Monday Night Football: Lions vs. 49ers Expert picks, predictions, and best player props break down the final game of a jam-packed Saturday of NFL action!
The spotlight shines on Levi’s Stadium as the San Francisco 49ers host the Detroit Lions in a Week 17 Monday Night Football clash. While the outcome won’t determine the NFC North or the conference’s No. 1 seed—that drama awaits next week when Detroit faces Minnesota—it carries weight for the Lions, still fighting through adversity.
Dan Campbell’s team has weathered injuries with grit, leaning on its rising stars, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both have been instrumental in Detroit’s success this season, showcasing brilliance in pivotal moments.
For the 49ers, a year removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the season’s end comes with unfulfilled expectations. Yet, pride and a chance to play spoiler remain.
It’s the finale of Week 17 in the NFL. Let’s jump into our Monday Night Football: Lions vs. 49ers Expert picks, predictions, and best player props!
Lions vs. 49ers Betting Preview
All Lions vs. 49ers odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Monday, Dec. 30.
- Spread: Lions -3.5
- Moneyline: Lions -195| 49ers +170
- Over/Under: 50.5
- Game Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
- Location: Levi’s Stadium| Santa Clara, CA
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 53 degrees, Cloudy, 4 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: ABC
Lions vs. 49ers Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
The numbers tell the story: Detroit games have leaned toward high-scoring affairs, with the Over hitting in eight of 15 contests this season, including their last three matchups. A potent offense paired with a defense stretched thin often leads to fireworks. Meanwhile, San Francisco has seen the over hit in two of its past three games, and the weather forecast in Santa Clara looks ideal for a shootout under the Monday night lights.
The Lions’ defense, which held firm against the Bears, allowed an alarming 39.5 points per game in the weeks prior against the Packers and Bills. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has worked wonders all year, but asking this injury-riddled unit to contain even a solid offense like San Francisco’s is a tall order. Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ passing attack could shine.
Offensively, Detroit is among the league’s elite, ranking third in EPA per play. However, David Montgomery’s injury raises questions. His physical, between-the-tackles style has been crucial to the Lions’ identity, particularly against a 49ers defense that struggles against the run, ranking 28th in Rush EPA per play allowed. While Jahmyr Gibbs is dynamic, he’s an entirely different weapon.
Still, with Jared Goff, Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown in rhythm, expect the Lions to find success. The Over looks promising.
Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR, Lions – Anytime TD Scorer (-105)
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s ascent to elite status continues as the Lions’ wideout secures his third consecutive season with over 100 receptions and 1,100 yards. He’s become synonymous with clutch plays — first downs, touchdowns, and game-breaking moments — and Monday night offers another stage to shine against the 49ers.
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown on the crosser. He makes everything look too easy. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/R8lXt86rht
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) December 20, 2024
Already boasting a career-high 11 touchdowns, St. Brown is primed to add to that total in prime time. The former USC standout has scored in back-to-back games, building on the momentum of an eight-game scoring streak earlier this season.
While the 49ers’ defense is more vulnerable to the run than the pass, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson excels at creating opportunities for his star receiver. Having the finest season of his career, Jared Goff has been the perfect conductor in Johnson’s system. Goff ranks sixth in adjusted completion rate (78.6%) and leans heavily on St. Brown, targeting him seven or more times in 10 games this season, including a 13-target average over the last two.
St. Brown’s numbers speak for themselves: top 15 in yards per route run (2.31), contested catches (18), and QB rating when targeted (131.8). Against a depleted San Francisco defense lacking a true answer for him, expect St. Brown to deliver once again.
Isaac Guerendo – RB, 49ers – Under 15.5 Rushing Attempts (-115)
This one coincides with the fact that I think San Fran is going to be working hard to keep pace with this Lions offense.
Isaac Guerendo has stepped into an unexpectedly significant role this season, recording four games with double-digit carries. While his performances have been steady — posting 99, 85, 78, and 57 rushing yards in those games — he now faces a daunting challenge against a Detroit defense that has become one of the stingiest in the league against the run, despite the slew of injuries. The Lions allow the third-fewest yards per carry, forcing opponents into the league’s lowest number of rushing attempts.
This defensive success is rooted in Detroit’s ability to control games offensively, often building leads that force teams to abandon the run in favor of an aerial attack. Guerendo’s standout moment came against the Rams, where he surpassed this line with 16 carries in a tight, low-scoring affair. But this matchup against Detroit is unlikely to follow the same script.
Given the Lions’ defensive dominance and the likelihood that Guerendo’s opportunities will be limited, expecting him to carry the ball fewer than 15 times feels like the smart bet. As Detroit continues to dictate the pace, Guerendo may find his role reduced in a game that could demand more from the passing game than the ground attack.
Best Bets:
- OVER 50.5
- Amon-Ra St. Brown Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-105)
- Isaac Guerendo UNDER 15.5 Rushing Attempts (-115)
