offensive line, and I expect Detroit’s Defensive Line to take advantage. Whether it be stopping the run, or getting to the Quarterback. The Lions defense ranks 4th in rushing yards allowed, 13th in pressure rate and 8th in pressures. If the 49ers offensive line can somehow hold their own, their offense could put up some points.

49ers Defensive Line vs Lions Offensive Line:

On the other hand, the Lions offensive line is healthy, and elite. The 49ers defensive line has been up and down this season. They rank 13th in sack rate, 26th in pressures, 18th in time to throw, 20th in sacks, 24th in time to pressure, and 22nd in run stuff rate. They still have Nick Bosa, but realistically this is a match-up the Lions should win in a landslide. If the 49ers defensive line can make some big plays, that may be the difference in the game.

Lions Receivers vs 49ers Defensive Backs:

The 49ers defense has been solid vs the pass, ranking 3rd in pass yards allowed. However, they also rank 14th in average target separation allowed. The Lions offense ranks 2nd in pass yards per game, and 6th in average yards of separation. This might just be the match-up of the game. The Lions of course have Amon-Ra St Brown, Sam Laporta, and Jameson Williams, but the 49ers have Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, and Talanoa Hufanga. These are legit studs matching up this week. Both sides will have their work cut out for them. I expect the Lions receivers to still be productive, as the Lions’ offense will likely be too much for the 49ers’ defense to handle.

George Kittle vs Lions Defense:

George Kittle might just be the player of the game for the 49ers, win or lose. The Lions have done a good job against tight ends this year, but Kittle is coming in 2nd in yards by a tight end, and the Lions linebackers are still pretty banged up. He leads all tight ends in receptions of 20 or more yards, and is 2nd among tight ends in touchdown receptions. I expect the Lions to use their safeties against him a lot, which will likely be the best thing for them.

49ers Receivers vs Lions Defensive Backs:

As we know, the Lions are without their CB1 Carlton Davis for the remainder of the season. The 49ers also have some injuries in their receiver room, with Brandon Aiyuk also out for the game. Terrion Arnold, Amik Roberston, Emmanuel Moseley, and Kindle Vildor will have to do their best against Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall. Obviously, Joseph and Branch will also be matched up with these guys throughout the game. On the bright side, the 49ers rank 32nd in average target separation, and the Lions defense ranks 1st in average target separation allowed. This match-up should bode well for Detroit. However, Deebo is a weapon and Kittle will cause issues when matched up against linebackers. I do expect the Lions to hold their own, but I also expect the 49ers Receivers to have productive games.

As always, Go Lions. #OnePride