Three reasons why the 49ers will lose to the Lions

The 49ers are on a two-game losing streak in Week 17. They are ready to increase that to three in their match against the Lions. Here are three reasons why the 49ers will lose to the Lions.

motivation

Monday night’s game was a game the Lions have most likely been circling since the schedule was released. Losing to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game after holding a 24-7 halftime lead was devastating for them. They want to make up for that in this game.

It’s not a playoff game, so there won’t be 100% satisfaction, but there will still be a message they want to send. And with the 49ers relegated this season, this is a game the Lions can use to make it clear to the 49ers that the NFC will run through them and not the 49ers for the foreseeable future.

Brock Purdy will be uncomfortable

It will be difficult for Brock Purdy to find a rhythm against the Lions. Since Week 7, the Lions have hit 41.1 percent dropbacks, the second-highest rate in the league. The 49ers allowed pressure on 50.3 percent of opposing blitzes, the fifth-highest rate in the league.

They are one of only six teams that have been able to apply pressure in more than half of their blitzes. The 49ers also have a struggling offensive line with players injured and missing. Detroit will send the house and will not allow Purdy to feel comfortable at any time.

Jared Goff will be comfortable

Purdy will be uncomfortable facing a ton of blitzes, while Jared Goff will be comfortable facing none. Entering Week 17, the 49ers have posted the second-lowest blitz rate in the league this season (18.2 percent), their lowest blitz rate since at least 2018.

When not blitzed this season, Goff recorded the second-most yards per attempt (8.5) and completed 72.0 percent of his passes (third-highest number). He’ll have all day to throw and won’t have much trouble.

Read more about 49ers on SI

Download and follow the Cohn Zohn Podcast.