Lions Edge 49ers 40-34 in Thrilling Warm-Up for High-Stakes Week 18 Clash with Vikings!

Lions beat 49ers 40-34 in a tuneup for pivotal Week 18 showdown with Vikings. Jared Goff showcased his skills by throwing three touchdown passes, helping the Detroit Lions prepare for their crucial matchup against the Minnesota Vikings next week.

In a thrilling finish, Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the third quarter. This play followed the first of two second-half interceptions made by Kerby Joseph against Brock Purdy, marking a significant moment in this rematch of last season’s NFC title game, which San Francisco had won.

This victory allowed the Lions (14-2) to extend their franchise record for wins in a season, achieving a road win against the 49ers (6-10) for the first time since 1975.

While the stakes were lower than in their previous encounter, where a Super Bowl berth was at stake, this game still held significance. With San Francisco eliminated from playoff contention last week, the Lions now face Minnesota in the regular-season finale, where the winner will claim the NFC North title and the top seed in the NFC playoffs, while the loser will settle for a wild card.

The upcoming clash is notable for potentially breaking the record for the most wins by a team that did not win its division. The previous record was held by the 1999 Tennessee Titans, who finished with a 13-3 record but placed second in the AFC Central behind the 14-2 Jacksonville Jaguars, according to FOX Sports research.

The importance of the Lions’ win against the 49ers may only be realized if they and Minnesota tie in Week 18, as it could position Detroit for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs in that unlikely scenario.

Jahmyr Gibbs sealed the game with a decisive 30-yard touchdown run with under three minutes remaining, finishing the night with 117 rushing yards.

The offensive showdown dominated the night, with both teams scoring touchdowns on their initial five possessions. Goff and Purdy impressively completed the first 17 passes of the game, including a well-executed hook-and-ladder play that resulted in a 42-yard touchdown for Goff.

Goff initiated the play with a short pass to St. Brown, who then pitched it to Jameson Williams, allowing him to sprint down the sideline for the final 41 yards and his second touchdown of the first half.

The only halting moments in the first half came when Renardo Green disrupted a pass intended for Sam LaPorta and when Jake Moody missed a 51-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds for San Francisco.

Purdy managed to throw a 5-yard touchdown pass on the 49ers’ opening drive of the second half before Detroit’s defense stepped up, leading to Joseph’s interception of an overthrown pass by Purdy.

Goff capitalized on this opportunity, throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown on fourth-and-goal, giving the Lions a 31-28 lead late in the third quarter.

Moody’s missed 58-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter marked his ninth miss of the season, adding to the tension of the game. He also missed an extra point after Joshua Dobbs scored a touchdown run in the final minute.

Up next

Lions: Host Minnesota on Sunday night.

49ers: Visit Arizona on Sunday.

Source