NFL MNF San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions Betting Picks & Player Props

The 13-2 Detroit Lions have the best record in the NFC, but they still need to win to maintain their lead atop the NFC North with the 13-2 Minnesota Vikings hot on their heels. That means even with the San Francisco 49ers already eliminated from playoff contention, we’ve got something to play for here no matter what. Let’s see what kind of value we can muster up from the top Canadian sportsbooks.

2024 Single Game Picks: 3-2 (+0.16)

2024 Single Game Player Props: 6-8 (-2.64)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions Betting Picks & Player Props - Dec. 30 @ 8:15PM E.T.

All odds provided by Betway.

With the Detroit Lions coming in as arguably the best team in football and with the best record in the NFC, one would think they’d be favored by more against a San Francisco 49ers team that has nothing left to play for but a slightly better or worse first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That strangely low line might be because of all of Detroit’s defensive injuries, which are noteworthy. However, they shouldn’t be enough to bring this spread down as low as it is, especially considering this is a must-win for the Lions. But hey, we’re not complaining. We’re not the types to look a gift-horse in the mouth.

But we’ll tell you why first. Detroit has been dominant against the NFC this year, posting a 7-3 ATS record. They’re also 4-1 ATS against NFC teams that aren’t in their division. Most importantly, they’ve been road warriors, posting a 6-1 ATS record in away games.

The 49ers, meanwhile, have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. And yet, they have enough juice that they, much like the Cowboys or Yankees or Manchester United, still get a lot of respect from oddsmakers and/or bettors, which makes their lines very advantageous for those looking to fade them, like us.

They’re 6-9 and yet this will only be their third game as an underdog. They were unable to cover in the previous two. The Niners have gone 5-10 ATS this year, and they’re even worse when we focus on the NFC, against whom they have gone just 3-7 ATS. Last but not least, they’re on an especially bad run right now, having gone 1-6 ATS and 2-5 SU over their last seven.

The 49ers defense has remained solid, but they’re going to be huffing and puffing come the second half, because Brock Purdy simply can’t keep this offense made up of spare parts on the field long enough. NFL betting is about taking the value the books give you, but we’re still wary of the back-door cover, so we’ll buy a half-point on the spread here.

Another prop we like is Detroit to go over 27.5 points at excellent odds. The Lions have hit that number in three straight and seven of 11 games since their bye. The 49ers have also allowed 29+ in three of their last five outings. The over is also 7-1 after a 49ers loss, which bodes well for this prop as well.

Game Best Bet:

• Detroit Lions Alternative -3.0 Point Spread (-130)
• Detroit Lions Over 27.5 Points (-115)

Cowboys vs. Giants Player Prop Picks

San Francisco’s defense is still one of the most solid units in football, but the knowledge that their season will be over early for the first time since 2020 is sinking in. They have allowed 153 rushing yards per game over the last five weeks, which is 3rd-most in the league over that span.

With that in mind, Jahmyr Gibbs finds himself alone in the Detroit backfield all of a sudden. With David Montgomery out of commission, Gibbs saw a season-high 23 carries last week, turning those into 109 yards against the Bears, who have been similarly poor against the run in recent weeks. Gibbs’ line is set at 93.5, but we’re confident enough to take a real bite of the apple here and take him to break the century mark in back-to-back games at +110 odds.

The Lions, however, do have some warts. They allow the 2nd-most receiving yards to WRs per game in the NFL, at 187.6. While Jauan Jennings has been operating as the WR1, Deebo Samuel looked like the top dog last week, bringing in seven catches for 97 yards. We’re going to back him this week to hit a number, 47.5, that is minuscule by his standards.

Player Prop Picks

• Jahmyr Gibbs 100+ Rush Yards (+110)
• Deebo Samuel Over 47.5 Receiving Yards (-110)