The Detroit Lions returned to the win column in Week 14, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 44-30. Despite the victory, head coach Dan Campbell knows there’s still significant work to be done if the team hopes to make a playoff run. Their next challenge comes in Week 15, when they face the Los Angeles Rams and former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Rams have emerged as serious Super Bowl contenders this season, thanks largely to Stafford’s outstanding play. Detroit’s coaching staff and players are well aware of Stafford’s abilities, and Campbell has made it clear that his defense must be ready for a tough test.

Familiar Foe Poses a Major Challenge

Stafford, selected first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, spent 12 seasons with Detroit. While he put up impressive individual numbers, the Lions struggled to build a consistent winner around him. In 2021, he was traded to Los Angeles in a deal that brought Jared Goff to Detroit.

Stafford quickly led the Rams to a Super Bowl title, and after a brief dip in performance, Los Angeles has returned to championship contention. This season, Stafford is arguably playing the best football of his career. Through 13 games, he has thrown for 3,354 yards and a league-leading 35 touchdowns, putting him in strong MVP consideration.

When he faces his former team, Stafford will be motivated to produce big numbers once again. With several injuries impacting Detroit’s defense, Campbell emphasized the importance of disrupting Stafford’s rhythm. “He’s playing at a high level,” Campbell said. “If we don’t disrupt him, it’ll be a long day. We’ve got to shut down the run and find a way to disrupt this guy because he’s dangerous.”

High Stakes for the Lions

Detroit sits at 8-5, which isn’t enough for a playoff spot if the season ended today. The NFC wild-card race is crowded, making every game critical. A loss to the Rams could seriously jeopardize the Lions’ postseason hopes.

Campbell knows the matchup will be tough, especially given the team’s struggles against elite competition this season. However, their experience with Stafford could offer some advantage, particularly in pressuring him. Successfully rattling Stafford could swing the game in Detroit’s favor, but failure to do so could leave their playoff chances in jeopardy.