The final stretch of 2024 is upon us, and the sports world is buzzing with anticipation. As the calendar flips to December 30th, your TV screen becomes the ultimate arena for athletic spectacle. From high-octane basketball clashes to nail-biting football finishes, there’s a sporting feast waiting to be devoured.
Lions vs. 49ers: A Meaningless Monday Night Showdown?
A Game with Little at Stake

The upcoming Monday Night Football clash between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers lacks the usual playoff intensity. With their post-season destinies already determined, both teams head into the game with a sense of relative indifference. The Lions, currently leading the NFC North at 11-4, have secured their playoff berth. Conversely, the 49ers, sitting at 6-9, have been officially eliminated from contention.
Despite the lack of tangible implications for playoff seeding or survival, Lions’ coach Dan Campbell remains committed to fielding a strong squad and striving for victory. This unwavering resolve has sparked curiosity and debate among analysts and fans alike. In a recent press conference, Campbell made his intentions clear, stating, “I’ll make this easy for everybody that way all the critics can jump out and start attacking, but that way you don’t have to debate them anymore. We’re bringing everything we got to this game and we are playing, I don’t care what it looks like and where it’s at and who’s this, who’s that. We’re going out to play and win this game, out on the West Coast. So there you go.”
Campbell’s defiant stance underscores the inherent competitive spirit within the NFL, where every game holds intrinsic value for players and coaches. Whether facing a fierce rival or a team with minimal playoff aspirations, the pursuit of victory remains paramount.

Shifting Focus: Beyond Playoff Hopes
With postseason aspirations out of reach for the 49ers, the focus shifts towards individual player development and evaluating younger talent. This game presents an opportunity for Coach Kyle Shanahan to experiment with different strategies and provide valuable playing time to players who may not typically see significant action.
For the Lions, the game offers a chance to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Maintaining a winning streak can boost team confidence and establish a positive psychological edge as they prepare for the postseason challenges ahead.

How to Watch the Game
Broadcast Information
The Monday Night Football matchup between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
Streaming Options
For those seeking to stream the game, several platforms offer live coverage:
- ESPN+
- Fubo
- DirecTV
- Hulu with Live TV
Local Channels
In addition to national broadcasts, viewers may be able to catch the game on their local channels. It is recommended to consult local listings for specific broadcast information.
2024 NFL Season Complete Week 17 Schedule: All Times Eastern
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 1 p.m. ET (Netflix)
Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans: 4:30 p.m. ET (Netflix)
Thursday, Dec. 26
Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears: 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Saturday, Dec. 28
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 4:30 p.m. (NFL Network)
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams: 8 p.m. (NFL Network)

Sunday, Dec. 29
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings: 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns: 4:05 p.m ET (CBS)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders: 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Universo, Peacock)

Monday, Dec. 30
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers: 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes)
How to Watch Every NFL Game This Season
Local Broadcasts
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna).
NFL+
A $7/month subscription to NFL+ will get you access to NFL Network which can be great for watching some games, but the downside of NFL+ is that when it comes to the regular season, it’s just local and primetime games (and only on mobile or tablet!).
Monday Night Football: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers – Potential Storylines and Strategies
Despite neither team having playoff implications for the 2024 NFL season, Monday’s matchup between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers promises to be an intriguing contest, with several potential storylines emerging in the lead-up to the game.
One of the most interesting storylines revolves around the individual performances of key players on both teams. For the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff will look to build on his recent form, having thrown for over 300 yards in each of his last three games. On the other hand, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be looking to rebound from a subpar performance in the 49ers’ last outing, where he threw two interceptions and was sacked three times.
Another storyline to watch is the development of young talent on both teams. For the Lions, rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams has shown flashes of brilliance in his first season, and will be looking to continue his growth against a stout 49ers secondary. Meanwhile, 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell has emerged as a reliable option in the backfield, and will be looking to build on his recent success.
The lack of pressure on both teams could also create an opportunity for them to test new strategies and personnel combinations. With nothing to lose, the Lions may opt to experiment with new formations and play-calling schemes, while the 49ers may look to give younger players more opportunities to prove themselves.
However, despite the lack of pressure, both teams will still be looking to maintain momentum and avoid a letdown. The Lions have been playing some of their best football of the season in recent weeks, and will be looking to continue that trend on Monday night. Meanwhile, the 49ers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss and regroup for the challenges ahead in the offseason.
Viewing Options for Fans
For fans who want to watch the game, several options are available. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and ABC at 8:15 p.m. ET, with pre-game coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
In addition to traditional broadcast options, the game will also be available to stream on various platforms, including ESPN+, Fubo, DirecTV, and more. Fans can also access live game-day updates and analysis through the Unionjournalism website and social media channels.
Streaming Options
- ESPN+ – available for $6.99/month or $69.99/year
- Fubo – available for $64.99/month or $599.99/year
- DirecTV – available for $155.99/month
- More – check with your local cable provider for availability
- Unionjournalism website – live game-day coverage and analysis
- Unionjournalism social media channels – live game-day updates and commentary
- ESPN app – live game-day coverage and analysis
- ABC app – live game-day coverage and analysis
Live Game-Day Updates and Analysis
Week 17 Schedule: Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
The NFL schedule for Week 17, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, features several key matchups across the league. Here’s a rundown of the games:
Monday, Dec. 30, 2024
- 8:15 p.m. ET – Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers (ESPN, ABC)
- Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 1 p.m. ET (Netflix)
- Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans: 4:30 p.m. ET (Netflix)
- Thursday, Dec. 26 – Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears: 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
- Saturday, Dec. 28 – Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Saturday, Dec. 28 – Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 4:30 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Saturday, Dec. 28 – Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams: 8 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings: 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns: 4:05 p.m ET (CBS)
- Sunday, Dec. 29 – Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders: 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Universo, Peacock)
Recent NFL Schedule
Here’s a look at the recent NFL schedule, with key matchups and results:
How to Watch Every NFL Game This Season
With multiple broadcast options available, fans have a range of choices for watching NFL games this season. Here’s a rundown of the options:
Local Channels
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, making it easy for fans to catch in-market games by simply turning on their TV or setting up a digital TV antenna.
NFL+ Subscription
Fans can also access live game-day coverage and analysis through a $7/month subscription to NFL+. This service provides access to NFL Network, which broadcasts local and primetime games on mobile and tablet devices.
Streaming Options
For fans who want to watch games online, several streaming options are available, including ESPN+, Fubo, DirecTV, and more.
- ESPN+ – available for $6.99/month or $69.99/year
- Fubo – available for $64.99/month or $599.99/year
- DirecTV – available for $155.99/month
- More – check with your local cable provider for availability
Conclusion
As the year comes to a close, sports enthusiasts are in for a treat with the extensive lineup of games scheduled for Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. The article from Yahoo News provides an in-depth look at the exciting matchups, from the NFL playoffs to the NBA and NHL games. One of the key takeaways from the article is the highly competitive nature of the upcoming games, with several teams vying for a spot in the championship finals. The article highlights the exceptional talent and skill on display, making it a must-watch event for sports fans.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as it marks a pivotal moment in the sports calendar. The games will not only determine the fate of teams but also shape the future of sports in the coming year. As the sports industry continues to evolve, the role of television in showcasing live events will remain a crucial aspect of its growth. The article’s focus on the TV broadcast schedule sheds light on the importance of accessibility and visibility in sports, highlighting the need for inclusive and diverse programming that caters to a wide range of audiences.