We’re in the home stretch of the season. For the Detroit Lions, it’s survival mode—stay healthy and intact for the playoffs. For the San Francisco 49ers, it’s a different survival mode—stay healthy and don’t take any more hits before the season is over.
These two teams have a lot in common. Both came into the season with lofty expectations to repeat their appearance in the NFC championship game, but have been battered by numerous injuries throughout the year. The Lions have miraculously stayed afloat, although they’re really testing the limits of that in recent weeks.