San Francisco 49ers Get Rare Double-Digit Spread Over Detroit Lions

NFL News - December 22nd, 2009 - Written by John

The San Francisco 49ers wasted away their playoff hopes last week in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, yet there is still potential for good memories when reflecting on the year.

After all, an 8-8 season would be a dramatic turnaround after only 18 wins between 2003 and 2007, and would be the first .500 year since 2002. But a completed Detroit Lions roster is possible with the potential return of quarterback Matthew Stafford from a shoulder injury. Stafford is still likely to be held out of the game, but head coach Jim Schwartz hasn't specified the team's plans.

The Lions have floundered without him, losing four-straight by an average of 21 points, although last week was a minor improvement.

The Niners will be favored by 12 in the early lines on BetUS, with a total of 41 in the 2009 NFL Week 16 Betting Odds. They haven't been particularly dazzling lately, but are certainly better than their record indicates.

San Francisco has covered the spread in seven of it's last 10 games.

Alex Smith was picked off three times against the Eagles, but has played well enough to earn the confidence of head coach Mike Singletary. After the game, Singletary asserted, "

For the year, Smith is a 60-percent passer for 1,898 yards and 16 touchdowns after taking over in the middle of the year. His primary target has been Vernon Davis, who is the only receiver above 500 yards with 858. His 12.4 average is also a team-best and he has 11 touchdowns on the year.

Michael Crabtree has been relatively effective in his first season, catching 41 passes for 499 yards, which is a shade better than Josh Morgan's 476.

Most of San Francisco's damage has come on the ground, however, simply feeding the ball to Frank Gore the last two games. Gore has crossed the 100-yard mark both times, and has 942 on the year.

On defense, the Niners have been particularly good against the run, ranking fifth in the NFL, which will undoubtedly come in handy against the Lions.

Frankly, that's all Detroit did well last week against the Arizona Cardinals. In a game which Drew Stanton led the team with 72 passing yards, Maurice Morris ate up 126 yards to become only the second player this year to cross the century mark.

The Lions boast the 25th-rated offense in the land, along with the last-ranked offense. They have allowed plenty points this time of year, hitting the over in 11 of their last 14 December games.