In a thrilling Monday Night Football showdown on December 30, 2024, the Detroit Lions edged out the San Francisco 49ers with a 40-34 victory in Santa Clara.
The game was a tale of two halves. The 49ers, despite being out of playoff contention, came out strong, leading 21-13 at halftime. Quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Ricky Pearsall and Kyle Juszczyk for touchdowns and added a rushing score himself.
However, the Lions showcased their resilience in the second half. Quarterback Jared Goff spearheaded the comeback, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Jameson Williams was a standout, recording five catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also made a significant impact, rushing for 117 yards, including a pivotal 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, safety Kerby Joseph was instrumental, securing two interceptions in the second half, which shifted the momentum in Detroit’s favor.
This victory improved the Lions’ record to 14-2, setting up a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings to determine the NFC’s top seed. For the 49ers, the loss was a testament to their fighting spirit, as they played with determination despite their playoff hopes being dashed. Purdy’s career-high 377 passing yards and three touchdowns highlighted San Francisco’s offensive efforts, but turnovers proved costly.
The Lions’ ability to overcome a halftime deficit and secure a road victory underscores their status as serious contenders as the postseason approaches. Fans can look forward to an electrifying finale to the regular season, with Detroit aiming to clinch the NFC North division and secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
For those who missed the live action, here’s a highlight reel of the game’s key moments: