The Detroit Lions are preparing for a pivotal matchup on Sunday, December 14, when they’ll face Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. With Los Angeles sitting at 10–3 and leading the NFC West, they’re essentially locked into the postseason. Detroit, however, is still fighting for its playoff life—making this game enormously important for them.
Although the Lions would love to enter the contest at full strength, injuries have forced them to shuffle the roster throughout the week. Even so, the core of their star talent remains available.
Detroit enters the game at 8–5, and the team’s playoff hopes hang in the balance. While the Rams have a 97% chance of reaching the postseason and are competing for a division crown, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage, the Lions are trying to secure their own spot.
Ahead of the matchup, Detroit highlighted a major development about wide receiver Jameson Williams, one of the most explosive threats in their offense.
On Thursday, December 11, the team shared a statistical update from its PR department showing that Williams has been outstanding this season. According to their data, Williams leads all NFL wide receivers in yards after catch per reception with an average of 8.31, the best mark in the league.
He also ranks second in several categories:
17.8 yards per catch,
11 receptions of 25+ yards, and
5 touchdown receptions of 20+ yards.
Detroit will be counting on that big-play production as they try to defeat a motivated Rams squad. Not only are the Rams tough at home, but they’re also looking to shut the door on the Seattle Seahawks’ hopes of stealing the NFC West lead.
Heading into Week 15, NFL research gives the Lions a 52% shot at making the playoffs. A win would boost that to 72%, while a loss would drop it to 42%.
Dan Campbell’s Thoughts After the Win Over Dallas
Following Detroit’s December 4 victory against the Cowboys, head coach Dan Campbell discussed what comes next for his team.
He explained that the Lions need to correct the errors that caused trouble during that game. “We did a lot of good things today,” Campbell said, “but we’ve got to clean up the issues that hurt us. Let’s tweak a few things, cut down on the penalties, and eliminate the stuff that can cost us. We overcame it today, but that’s how you improve.”
Expect some adjustments when Detroit takes the field against Los Angeles. Either way, the matchup promises to be high-energy and dramatic.
