Live Report: Lions Overcome 49ers in Thrilling 40-34 Victory, Eye NFC North Title Showdown
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Dan Campbell promised to bring everything the Detroit Lions had to the West Coast, and his team delivered. Facing the San Francisco 49ers, who ended Detroit’s playoff run last season in the NFC Championship Game, the Lions secured a hard-fought 40-34 victory Monday night.
With next Sunday’s clash against the Minnesota Vikings determining the NFC North title and No. 1 seed, this win gives Detroit the added benefit of clinching the division in the event of a tie in Week 18.
Offense Leads the Way
The Lions relied on their high-powered offense, racking up 439 total yards. Quarterback Jared Goff was exceptional, throwing for three touchdowns and completing 26 of 34 passes for 303 yards. Wide receiver Jameson Williams shone with a rushing and receiving touchdown, while Amon-Ra St. Brown added a crucial score in the second half.
“We’ve won games in all kinds of ways this year, and tonight, it was about our offense stepping up,” Campbell said postgame.
Game Recap
San Francisco struck first with rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall catching a 3-yard touchdown from Brock Purdy. Detroit quickly responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Jameson Williams, but a blocked extra point left the Lions trailing 7-6.
The 49ers extended their lead with touchdowns by Kyle Juszczyk and a 9-yard scramble by Purdy, heading into halftime up 21-13 after Detroit failed to convert on fourth down in the red zone.
Detroit opened the second half with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Sam LaPorta, followed by a successful two-point conversion to tie the game. San Francisco answered with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Deebo Samuel, but the Lions stayed within striking distance with a 57-yard field goal by Jake Bates.
Kerby Joseph then delivered the game’s turning point, intercepting Purdy and setting up Goff’s 4-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown on fourth-and-goal. This gave Detroit its first lead of the game, 31-28, late in the third quarter.
A second interception by Joseph in the fourth quarter led to a 30-yard touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs, extending the Lions’ lead to 40-28. While the 49ers scored late on a Joshua Dobbs touchdown run, Detroit secured the victory with a recovered onside kick and ran out the clock.
Key Performances
- Jared Goff: 26-of-34, 303 yards, 3 TDs, 132.4 passer rating
- Jameson Williams: 2 TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving)
- Kerby Joseph: 2 interceptions, including a game-sealing pick
“We knew how much this game meant,” Joseph said. “To get revenge for last year and set ourselves up for the division title feels amazing.”
Defensive Contributions
Though the 49ers’ offense amassed 377 passing yards from Purdy, Detroit’s defense came up big when it mattered. Safety Brian Branch added a critical late-game sack, while Joseph’s two interceptions swung the momentum in the Lions’ favor.
Looking Ahead
The Lions (14-2) now prepare for a winner-takes-all battle against the Vikings (14-2) on Sunday, Jan. 5, at 8:20 p.m. ET. A victory will crown them NFC North champions and secure the top seed in the playoffs.
“This is what we’ve worked for all year,” Campbell said. “Now, it’s about finishing the job.”
