San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

It's hard to believe that the San Francisco 49ers vs. the Detroit Lions is the matchup of the week. At this time last season, they were a combined 1-9. This time around, they are a combined 9-1, with San Francisco suffering an overtime loss to Dallas earlier in the season.

These are two of the hottest teams in the NFL and both are looking to turn their quick start into a division title. While the 49ers might be able to win the NFC West at a pedestrian 8-8, the Lions are going to have a much more difficult time handling the Packers.

If the Lions can move to 6-0, it's going to put them on the fast track towards at least obtaining a wild-card spot. If the 49ers can manage to move to 5-1, they might clinch the division by Week 12.

Which team is going to be able to handle their newly-found hype? Let's take a closer look.

When: Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. ET 

Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI

Watch: FOX

Spread: San Francisco +4 1/2

Note: Line according to Bodog

The 49ers managed to claw their way to a victory on the road against the Eagles and are coming off a huge 45-point slaughtering of Tampa Bay. Their confidence is at an all-time high, and the Bucs proved last week that coming off of a Monday Night Football game can have adverse effects.

Over/Under: 46

Go with the under here. Frank Gore is going to get his yards and Calvin Johnson is going to break loose, but neither defense is going to let the opposing offense score over 21 points.

Key Injuries

49ers:

Ted Ginn Jr., WR, (Probable)
Michael Crabtree, WR, (Probable)
Braylon Edwards, WR, (Out)
Josh Morgan, WR, (Ir)

Lions:

Amari Spievey, S, (Questionable)
Rashied Davis, WR, (Questionable)
Cliff Avril, DE, (Probable)
Tony Scheffler, TE, (Out)
Justin Durant, LB, (Out) 

Fantasy Big Plays

Calvin Johnson is playing as though he's the best offensive player in football. He's a matchup nightmare and has already found the end zone nine times this season. The 49ers have nobody to match up with him, and you can expect another huge week from Johnson.

Alex Smith is officially in the midst of his breakout year. He's the third-highest rated quarterback in the entire NFL and is starting to find his groove in Jim Harbaugh's offense. With all Lions focused on Frank Gore, don't be surprised to see Smith throw for over 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns this week.

Keys to San Francisco win

Stop Jahvid Best. The 49ers can't shut down Megatron, but allowing Best and Johnson to get going is a surefire recipe for disaster. They have the means to shut down the Lions' run game, they just can't get down when their secondary falls short.

Keep it a defensive struggle. The 49ers have to win ugly this week. If Matthew Stafford and Smith get in a shootout, it's game over. Limiting the crippling play and turning this into a battle for field position gives them a solid shot at winning.

Keys to Detroit Lions Win

Stop Frank Gore. If Gore gets going, the 49ers are going to be able to match Detroit's production. Detroit has a ferocious defense, but if the 49ers are able to get the run game going, the Lions could fall apart.

Attack Alex Smith. Smith is having a great season. He's putting up decent numbers against the blitz, utilizing Gore and Vernon Davis, and excelling in the high-percentage offense. He's not immune to getting rattled though. A few blows from Ndamukong Suh could throw Smith off his game.

Prediction:

49ers 17, Lions 13