Lions HC Dan Campbell reportedly makes decision on starters for MNF vs 49ers

Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions will square off against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17's Monday Night Football game. With the season ending next Sunday, the Lions have already clinched a playoff spot and San Francisco has been eliminated from playoff contention.

While some teams are fighting for seedings and to get into the playoffs, Monday night's game for Detroit won't impact its standing. The Lions will face the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday for the NFC North division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Campbell plans to play his starters instead of resting them against the 49ers.

He said on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday:

"If you listen to his quotes, this is who they are. They are built on grit and toughness. They go for it. They're going to go for it tonight. Now again, I think you have to see how the game is flowing and what's happening. And I think they're going in with the mindset, we're going to try to win this game again.

"They’re like, well, we don’t want to take away from the energy and the momentum that we built. Okay, but again, (the Lions are) in a short week. Everything is riding on Sunday night, but they’re not thinking the way we’re thinking. They’re just not thinking that.”

Tonight's game will be played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with an 8:15 p.m. kickoff time. Detroit is currently a three-and-half-point favorite.

Dan Campbell has improved each season as Detroit's head coach since taking over in 2021

Dan Campbell during Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

The Detroit Lions hired Dan Campbell as head coach prior to the 2021 season. The Lions struggled under Campbell in his first season and finished last in the NFC North with a 3-13 record.

The following season, the Lions went 9-8, placing second in the division, but just missed out on the playoffs. The Lions made the playoffs for the first time under Campbell in 2023, winning the division with a 12-5 record.

Detroit has continued its success under Campbell this year and enters Monday's game with a 13-2 record and the chance to become the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In his career as a head coach, Campbell has piled together a 42-35-1 record.