We are in the homestretch of this season. For the Detroit Lions, it’s survival mode. Stay healthy and intact for the playoffs. For the San Francisco 49ers, this is another survival mode. Stay healthy and avoid any more attacks before the season ends.
These two teams have a lot in common. Both came into the season with high expectations of returning to the NFC Championship Game, but have suffered numerous injuries throughout the year. The Lions have miraculously survived, but the past few weeks have really tested their limits. The Niners weren’t so lucky, with their season faltering and a playoff berth no longer in sight.
Despite having won 13 games already, the Lions have yet to clinch the NFC North title. And while next week’s all-or-nothing game against the Vikings effectively eliminates the stakes for Monday night’s game, we know Detroit isn’t going to take the 49ers lightly.
This week’s bold prediction: Trevor Nowaske will record at least two sacks against the 49ers.
The Niners lost many good players this season. Brandon Aiyuk ended his season with a torn ACL, while Christian McCaffrey overcame bilateral Achilles tendonitis that put a strain on his ACL and had his season shortened. Now, Trent Williams is officially out for the rest of the year after battling injuries all season.
That’s good news for the Lions’ defense, especially Trevor Nowaske, who often lines up opposite left tackle. Nowaske arrived after an injury early this season, but quickly fell short of his expectations. Things have calmed down as the season has progressed, but we have another big game scheduled for this week. Nowaske isn’t a super explosive pass rusher who disrupts plays from the get-go. He often appears on the stat sheet in a cleanup role, which is consistent with his role on defense as an edge setter.
For the Niners, the injury gets even worse. San Francisco backup OL Spencer Buford, who filled in at left tackle last week, was sidelined Monday night with a calf injury. If that happens, backup guard Austin Pleasants will likely be the next left tackle.
The Niners’ offense already has Aiyuk and McCaffrey down. FB Kyle Juszczyk will return from an illness and RB Isaac Guerend will return from a hamstring injury. Neither player is on the 49ers’ latest injury report, but it’s hard to imagine either of them being 100%. To make matters worse, WR Deebo Samuel has been a shell of his former self all year. That means Brock Purdy may have to spend a lot of time sitting in the pocket and making reads. That’s music to Trevor Nowask’s ears.
San Francisco is a team built around elite skill position players, and that’s where they’re struggling the most right now. The biggest offensive threat remains TE George Kittle, but with the Lions returning Ifeetu Melifonwu to the lineup, Detroit now has three very capable safeties to watch over Kittle.
The Niners’ offense will have its hands full keeping the pocket clean and even more so finding places to move the ball in the passing game. It’s a welcome change for a Lions defense that has faced two elite offenses in the past three weeks. This is the perfect recipe for Trevor Nowaske to have another breakout game with two or more sacks, which will be key to the Lions’ victory heading into Week 18.
