The Detroit Lions vs 49ERS Match Player Stats clashed in an electrifying Week 17 matchup on December 30, 2024, delivering a high-scoring, no-punt thriller that ended with the Lions securing a 40-34 victory at Levi’s Stadium. This game, a rematch of the 2023 NFC Championship, showcased explosive offenses, critical defensive plays, and standout performances from key players on both sides. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the stats, this article breaks down the player performances, key moments, and what made this game unforgettable—all in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of any age. Let’s dive into the stats and stories behind this epic showdown!
Game Overview: A High-Flying Shootout
The Lions, fighting for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, faced a 49ers team already eliminated from playoff contention but playing with pride. Both teams brought their A-game offensively, combining for 914 yards of total offense and zero punts—an rare feat in the NFL. The Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, was relentless, while the 49ers’ Brock Purdy kept pace with a career-high passing performance. However, two crucial interceptions by Lions safety Kerby Joseph swung the game in Detroit’s favor, setting up a massive Week 18 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North title.
Below, we’ll break down the standout player stats, highlight key moments, and provide a clear, easy-to-read table summarizing the performances. Whether you’re cheering for the Lions or the 49ers, these stats tell the story of a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Detroit Lions: Key Player Stats
The Lions’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the charge. Their ability to convert on third and fourth downs (9-for-14 on third, 2-for-3 on fourth) and score in the red zone (3-for-4) was pivotal in outlasting San Francisco’s defense. Let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ top performers.
Jared Goff (Quarterback)
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Passing: 26/34 (76.5%), 303 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
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Key Moment: Goff thrived under pressure, with all three of his touchdown passes coming on third or fourth down. His precision was evident in a 4th-down touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, giving the Lions their first lead in the third quarter.
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Impact: Goff’s 303 yards and zero interceptions showcased his ability to manage the game while making big plays. His performance kept the Lions’ offense humming, especially in the second half, where they scored on five consecutive drives.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)
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Rushing: 18 carries, 117 yards, 1 TD (30-yard run)
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Receiving: 3 receptions, 46 yards
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Key Moment: Gibbs sealed the game with a 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, outrunning the 49ers’ defense to give Detroit a two-score lead with 2:58 remaining.
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Impact: With David Montgomery sidelined, Gibbs stepped up as the lead back, amassing 163 scrimmage yards. His 85 yards before contact highlighted his explosiveness, making him a critical part of Detroit’s offensive success.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 6 receptions, 59 yards, 1 TD
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Key Moment: On a 3rd-and-12 play in the second quarter, St. Brown caught a short pass and lateraled to Jameson Williams for a 42-yard touchdown, showcasing the Lions’ creativity. He also scored a 4th-down touchdown in the third quarter to give Detroit the lead.
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Impact: St. Brown’s clutch catches and versatility were key in keeping drives alive, especially on high-stakes downs.
Jameson Williams (Wide Receiver)
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Rushing: 1 carry, 3 yards, 1 TD
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Receiving: 3 receptions, 72 yards, 1 TD (42-yard TD via lateral)
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Key Moment: Williams scored twice—once on a 3-yard reverse in the first quarter and again on the lateral from St. Brown. His speed and playmaking ability stretched the 49ers’ defense.
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Impact: Williams’ big-play potential was on full display, marking his third straight game with a receiving touchdown.
Kerby Joseph (Safety)
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Defensive Stats: 2 interceptions
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Key Moment: Joseph’s two second-half interceptions off Brock Purdy were game-changers. The first, in the third quarter, led to a touchdown, and the second, in the fourth, set up Gibbs’ game-sealing score.
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Impact: With the Lions’ defense depleted by injuries, Joseph’s playmaking was crucial in flipping momentum and securing the win. His nine interceptions on the season lead the NFL.
Jake Bates (Kicker)
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Field Goals: 2/2 (57 yards, 42 yards)
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Extra Points: 2/4 (one blocked)
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Key Moment: Bates’ 57-yard field goal in the third quarter cut the 49ers’ lead to four, keeping Detroit within striking distance.
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Impact: Despite missing two extra points, Bates’ long field goal was a momentum booster, though his inconsistency on PATs kept the game closer than needed.
San Francisco 49ers: Key Player Stats
The 49ers, despite their 6-10 record, showed offensive firepower, especially in the first half, where they scored touchdowns on their first three possessions. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and rookie Ricky Pearsall led the charge, but defensive lapses and turnovers ultimately cost them. Here’s how the 49ers’ top players performed.
Brock Purdy (Quarterback)
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Passing: 27/35 (77.1%), 377 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
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Rushing: 3 carries, 17 yards, 1 TD (9-yard scramble)
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Key Moment: Purdy’s 9-yard scrambling touchdown in the first quarter gave the 49ers a 21-13 lead. However, his two interceptions in the second half, both to Kerby Joseph, shifted momentum to Detroit.
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Impact: Purdy’s career-high 377 passing yards showed his growth, but the turnovers and a late-game elbow injury (suffered on a sack by Brian Branch) raised concerns for the 49ers’ season finale.
Ricky Pearsall (Wide Receiver)
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Receiving: 8 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD (3-yard TD)
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Key Moment: Pearsall’s 3-yard touchdown catch capped the 49ers’ opening drive, setting the tone for their hot start.
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Impact: The rookie had a breakout game, becoming the first 49ers rookie since Deebo Samuel in 2019 to record 100+ receiving yards and a touchdown in a game. His performance was a bright spot in a tough season.
George Kittle (Tight End)
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Receiving: 8 receptions, 112 yards
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Key Moment: Kittle’s 28-yard catch in the third quarter set up a 49ers touchdown, keeping them in the game.
