Who are the 49ers vs. Lions announcers tonight? Coverage team for Week 17 MNF showdown explored

The San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions will face off in a Week 17 matchup at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers will attempt to defeat a Lions side that has already qualified for the playoffs.

Let's examine the announcers for the NFC showdown ahead of the game.

Who are the 49ers vs. Lions announcers tonight?

According to Yahoo Sports, Joe Buck (play-by-play commentator) and Troy Aikman (analyst) will be the announcers for the fixture on ESPN.

Buck is the lead play-by-play commentator for Monday Night Football, and he'll bring his expertise to a clash that features two of the biggest sides in the NFC. Buck has been at ESPN since 2022 after spending the first 27 years of his career with FOX Sports.

Aikman is a three-time Super Bowl champion, six-time Pro Bowler, one-time Super Bowl MVP, and an inductee into both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Aikman became a broadcaster after retirement and occupies the booth alongside Buck on Monday Night Football. The duo have worked side by side since their FOX days and now cover football on ESPN.

Who are the key players for the 49ers vs Lions game?

The 6-9 San Francisco 49ers and 13-2 Detroit Lions have a host of Pro Bowl-caliber players set to start tonight's matchup. However, these two are the ones to watch ahead of kickoff:

George Kittle, Tight end, San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle is a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the best tight ends of his generation. He enters tonight's game with 68 catches, 967 receiving yards and eight TDs in 13 games.

Kittle is among the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the 49ers. He needs just 33 receiving yards to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Running back, Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the league's best running backs, and he's just in his second season as a pro. The Alabama Crimson Tide product is efficient on the ground and in the air, and he's one of Dan Campbell's most dynamic weapons.

Gibbs enters tonight's game with a stat line of 209 carries, 1,156 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He's also added 43 catches, 440 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Expect him to prove a headache for the 49ers' defensive coordinator in tonight's game.