Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, and the Detroit Lions wrapped up their Week 18 division showdown against Minnesota with a 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
In a key moment, Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the third quarter, following the first of two second-half interceptions by Kerby Joseph against Brock Purdy. This helped the Lions (14-2) secure their first road victory over the 49ers (6-10) since 1975, setting a new franchise record for wins in a season.
While the stakes were not as high as in the previous NFC Championship matchup, in which San Francisco triumphed, Detroit’s win was significant. With Minnesota next on the schedule, the winner of the Week 18 matchup will claim the NFC North title and the top NFC playoff seed, while the loser will drop to a wild card.
The Lions’ victory against San Francisco could play a role in securing the No. 1 seed for Detroit if both teams tie in Week 18, though this outcome remains unlikely.
Jahmyr Gibbs sealed the win with a 30-yard touchdown run less than three minutes before the game ended, bringing his total yardage for the night to 117 yards.
Both offenses were strong throughout the game, with touchdowns on the first five drives. Purdy and Goff started the game by completing their first 17 passes, including a well-executed hook-and-ladder play that led to a 42-yard touchdown for Goff. He threw a short pass to St. Brown, who then pitched it to Jameson Williams, who ran for 41 more yards to score his second touchdown of the half.
The defense only made stops when Renardo Green broke up a pass from Goff intended for Sam LaPorta in the end zone, and when Jake Moody missed a 51-yard field goal for San Francisco as time expired in the first half.
Purdy led a scoring drive to open the second half, but Detroit’s defense finally made a stop when Joseph intercepted an overthrown pass from Purdy. Goff converted that into 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 missed a 58-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, extending his streak of missed field goals to nine this season. He also missed an extra point after a touchdown by Joshua Dobbs in the final minute.
Looking ahead, the Lions will face Minnesota at home next Sunday night, while the 49ers will travel to Arizona.