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Impact: Kittle reached 1,000 receiving yards for the season, tying for the second-most seasons (four) by a tight end in NFL history. His ability to exploit Detroit’s depleted secondary was key in the first half.
Kyle Juszczyk (Fullback)
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Receiving: 3 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD (9-yard TD)
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Key Moment: Juszczyk’s 9-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter gave the 49ers a 14-6 lead, showcasing their early dominance.
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Impact: The veteran fullback’s red-zone reliability added to San Francisco’s efficient start, though their offense leaned heavily on passing later.
Joshua Dobbs (Quarterback)
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Passing: 3/4, 35 yards
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Rushing: 2 carries, 7 yards, 1 TD (7-yard TD)
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Key Moment: Dobbs entered late after Purdy’s injury and led a touchdown drive, cutting the deficit to 40-34 with 43 seconds left.
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Impact: Dobbs kept the 49ers alive, but a missed extra point by Jake Moody and a failed onside kick ended their comeback hopes.
Nick Bosa (Defensive End)
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Defensive Stats: 8 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
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Key Moment: Bosa’s second sack in the third quarter forced a long field goal attempt, temporarily slowing Detroit’s momentum.
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Impact: Bosa was a disruptive force, but the 49ers’ defense couldn’t stop Detroit’s second-half surge, allowing 40 points.
Jake Moody (Kicker)
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Field Goals: 0/2 (missed from 51 and 58 yards)
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Extra Points: 4/5 (one missed)
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Key Moment: Moody’s missed 51-yard field goal late in the second quarter gave Detroit a chance to stay close at halftime.
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Impact: Moody’s struggles (9 missed field goals this season) hurt the 49ers, especially in a game decided by six points.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
This game was a rollercoaster, with momentum swinging back and forth. Here are the defining plays:
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Early Fireworks: Both teams scored touchdowns on their first two drives, with the 49ers jumping to a 14-6 lead via Purdy’s passes to Pearsall and Juszczyk. The Lions answered with Williams’ reverse and a trick-play lateral to keep pace.
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Kerby Joseph’s First Interception: In the third quarter, Joseph picked off Purdy on a deep pass intended for Pearsall, setting up a Lions touchdown that tied the game.
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St. Brown’s 4th-Down Heroics: Goff’s 4th-down touchdown pass to St. Brown in the third quarter gave Detroit their first lead (31-28), a turning point in the game.
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Joseph’s Second Pick: With the 49ers driving and trailing 34-28 in the fourth quarter, Joseph intercepted Purdy again, leading to Gibbs’ 30-yard touchdown run that sealed the win.
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Purdy’s Injury and Dobbs’ Response: Purdy’s elbow injury late in the fourth quarter forced Dobbs into action. His touchdown run kept the 49ers’ hopes alive, but Moody’s missed extra point and a failed onside kick ended the game.
Detroit Lions vs 49ERS Match Player Stats Comparison Table
Here’s a clear, easy-to-read table summarizing the key player stats from the Lions vs. 49ers game:
|
Player |
Team |
Stats |
|---|---|---|
|
Jared Goff (QB) |
Lions |
26/34, 303 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs |
|
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) |
Lions |
18 carries, 117 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 46 yards |
|
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) |
Lions |
6 receptions, 59 yards, 1 TD |
|
Jameson Williams (WR) |
Lions |
1 carry, 3 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 72 yards, 1 TD |
|
Kerby Joseph (S) |
Lions |
2 interceptions |
|
Jake Bates (K) |
Lions |
2/2 FGs (57, 42 yards), 2/4 XPs |
|
Brock Purdy (QB) |
49ers |
27/35, 377 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs; 3 carries, 17 yards, 1 TD |
|
Ricky Pearsall (WR) |
49ers |
8 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD |
|
George Kittle (TE) |
49ers |
8 receptions, 112 yards |
|
Kyle Juszczyk (FB) |
49ers |
3 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD |
|
Joshua Dobbs (QB) |
49ers |
3/4, 35 yards; 2 carries, 7 yards, 1 TD |
|
Nick Bosa (DE) |
49ers |
8 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks |
|
Jake Moody (K) |
49ers |
0/2 FGs (missed 51, 58 yards), 4/5 XPs |
Why This Game Mattered
For the Lions, this win was more than just a 40-34 scoreline. It marked their first road victory against the 49ers since 1975, ending a 14-game losing streak in San Francisco. The victory also secured a perfect 8-0 road record for the season and ensured that a tie against the Vikings in Week 18 would clinch the NFC North and the No. 1 seed.
For the 49ers, the loss dropped them to 6-10, cementing their last-place finish in the NFC West. Despite the defeat, their offensive output—led by Purdy, Pearsall, and Kittle—showed they can still compete with top teams. However, injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey and defensive lapses highlighted their struggles in 2024.
What’s Next for Detroit Lions vs 49ERS Match Player Stats Both Teams?
The Lions now turn their attention to a historic Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on January 5, 2025. With both teams at 14-2, the game will decide the NFC North champion, the No. 1 seed, and a first-round bye—a critical advantage for Detroit’s injury-ravaged roster.
The 49ers, already out of the playoffs, face uncertainty with Purdy’s elbow injury. Their season finale against the Arizona Cardinals will be a chance to build momentum for 2025, with young players like Pearsall stepping up.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions vs 49ERS Match Player Stats was a showcase of offensive firepower, clutch defensive plays, and individual brilliance. Jared Goff’s precision, Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosiveness, and Kerby Joseph’s interceptions powered the Lions to a hard-fought win, while Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle kept the 49ers competitive until the final whistle. This game will be remembered as one of the most exciting of the 2024 season, setting the stage for an epic Lions-Vikings showdown.