Detroit’s top playmakers, along with a game-changing defensive moment from Aidan Hutchinson, helped the Lions take a 24–17 advantage over the Los Angeles Rams at halftime of a pivotal matchup with playoff implications.

The Lions (8–5) benefited from an aggressive late decision by head coach Dan Campbell, whose fourth-down gamble in the final minutes of the half helped extend Detroit’s lead and strengthen its postseason outlook.

After scoreless opening drives from both teams, the offenses quickly found rhythm. Detroit kicker Jake Bates missed a 43-yard field goal on the Lions’ first possession, but the defense immediately responded. As the Rams moved into scoring territory, Hutchinson read a screen perfectly, intercepting Matthew Stafford and returning the ball 57 yards to flip the momentum.

That takeaway paid off right away, as Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 17-yard touchdown on the next snap, giving Detroit an early 7–0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Los Angeles answered with a lengthy 13-play drive that featured multiple fourth-down conversions by Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams capped the march with a 4-yard touchdown run to even the score late in the opening quarter.

Detroit regained the lead when Bates converted a short 24-yard field goal after the offense stalled inside the red zone, making it 10–7 early in the second quarter. The Rams struck back quickly, though, as Williams broke off a 19-yard run and Stafford followed with a 36-yard strike to Nacua. Williams finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge to put Los Angeles ahead 14–10.

The Lions’ passing attack continued to shine. St. Brown hauled in a deep pass after briefly bobbling the ball, turning it into a 52-yard gain. A few plays later, he scored his second touchdown of the half on an 8-yard screen pass, restoring Detroit’s lead at 17–14.

Detroit’s defense delivered again with just over three minutes remaining before halftime, recording a third-down sack near midfield that forced the first punt of the game. Hutchinson and linebacker Alex Anzalone shared credit for the stop.

Facing fourth-and-1 near their own goal line at the two-minute warning, Campbell opted to keep the offense on the field. Goff rolled out and found St. Brown to convert, marking the Lions’ first successful fourth-down attempt since Week 10.

That decision proved crucial. With 30 seconds left in the half, Goff lofted a touchdown pass to Jameson Williams, extending the Lions’ lead to 24–14. The Rams responded quickly, however, as Stafford and Nacua connected on a 37-yard gain to set up a 37-yard field goal just before halftime.

At the break, St. Brown led all receivers with nine catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns, while Jameson Williams added four receptions for 92 yards and a score. Goff completed 14 of 20 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns, targeting only those two receivers in the first half.

Los Angeles entered the game boasting one of the league’s strongest red-zone defenses, and while they forced two short field goal attempts, Detroit still managed to score twice from inside the 20.

Detroit received no help in the early window of games, as the Chicago Bears improved to 10–4 with a dominant win over Cleveland, setting up a challenging stretch ahead that includes matchups with Green Bay and San Francisco.

The Rams will begin the second half with possession, looking to build on their late scoring drive and swing momentum coming out of the locker room.