SLR Predictions: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
By Zac Snyder
Mike Olsen: The Lions are coming off of an emotional victory against the Bears on Monday night, and have a short week to prepare. Success breeds distractions, and it will be interesting to see how the Lions adjust. The 49ers travel east for the second time this season, and have an early kickoff on Sunday. Distractions and jet-lag are two off of the field factors to consider, while on the field this game will come down to San Francisco’s willingness and ability to run the ball. If Gore gets going, the 49ers can control the ball, clock, and score, by keeping the potent Lion offense off of the field. If Gore stumbles early, the Lions will be able to get out to a quick lead and force Alex Smith to throw the ball. The Lions are on upset alert this week, and many are picking San Francisco to end their undefeated streak. This game will be close, but Detroit survives one more week. Detroit Lions 24, San Francisco 49ers 23
Marty Medvedik: The Lions are going to stumble at some point. The guess is, When is it going to happen? I really like the way Jim Schwartz coaches. He’s keeping the Lions hungry every week and I don’t see any layoff on the short week after MNF. Sure the 49er’s pose some problems with their running game but I have confidence that Gunther Cunningham will figure out something that his 9 man defensive line rotation can do to stop them. These guys are newer than the Lions at this winning stuff so let’s not give them too much praise. I see a tight game going the Lions way. Lions 21, 49ers 17
Nate VanNorwick: The Lions don’t fix enough of the little mistakes that have been plaguing them while the Niners continue to be almost flawless. Niners 23, Lions 17
Chris Czar: The Lions run continues for at least another week. Alex Smith reverts to pre-2011 Alex Smith thanks to a mauling defensive line and boisterous crowd. Jahvid Best has his second consecutive 100 yards rushing game and the Lions win easily. Lions 28, 49ers 13
Ross Husson: This isn’t the the same 49ers that have struggled for the past decade and haven’t finished with a winning record since 2002. This 49ers team is pretty good and will probably be the toughest team the Lions will have faced in this season so far. The 49ers like to run the ball first and the Lions have somewhat struggled against the run early in the year. That worries me a little and when the 49ers do pass, they are pretty efficient and productive. Alex Smith is a new offensive scheme with a new head coach and he has found a lot of success so far. I think this game will be a lot closer than people think. Ultimately, it comes down to if San Francisco’s defense can stop Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson and I don’t think they can. Lions win a close one, 24-20.
Zac Snyder: The Lions are building a real connection with their home crowd and I expect them to feed off another loud group of fans. The Lions ability to win a game with their offense or defense makes for a tough matchup with a lot of the league. While this would be a trap game for the old Lions, these aren’t the old Lions. Lions win on Sunday, 27-17.
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