Lions keep their foot on the gas in high-scoring win over 49ers

The Lions kept pace with the division-rival Vikings for first in the NFC with a come-from-behind, 40-34, win over the 49ers.

Here are five takeaways from the last Monday night game of the 2024 regular season.

Lions keep their foot on the gas

Besides avenging last season’s NFC Championship game loss, Detroit had little incentive to win Monday’s game. Even had they lost to the 49ers (6-10), the Lions (14-2) would clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win in Week 18 against the Vikings (14-2).

The stakes for this Sunday’s game couldn’t be higher. The loser will drop to fifth in the NFC playoff standings and begin the postseason on the road, while the winner gets a week to recharge before a potential rematch in the divisional round. 

Detroit would have been forgiven for pulling its starters against San Francisco. Instead, head coach Dan Campbell changed nothing about the team’s approach, even after it entered halftime down 21-13. The decision paid off, with the Lions avoiding catastrophe and suffering no major injuries. 

Detroit outscored San Francisco 27-13 in the second half to enter its showdown with Minnesota firing on all cylinders. It’s a good thing the Lions kept their foot on the gas. Now they know their motor is fine.

Lions’ offensive juggernaut

The Lions’ offense is a thing of beauty. Quarterback Jared Goff has operated the passing attack with stunning efficiency, which continued against the Niners.

Goff was 26-of-34 for 303 yards (8.9 yards per attempt) and three touchdowns. He was 8-of-12 for 114 yards and three touchdowns on third and fourth downs, making several plays when the Lions absolutely needed them.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has kept the ground game afloat as David Montgomery rehabs his MCL injury. He had 18 carries for 117 yards. His 30-yard fourth-quarter touchdown sealed the win.