Live Update: Lions Topple 49ers in Thrilling 40-34 Victory, Eye NFC North Title Showdown
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Detroit Lions remain laser-focused on their ambitious goals: winning the NFC North, securing the top seed in the NFC playoffs, and chasing their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Despite lower stakes in this rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game, coach Dan Campbell and the Lions approached the game with their signature grit, securing a thrilling 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
Game Highlights
Quarterback Jared Goff led the charge with three touchdown passes, helping the Lions (14-2) avenge their playoff loss to the 49ers last season.
“That’s the only way we know. It’s just go and find a way to win,” Goff said after the game. “This is what ended our season last year. A lot of guys wanted to get one back on them, even if this game was meaningless for both teams in many ways.”
Although San Francisco was eliminated from playoff contention last week, Detroit’s victory sets the stage for a Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The winner will claim the NFC North title and the top seed in the playoffs, while the loser will become the first 14-win wild-card team in NFL history.
Dan Campbell’s Gamble Pays Off
Campbell faced a tough decision before the game: rest his starters or play them. Ultimately, he opted to keep his key players on the field.
“We owed it to the team,” Campbell said. “There were things we wanted to improve from last week, and we did. It was the right decision.”
Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter after an interception by Kerby Joseph, one of two Joseph picked off from Brock Purdy in the second half.
The Lions finished a perfect road season, earning their first win in San Francisco since 1975.
“I still had that chip on my shoulder from last year,” Joseph admitted. “We were so close and just came up short.”
Offensive Fireworks
Both offenses dominated early, scoring touchdowns on the first five possessions. Goff executed a dazzling hook-and-ladder play, leading to a 42-yard touchdown. He tossed the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who pitched it to Jameson Williams for a 41-yard dash to the end zone, marking Williams’ second touchdown of the first half.
Jahmyr Gibbs sealed the win with a 30-yard touchdown run in the final minutes, finishing the game with 117 rushing yards.
49ers’ Struggles
San Francisco’s defense couldn’t contain Detroit’s potent offense.
“That’s a real good offense, but we still have to slow them down more,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “The difference was our two turnovers.”
Purdy threw for two touchdowns but was intercepted twice by Joseph, both leading to Detroit scores.
Looking Ahead
With momentum on their side, the Lions now prepare for their pivotal matchup against Minnesota. A win secures their first division title since 1993, while a loss could still land them in the playoffs as a wild-card team.
Kickoff for the NFC North title game is set for next Sunday, with the Lions determined to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite.
