2012 NFL Picks: Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers Vegas Odds and Predictions – Free NFL Picks 9/16/2012: A few years ago, a matchup between San Francisco and Detroit would have been considered a laugher. Now, it is a battle of potential contenders in the NFC after both the Lions and the 49ers made the playoffs last season. Of course with success comes expectations, and now, both teams have to try to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. Throw in a little controversy surrounding the post-game handshake between the head coaches following last season’s meeting, and a budding rivalry could be forming between these two franchises. When the two teams get together Sunday night in San Francisco, it will be an opportunity for both to make an early statement. Riding the momentum of a big win over the Green Bay Packers in their season opener, the 49ers are seven-point favorites at home.
In their win against Green Bay, the 49ers showed just how dominant they can be when they are firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Alex Smith was an efficient 20-for-26 throwing the football, and Frank Gore got the power running game going to the tune of 112 yards. Meanwhile, the San Francisco defense absolutely eliminated the Packers’ run game and made things difficult for defending MVP Aaron Rodgers and the high-powered Green Bay passing attack. When San Francisco has its stifling defense, strong running game and efficient passing game all going at once, this team isn’t going to lose many games.
Given the fact that Detroit uses a similar pass-first attack on offense, the Lions have to be a bit concerned about Sunday’s matchup. San Francisco was able to make Rodgers look uncomfortable and even pressured him into a few mistakes. Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford is coming off a monster season when he threw for 41 touchdowns and more than 5,000 yards, but he was prone to turning the ball over. He even threw three interceptions in the first half of last weekend’s game against a St. Louis defense that is mediocre at best. After seeing the 49ers suffocate the Packers’ offense, Stafford is likely going to add to his interception total Sunday night.
Detroit’s defense is also a concern in this matchup. While the San Francisco offense isn’t known for being a scoring machine, the 49ers do have more firepower to work with on offense than the Rams. St. Louis was able to put up 23 points against the Lions last weekend, pushing Detroit to the brink before losing by four. With Gore currently healthy and rumbling over defenders and Smith continuing to play at the highest level of his career, San Francisco has the balance on offense to put consistent points on the board. Throw in the fact that the Lions are likely going to be missing three starters in their secondary, including cornerback Chris Houston, and the 49ers should be able to approach 30 points for the second week in a row.
If Detroit is going to level the playing field in this matchup, it needs its defensive line to play up to its ability. Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril form one of the most talented groups in the NFL, but focus issues on the part of Suh and Fairley tend to hold the unit back. The Lions could turn the game in their favor by dominating the line of scrimmage, but Suh and company have yet to show they can control a game for four quarters. Throw in the fact that San Francisco has a stout offensive line led by two excellent tackles, and it is a longshot at best that Detroit will win the battle in the trenches.
At the end of the day, Detroit doesn’t have the balance on offense or the talent on defense to keep up with San Francisco for an entire game. Yes, the Stafford to Calvin Johnson connection is always a dangerous, but the 49ers can allow a big play or two and still be in good shape. The Lions have lost nine straight games against the 49ers and 11 straight games in San Francisco. Detroit is a much better team than in years past, but the 49ers have become one of the elite teams in the NFL. San Francisco will take care of business at home.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers (-7) Cover the Spread
Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers
Line: San Francisco -7
Total: Over/Under 46.5
Time: 8:30 PM EST on NBC
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