The playoff-eliminated San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Detroit Lions on Monday night in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game. Which five Lions players pose the biggest challenges to the 49ers' chances of victory? Let's dive in.
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff is a top-ten quarterback this season in the NFL. He's thrown for 4,095 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only ten interceptions, with a 71.4 completion percentage. Goff will spread the ball to his wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs.
Expect Goff and the Lions' offense to establish a rhythm early by running and throwing. If done successfully, Goff will look to make explosive plays down the field. A big arm makes him the most dangerous, and he has the weapons to make that happen.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs is the seventh-leading rusher in the NFL with 1,156 yards on 209 attempts. He averages 5.5 yards per carry and has 12 rushing touchdowns. He also has 440 yards on 43 receptions and three touchdowns. Gibbs's ability to use his speed and agility to get to the outside makes him a threat.
Expect Gibbs to get going early, whether it's rushing or receiving. The 49er's defense will have their hands full if they let the dynamic running back get loose.
TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta is third in receiving yards (599) and targets (68) for the Lions this season. Although he isn't producing like he did in 2023, the tight end still threatens with the football. He has great hands and runs excellent routes. His ability to get open in the red zone makes him a threat.
LaPorta is responsible for six touchdowns and 32 first downs for his team. He will keep the chains moving for the Lions if left uncovered.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown is one of the NFL's most dangerous players on the football field each week. He leads the Lions in yards (1,126), targets (125), and receptions (101). St. Brown has 11 touchdowns on the season and has 63 first downs. St. Brown is a slot machine. The Lions will likely use him as a slot receiver for most of the game and, if not well-defended, will eat up yards on the football field.
What makes him most dangerous is his grit. Amon-Ra St. Brown is tough and plays like a dog.
WR Jameson Williams
Williams is the team's speedster, and his versatility makes him dangerous. He is also the second-leading receiver on the team, with 890 yards. Last season, in the NFC Championship Game, the Lions' first touchdown scored was by Jameson Williams out of the backfield.
Expect Williams to help with the Lions' run game, especially since David Montgomery is out with an MCL injury. He has nine carries for 63 this season, so don't be surprised if head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson try to recreate what they did in the NFC Championship Game.