Lions vs 49ers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/30/24
- J.A. Cavalier
- Dec 30, 2024
- 3 min read
DETROIT @ SAN FRANCISCO (DET -3.5, 50.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
LIONS @ 49ERS 12/30/24
Tonight’s Lions-49ers matchup has a little more meaning now that Minnesota beat Green Bay yesterday. Detroit must face the Vikings next week in the final week of the regular season. The winner will secure the top seed in the NFC playoffs. But first, the Lions must get by the 49ers.
Tonight’s game also presents an opportunity for redemption for the Lions, a chance to settle old scores. Last season, the 49ers shattered the Lions' Super Bowl aspirations in the NFC Championship game. Despite leading 24-7 at halftime, the Lions conceded a heart-wrenching 34-31 victory to San Francisco. Lions coach Dan Campbell reflects on this painful memory as a lesson and motivation to earn a win this time around.
While star player David Montgomery will be absent due to a knee injury, Jahmyr Gibbs has proven his worth in the 34-17 win over Chicago last week. With 109 yards and a touchdown under his belt, the Niners will brace themselves to face a strong attack from Gibbs and the rest of the Lions tonight.
Additionally, Lions QB Jared Goff could be their secret weapon. After eclipsing the 4,000-yard passing mark against the Bears and an impressive 17 touchdowns in the last six games, Goff is in rare form. However, the Lions expect a formidable fight from a determined 49ers side, even though they are officially out of playoff contention. Despite the loss of top running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, the 49ers' offensive strategy currently hinges on the talents of quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.
While the season has been tough on Purdy, given the loss of key personnel, head coach Kyle Shanahan is hopeful that the remaining games could be an opportunity for Purdy to demonstrate his resilience. In addition to McCaffrey and Mason, the 49ers have a few key injuries to offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Both are out tonight.
Detroit is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games. Interestingly, the Lions are just 1-12 SU in their last 13 games against San Francisco. The Lions have been the best NFL team against the number ever since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. This season, they are 12-5 ATS.
GET THE ENTIRE NFL SEASON JUST $100 🏈 NFL SERVICE STRAIGHT THROUGH PLAYOFFS AND SUPER BOWL 🏈 LIMITED TIME OFFER
Get free NFL Picks and NFL Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2024 NFL schedule from JA Cavalier, one of the industry's premier expert NFL handicappers. J.A. Cavalier has been bringing the NFL betting community the best NFL free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best NFL moneyline and run line odds and game totals.
Coach Rick Free Pick
JARED GOFF OVER 245.5 PASSING YARDS
This is well below Goff’s per game average of 273 passin guards per game. Goff has gone Over this number in three straight and 5 of the last 6 Lions games. Goff has put up big numbers the past few weeks - 336, 494, and 283. He’s played the 49ers once as a Detroit Lion. He went 38-for-57 for 338 yards and 3 TDs back in 2021. Over his last six games, Goff has averaged 335.3 yards per game.
