This could be a first for Dawgsports, but we're actually opening a Game Thread for a National Football League contest that isn't a Super Bowl. Tonight, the Detroit Lions (1-0) take on the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) in Candlestick Park. If you recall last week, after the shakiest start of his career, Matt Stafford guided the Lions to a 27-23 victory over St. Louis, connecting with Kevin Smith for a 5-yard game winning touchdown with :10 on the clock. Tonight he'll have to play better to beat a very good 49ers squad which dispatched Green Bay last Sunday at Lambeau Field, 30-22.

If you haven't already, check out the excellent SB Nation Detroit Lions site, Pride Of Detroit. I'm pretty sure they feel the same way about ol' #7 up there as we do down here. It will be like old times as we get together, have a few laughs, and pull for #7 #9.