This is a game that has a lot of bad blood involved in it.  Niners’ offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz held the same post with the Lions last season but he was fired in the offseason.  QB J.T. O’Sullivan also was a Lion last year as he backed up Jon Kitna.  The 49ers should be able to do whatever they want on offense in this game as the Lions are allowing 220.5 yards rushing per game and 240.0 yards passing per game this season.  With that in mind look for Frank Gore to get the ball quite often as he already has 250 yards from scrimmage this season.  QB J.T. O’Sullivan already has 516 passing yards this season and he will likely spread the ball around to a lot of receivers with Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce getting most of the downfield passes.

The Lions must be able to run the football against the 49ers to keep their offense on the sidelines.  Rookie Kevin Smith and Rudi Johnson will likely get most of the carries against a Niners’ defense that is allowing 139.0 yards rushing per game this season.  It appears however that this game could dissolve into a shootout and the Lions’ are equipped to throw the ball downfield with WRs Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey.

PREDICTION:  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 41, DETROIT LIONS 34