Lions vs. Rams: A Measuring Stick Game for Detroit’s Super Bowl Aspirations
We’re heading into Week 15, and the Detroit Lions are staring down what might be their most telling test of the season. Sure, the early-season battles against the Chiefs and Eagles were marquee matchups, but this upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Rams?
This one feels different. This one feels like a playoff preview - and maybe even a Super Bowl litmus test.
The Rams are rolling. They’re in the thick of the NFC’s race for the No. 1 seed, and they’re doing it behind a resurgent Matthew Stafford, who’s playing some of the best ball of his career.
Detroit, meanwhile, is still fighting to solidify its playoff position. That adds even more weight to this matchup - it’s not just about seeding, it’s about proving you belong.
The Rams Have the Edge - But Not By Much
Let’s be clear: the Rams are the favorites here, and not just by a little. Oddsmakers have them as 5.5-point home favorites, and that reflects the confidence many have in Sean McVay’s squad right now. Stafford is locked in, Puka Nacua continues to be a revelation, and the Rams’ defense has found its rhythm at just the right time.
There’s a sense that Detroit might be a little overmatched, especially on the road. But if the Lions are going to pull off a win, it’s going to take another big-time performance from Jahmyr Gibbs. The rookie has shown flashes of star power all season, and if he can break loose against this Rams front, Detroit has a shot to flip the script.
NFL analyst Sayre Bedinger sees this one going the Rams’ way in a shootout - 34-32 - and that kind of scoreline tells you all you need to know. This isn’t expected to be a grind-it-out defensive battle. This is going to be about who can make the biggest plays when it matters most.
Goff vs. Stafford: A Familiar Face-Off
One of the juiciest storylines in this game is the quarterback matchup. Jared Goff returning to L.A. to face off against the guy he was traded for - Matthew Stafford - adds a little extra spice. And while Goff has had a strong season, there’s some skepticism about whether he can go toe-to-toe with Stafford in this kind of high-stakes environment.
But don’t count Goff out just yet. The Lions’ offense has quietly been one of the most balanced units in the league.
Gibbs and David Montgomery give them a two-headed monster in the backfield, and when Amon-Ra St. Brown is healthy - which he is - he’s as reliable as they come.
Add in the growing chemistry between Goff and Jameson Williams, and there’s real potential for Detroit to match the Rams punch-for-punch.
Of course, it all comes down to protection. If the Lions’ offensive line can keep Goff clean, he has the weapons to make this a real contest. But if Aaron Donald and the Rams’ pass rush start teeing off, things could unravel quickly.
Injuries and Intangibles
One thing working against Detroit is the timing. They’re coming off a physical win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, but it came at a cost. Losing Brian Branch - one of their most versatile defenders - could be a big blow, especially against a Rams offense that loves to attack the middle of the field.
Still, this Lions team has shown resilience all year. They’ve bounced back from tough losses, answered the bell in big moments, and they’ve got a coach in Dan Campbell who knows how to get his team fired up for a fight. Don’t be surprised if they come into SoFi Stadium with a chip on their shoulder.
Don’t Let the Odds Fool You
Yes, the Rams are favored. Yes, Stafford is playing like an MVP.
But these two teams are a lot closer in talent than the spread suggests. Detroit’s defense has quietly improved, and their offense has the kind of balance that travels well - even into hostile territory.
This game won’t just be about who wins. It’s going to be about who looks like they belong in the NFC’s upper echelon.
For the Rams, it’s a chance to keep their momentum heading into the final stretch. For the Lions, it’s a chance to prove they’re not just a feel-good story - they’re a legitimate contender.
Sunday can’t come soon enough.