NFL Week 2 Early Predictions: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to meet up in Week 2 of the 2012 NFL regular season on Sept. 16th, with the opening kickoff from Candlestick Park scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC's Sunday Night Football. 

Cantor Gaming has released the 49ers as 3.5-point home favorites, as the contest will receive plenty of media attention due to last year's end-of-game handshake between San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh and Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz.

San Francisco came away with a 25-19 win as 5.5-point road underdogs in Week 6 of last year, while the score fell just under the posted total of 45. The 49ers fell behind by 10 points after the first quarter, but rallied by ultimately out-gaining the Lions by 137 yards on the ground.

49ers running back Frank Gore led the charge, rushing for 141 yards on 15 carries, while scoring a one-yard touchdown to open up the second quarter.

Harbaugh was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year in his first season with the franchise, as he made plenty of fans in both the Bay Area and Las Vegas. The team finished with a 13-3 regular-season record, while going 11-4-1 against the spread in those contests.

Detroit will certainly have revenge on its mind in making its first road trip, which follows a season-opening home game against the St. Louis Rams on Sept. 9th. The Lions opened the 2011 season with five straight wins, and were coming off an impressive 24-13 home win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football before falling to the 49ers.

Both teams should be focused for this prime-time affair, but the Lions may hold a slight edge in terms of scheduling, as the 49ers open up against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Taking the points is likely the best option at this point.

Early Pick: Detroit Lions +3.5

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