Free Press sports writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions' 2021 season opener at Ford Field against the San Francisco 49ers (1 p.m., Fox):
Jeff Seidel
This will be a sobering game for Lions fans. The Lions will struggle on offense, struggle on defense and won’t do much in special teams other than punting, of course. The Lions are great at punting. This will be a game where you think: Oh, man, how are they going to get to four wins? The pick: 49ers 31, Lions 21.
[ Penei Sewell preparing to play LT, content to cede position when Taylor Decker returns ]
Shawn Windsor
The juice of the first crowd at Ford Field and the competitive spirit of Dan Campbell keep it close for a bit.