The Lions (13-2) take on the 49ers (6-9) in what has become a meaningless game with zero playoff implications following the weekend results.
Whether Detroit wins or loses, it has no effect on their playoff seeding. Either way, they need to beat the Vikings in Week 18 to lock up the one seed. In other words, even if the Lions beat the 49ers, it won’t help them get the one seed.
On this page, we’ll dive into the Lions vs 49ers matchups, including best bets and predictions for this Week 17 Monday Night Football game.
Updated MNF Odds Comparison
The Lions plan on playing their starters in this game, which is why the spread hasn’t moved from Detroit as short favorites.
All NFL odds used for these Monday Night Football predictions are current as of Monday, Dec. 30, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
MNF Implied Scores & Team Totals
Lions 27, 49ers 23.5
The Lions are projected to squeak out a win in a high-scoring game environment.
Take a look at the best Monday Night Football odds for the 2024 NFL season.
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Monday Night Football Predictions
MNF Score Prediction: Lions 24, 49ers 21
In a year where Detroit has dealt with numerous injuries, the right move here would be to rest some of their starters, at least for part of the game.
There is no need to risk more injury when you have a huge Week 18 matchup vs the Vikings to see who gets the top seed.
Even though Dan Campbell has said that Detroit will play their starters, I have to bake in some risk that this won’t be the case, which is why I’ve shifted to predict a closer game than initially expected.
On another note, the Lions are dealing with numerous injuries on defense, which is why they’ve allowed 30+ points in two of their last three games.
But the offense continues to thrive, putting up 34 or more points in three consecutive games.
Jahmyr Gibbs should be able to have success against a 49ers defense that just allowed 190 total yards to De’Von Achane, who is similar to Gibbs in that he’s an explosive runner and dynamic receiver.
The 49ers have now lost five of their last six games. This team played hard in a 29-17 loss to the Dolphins, so they definitely can pull up the upset here, especially with Detroit having nothing to play for.
I’m sticking with Detroit to win here, but it should be a close game.
Monday Night Football Bet Tips
Keep these bet tips and trends in mind before making your Monday Night Football bets.
- The Lions rank 31st in passing yards allowed in the last four weeks.
- The 49ers are allowing 4.85 YPC to running backs during this stretch (25th).
- The Lions have nothing to play for in this game.
Monday Night Football Best Bets
MNF Over/Under Pick: Lions @ 49ers Under 50.5 Points (-110)
It’s hard not to go with the Over in this spot.
Take a look at recent Lions games:
- W 34-17 at Bears
- L 48-42 vs Bills
- W 34-31 vs Packers
It’s clear that the injuries are taking a toll on Detroit’s defense. But the offense continues to pour on points, and I don’t expect the 49ers to slow them down — we just saw the Dolphins put up 29 against this group.
With that said, I can’t pass up taking the Under with the slight chance that the Lions pull their starters at some point in this game, especially at a high bar of 50.5 points.
Ride with the Under in our best NFL bet today.
MNF Pick Against the Spread: 49ers +3.5 (-105) vs Lions
As mentioned above, I started out the week preferring to go with the Lions in this spot.
But now that there’s risk that they’ll pull their starters at some point in this game, I can’t help but back the 49ers, especially since we’re getting past the key number of three with these home underdogs.
Back San Francisco to keep it close in this meaningless game for the Lions.
Monday Night Football Prop Bet
MNF Prop Bet: Jahmyr Gibbs Under 18.5 Rush Attempts (-110)
Jahmyr Gibbs had 23 carries with David Montgomery sidelined last week, but I’m going with the Under in this spot.
There’s no need for the Lions to push Gibbs in a meaningless game. It would be foolish to risk injury in a matchup with nothing at stake.
Even still, 18.5 is a high bar. Gibbs can still get 15-17 carries and we’d comfortably win this bet.
I’ll take my chances with the Under here.
Monday Night Football Parlay
MNF SGP (+156):
- Jared Goff Under 248.5 Passing Yards (-115)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown Under 72.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
I’m targeting a pair of Lions Unders in their passing game, as the 49ers are allowing only 195.4 passing yards per game and 122.9 yards per game to receivers, both of which rank near the top of the league.
Add in the fact that there’s a slight chance that the Lions sit their players in the fourth quarter since they’re nothing to play for, and you can see why this bet looks appealing.
Take this correlated Same Game Parlay for a modest price of (+156) odds in this Monday Night matchup.
