The Los Angeles Rams aren’t short on talent. They bring balance on both sides of the ball, pairing a high-powered offense with a fast, physical defense. At nearly every position group, they have players capable of changing the game in an instant.

That said, football outcomes often come down to individual matchups rather than overall star power. Each snap is essentially 11 separate battles unfolding at once, and the results of those micro-duels frequently determine the final score. When Detroit takes the field against Los Angeles on Sunday, very few Lions will have an easy assignment.

Earlier this week, we broke down which Detroit players need to step up for a Lions win. Now it’s time to flip perspectives and look at the Rams’ sideline.

Question of the Day: Which Rams player poses the biggest threat to Detroit’s chances?

My pick: I’m intentionally leaving Matthew Stafford out of the conversation. He’s the obvious choice, currently playing at an MVP-caliber level, and focusing on him doesn’t add much insight.

Instead, I’m zeroing in on defensive tackle Poona Ford.

For Detroit, establishing the run should be a core part of the offensive strategy. A productive ground game would help control the tempo, set up manageable down-and-distance situations, slow down the Rams’ edge rushers, and open up play-action opportunities. Just as important, it would limit Stafford’s time on the field by shortening the game.

Ford is one of the league’s most effective interior defenders against the run. His 87.0 Pro Football Focus run-defense grade ranks near the top among defensive tackles this season. He’s recorded 22 run stops—tied for fifth in the NFL—and his 13.8% run-stop rate sits third at the position. His impact is a major reason the Rams boast an elite run defense, ranking near the top of the league in metrics like DVOA, rush EPA, and rushing success rate.

That creates a difficult challenge for Detroit, particularly along the interior of the offensive line, which has dealt with inconsistency and personnel changes throughout the year. Still, the Lions have held their own against strong defensive fronts in recent weeks and exceeded expectations in those matchups.

If Detroit can once again rise to the occasion against Los Angeles, they’ll not only give themselves a legitimate chance to win on Sunday, but they’ll also strengthen the belief that this team can make a meaningful playoff push.

Which Rams player concerns you the most? Head to the comments and share your thoughts.