Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)
The Detroit Lions open their 2021 season at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Two teams that appear to be trending in opposite directions.
The Lions, finishing last season with a record of 5-11, have swapped out long-time quarterback Matt Stafford for Jared Goff. Also, they waved goodbye to Matt Patricia, and brought in head coach Dan Campbell, who is rebuilding the team in the persona of the city they play in, hard-nosed.
The 49ers come into 2021 with quarterback questions of their own. Jimmy Garoppolo will start Week 1, but how long will he hold off rookie QB Trey Lance? Both Quarterbacks will be looked at to help improve the 6-10 record from last season, where the 49ers faced one injury issue after the next.
Lions vs. 49ers Odds Week 1
Over at WynnBET, San Francisco is -7.5 point favorites on the road, which means if you pick them to win they have to win by 8 or more points. Detroit is the underdog on the moneyline (who will win the game outright) at +275 with the 49ers at -360. The Over/Under is set at 45.0 (Over -115/Under -105).
Lions vs. 49ers Week 1 Prediction
The 49ers allowed just 207.9 passing yards per game in 2020, so Goff may have a tough time in his Lions regular season debut trying to get his new offense going. Considering that Detroit running back D’Andre Swift is battling a groin issue as well, though he is trending toward playing, and there are QB questions on both sidelines, we’re predicting that this game will hit the under; a 24-13 San Francisco victory.