Handshake Bowl II – Detroit Lions in Early Litmus Test versus 49ers in Week 2<\/strong><\/p>\n Week 2 of the NFL schedule features a number of marquee matchups with one taking place by the Bay. The San Francisco 49ers, impressive winners in Week 1 on the road over the Green Bay Packers play their home opener on Sunday versus a Detroit Lions team that may have been lucky to escape the NFL\u2019s opening week with a win over the St. Louis Rams. <\/p>\n Detroit Lions (1-0) vs. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)<\/strong> Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A nationally televised game, Sunday\u2019s match should give us a good indication of where these two teams lie in the NFC pecking order.<\/p>\n To say that the Detroit Lions will need to play better is the early season understatement of the year. The Lions couldn\u2019t generate much in the first half last week against what was thought to be a weak St. Louis defense. The second half was better… and unfortunately it absolutely had to be.<\/p>\n Matthew Stafford ended last week\u2019s game with 355 yards passing \u2013 maybe the quietest 355 yards in recent memory! He also threw three ugly interceptions in the first half which has to be a concern for Lions fans. Calvin Johnson was his typical monster self but like Johnson was conspicuously quiet except for one 51 yard catch. Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson proved to be very good compliments \u2013 at least Mr. Stafford was spreading the ball around! The running game, anchored by Kevin Smith was OK \u2013 Smith had 62 yards and a score on just 13 carries.<\/p>\n We all know what Detroit\u2019s offense can do. When clicking they are simply one of the most electrifying units in the game. But this week marks an enormous test for this team \u2013 the San Francisco defense leaves little margin for error. The 49ers made the Packers offense look ordinary last week \u2013 quite a feat! [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Detroit\u2019s defense was slow to get going last week as well. Although they gave up just 198 yards passing and 78 yards rushing, they were unable to bring sustained pressure and generate any turnovers.<\/p>\n How about those 49ers! San Francisco looked like the Super Bowl contender that many people envisioned before the start of the season. To go into Lambeau and handle the Packers is mighty impressive indeed. Alex Smith was efficient and effective, Frank Gore looked five years younger and the new additions Mario Manningham and Randy Moss paid immediate dividends in Week 1. The defense was as advertised \u2013 elite in every facet and a terror for one of the best offensive units in the game. Things are looking up in the Bay \u2013 that\u2019s for sure. Now it is up to them to hold serve on home field and dispatch another team that they will likely be battling with for seeding at the end of the season.<\/p>\n Betting Prediction<\/strong>: The San Francisco 49ers are atop many Power Rankings for a reason \u2013 they are perhaps the most solid all around team in the NFL. Their defense can win games all by itself. But with new weapons on offense and with the old weapons looking comfortable and confident, it is hard to see anyone touching this San Francisco team \u2013 particularly one that looked like a middle of the road team last week. If the Niners can make the Packers look ordinary, I am confident that they will be able to handle the Lions with ease this week as well.<\/p>\n
\n Date\/Time: Sunday, September 16, 2012, 8:20 PM ET<\/strong>
\n Venue: Candlestick Park<\/strong>
\n Broadcast: NBC<\/strong>
\nLions vs. 49ers Betting Lines from betonline.com<\/a><\/strong>
\nSpread: 49ers -7 (-105)<\/strong>
\n Moneyline: Lions +270: 49ers -325<\/strong>
\n Over\/Under: 46 points<\/strong><\/p>\n