Jared Goff Leads Lions to 40-34 Win Over 49ers

Jared Goff threw for three touchdowns and 303 yards as the Detroit Lions overcame a deficit to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 40-34 in California. The 30-year-old quarterback completed 26 of 34 passes, connecting with Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown for touchdowns. The Lions reached 14 wins in 16 games this season with the victory.

The win served as a measure of revenge for the Lions after last season’s NFC Championship loss which dashed their hopes of reaching their first Super Bowl. The Lions now look ahead to their final game of the regular season, hosting the Minnesota Vikings, who also hold a 14-2 record. The outcome will determine the NFC North champion and the top NFC seed, granting a coveted first-round bye in the playoffs.

Despite a strong performance from 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who threw for a career-high 377 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for another score, San Francisco faltered in the second half. Leading 21-13 at halftime, Purdy threw two interceptions in the latter stages which contributed to the 49ers’ defeat.

The 49ers, who had lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 Super Bowl will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season. The loss to Detroit ended their hopes of another postseason run while the Lions now focus on securing the NFC’s top playoff position.