In a game they didn’t have to win, the Detroit Lions still went into San Francisco and outscored the 49ers on Monday Night Football. The national audience was treated to some really impressive offense and some ghastly defense from both teams, but the Lions made more plays on both sides of the ball to prevail with a 40-34 win in Week 17.
Here’s everything we know in the immediate aftermath of the game, from stats to stars, key plays and more.
It was over when…
Jahmyr Gibbs raced to the right sideline, turned on the jets and outran the entire 49ers defense for a 30-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, elevating the Lions to a 40-28 lead. That capped off a drive set up when safety Kerby Joseph picked off a pass in Lions territory to cease any momentum the home team was trying to generate.
Final stats and figures
3 stars of the game
1st star: Kerby Joseph – two INTs and six tackles. Both INTs came in the second half.
2nd star: Jared Goff – 26-of-34 for 303 yards and three TDs
3rd star: Jahmyr Gibbs – 18 carries for 117 yards and a TD, plus four catches for 46 yards
Key points
–Per the ESPN graphic, this was the first game since 1937 to feature 10 or more touchdowns and no punts.
–The first 21 targeted passes of the game between the two QBs were all completed. Jared Goff’s one incompletion prior to that was a deliberate throwaway on a broken play.
–The Lions ran a red zone play with two extra offensive linemen in the game. Both Dan Skipper and Christian Mahogany checked in for a first-quarter Jermar Jefferson run that nearly scored. Detroit got the TD on the next play.
–Kerby Joseph picked off Brock Purdy on San Francisco’s second drive of the third quarter. It was Detroit’s first interception since Week 11 against the Jaguars.
–49ers kicker Jake Moody missed field goals from 50 and 57. He’s now 9-of-18 from 40 yards or beyond this season.
–Not noted for his blocking, Gibbs turned in the best pass protection rep of his career. He appeared to suffer a cut on his cheek or ear in the process.
–Detroit converted 5-of-6 third downs in the first half
–The Lions had never won 13 games in a season before. They’re now 14-2.
–Detroit finished a perfect 8-0 on the road this season.
–No Lions needed attention from trainers on the field during the game
What’s next for the Lions?
The 14-2 Lions host the 14-2 Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North title, the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs and a first-round bye. That will be on Sunday night, the final contest of the regular season.