SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Detroit Lions continued their pursuit of a division title and the top seed in the NFC playoffs with a thrilling 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. This game served as a critical tune-up ahead of their climactic Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

“That’s the only way we know. It’s just go and find a way to win,” said Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who threw three touchdown passes during the matchup. The stakes may not have been as high as last season's NFC championship game, which the Lions lost to the 49ers, but the determination remained palpable.

With San Francisco eliminated from playoff contention last week, the game took on a different tone. The Lions are gearing up for a crucial meeting with the Vikings, where the winner will capture the NFC North title and potentially the top seed in the playoffs. Coach Dan Campbell remarked, “This is just fairytale stuff.”

Had Minnesota lost prior to the game, the Lions would have clinched the division. Despite this, Campbell decided it was important for his starters to play, leading to a comprehensive performance that showcased their resilience and offensive prowess. The Lions achieved a perfect record on the road this season, and this victory marked their first win at San Francisco since 1975, allowing them a measure of revenge for last year's playoffs.

In a game characterized by offensive fireworks, both teams scored on their opening drives, with Goff executing a perfectly devised hook-and-ladder play that culminated in a 42-yard touchdown. The back-and-forth battle continued into the third quarter, highlighted by Kerby Joseph's two second-half interceptions against 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Goff's touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown late in the quarter gave the Lions a critical lead.

Lions running back Jahymr Gibbs capped off an impressive performance with a stunning 30-yard touchdown run, securing the game in the closing minutes and demonstrating the team's offensive depth. As the clock waned, Goff reflected on the revenge factor, expressing that many players carried a chip on their shoulders from last year.

Despite the spirit of competition, San Francisco's coach Kyle Shanahan lamented, “We weren’t able to slow them down enough on defense. We had to win in it in a shootout.” A missed field goal from Jake Moody proved pivotal for the 49ers, who now look ahead to their final game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals.

As both teams prepare for their respective Week 18 matchups, the Lions eagerly anticipate their critical encounter with Minnesota as they aim for a division title and a deeper playoff run.

For further details, you can read the full articles at AP News, The Guardian, and SFGATE.