SANTA CLARA – For the second straight season, the 49ers are against the Detroit Lions. Monday night’s stakes, however, aren’t , at least not for the 49ers.
closing out their Levi’s Stadium scheduleas great as last January’sThe Lions (13-2) are the ones still contending for an elusive Lombardi Trophy, not to mention the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a streamlined path to the franchise’s first Super Bowl.
A year ago, the 49ers owned that No. 1 seed and ultimately rallied past the Lions at Levi’s Stadium in the largest comeback ever in an NFC Championship Game, overcoming a 24-7 halftime deficit to win 34-31.
“We’re all very aware that they think they gave us one last year, and they’re going to do everything they can to come in here and beat us by 30 points,” tight end George Kittle said. “It’s our job to not let them do that. I fully expect us to win. I go into every single game expecting to win.”
The 49ers (6-9) have won so few they are vacating the NFC throne, having been eliminated last Sunday from playoff contention. Defensive end Nick Bosa summed up the difference between the Lions’ and the 49ers’ seasons: “They’re doing great, and we had an off-year.”
The Lions can clinch the NFC’s top seed by beating the 49ers, but only if the Minnesota Vikings (13-2) lose at home Sunday to the Green Bay Packers (11-4).
The 49ers can upset the Lions if … well, a lot much go their way. Here are five areas to watch:
1. PURDY’S QUICK PASSINGTask No. 1 for this game and the season’s final eight quarters is to get Brock Purdy through it healthy. Sure, a well-earned contract extension is in it for him. But the 49ers can’t afford an injury that will setback their offseason program and training camp, when the foundation of a renaissance must be established.
