The 49ers enter Week 17 on a two-game losing streak and are likely to extend it to three when they face the Lions.
The 49ers are on a two-game losing streak heading into Week 17, and they are likely to stretch it to three against the Lions. Here are three reasons why the Lions will hand the 49ers another loss.
Motivation
Monday night’s game has probably been marked by the Lions since the schedule came out. Their heartbreaking NFC Championship loss to the 49ers, where they blew a 24-7 halftime lead, still lingers. This game is their chance to get some payback.
Although it’s not a playoff game, the Lions will still be eager to make a statement. With the 49ers faltering this season, the Lions can send a clear message that they now control the NFC, not San Francisco.
Brock Purdy will be under pressure
Brock Purdy will have a tough time finding his rhythm against the Lions. Since Week 7, Detroit has blitzed on 41.1 percent of dropbacks, ranking second in the league. Meanwhile, the 49ers have surrendered pressure on 50.3 percent of blitzes, the fifth-worst rate.
San Francisco is one of only six teams allowing pressure on over half of blitzes faced. Compounding the issue, their offensive line is weakened by injuries. The Lions will consistently apply pressure, preventing Purdy from settling into the game.
Jared Goff will have time
While Purdy will face relentless pressure, Jared Goff will enjoy the opposite. Heading into Week 17, the 49ers blitz at the second-lowest rate in the league (18.2 percent), their lowest since 2018.
Against non-blitzing defenses, Goff excels, ranking second in yards per attempt (8.5) and third in completion percentage (72.0 percent). With plenty of time to throw, Goff will likely pick apart the 49ers’ defense without much resistance.
