49ers vs. Lions: NFL Week 1 betting odds, preview, and pick

The 49ers will kick off what they hope to be a Super Bowl run on Sunday, when San Francisco travels to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 1 NFL action.

49ers have yet to announce their starting quarterback

After drafting Trey Lance with the third overall pick, many thought the end of the Jimmy Garoppolo era was at hand. However, a strong preseason performance now has them embroiled in a serious battle, with head coach Kyle Shanahan yet to officially name the starter for Week 1. Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell has stated the Lions will prepare for both players, despite the fact that Lance suffered a finger injury in the final preseason game and is not expected to play.

The 49ers went just 6-10 last year, but they lost more games to injuries than any team in the NFL, with many key players missing time. Now they have a healthy roster, and the running game will yet again be the focus with the Garoppolo asked to manage the game. However, with Lance breathing down his neck and the Lions’ defense being poor, a strong game from the veteran QB could see him hold the starting job for a bit longer.

Lions hoping Campbell can turn franchise around

After winning just 14 games in three seasons under Matt Patricia, the Lions will expect more from Campbell following his move from New Orleans. The fans were not happy about trading away franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford, so newcomer Jared Goff will also be under pressure to perform.

Goff has a 3-5 record against the 49ers in his career thanks to playing in the NFC West, but he has thrown 14 touchdowns against them compared to just six interceptions. However, his targets will be significantly less threatening than what he enjoyed with the Rams, and there are serious questions as to who he will be able to rely on aside from TE T.J. Hockenson as he faces a defense that allowed just 208 yards passing per game last season.

D’Andre Swift missed much of the preseason with a groin injury, but all signs point to him being ready to go for this weekend. He will find it tough going against the stout 49ers run defense, but it will be vital that he have a solid game. The offensive line, led by Frank Ragnow and rookie Penei Sewell, must live up to their billing and give Swift lanes to run and keep Goff protected against a dangerous 49ers pass rush.

49ers and Lions Betting Trends

• The 49ers are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 when favored by seven or more points
• The 49ers are 10-1 in their last 11 games against the Lions
• The Lions are 0-12 as home dogs in their last 12 games
• The Over is 7-3 in Detroit’s last 10 games
• The Lions are 2-4 ATS in their last six home games against San Francisco

49ers will dominate in a low-scoring affair

No matter who plays quarterback for San Francisco, this looks like a team simply too good on both sides of the ball for the Lions to handle. Detroit’s defense will struggle to contain the 49ers rushing attack, and TE George Kittle will be a matchup nightmare for their secondary. On the other side, Swift will likely have rust after missing the entire preseason, and the 49ers are not the team to shake that off against.

While Detroit will likely be improved from last season, I don’t see them showing it much in this matchup. Garoppolo will want to establish himself as the starting quarterback moving forward, and Bosa and the defense will put the clamps down on Goff and the passing game. Look for San Francisco to cover the spread in a low-scoring affair.

Score prediction: San Francisco 24, Detroit 10

NFL Week 1 PICK: 49ERS -8 (-108); GAME PARLAY 49ERS -8 & UNDER 45 (+260)