The Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions showdown is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal NFC matchups of the season. With playoff positioning on the line and a critical game against the Seattle Seahawks looming, the Rams must get this one right.
This will be the fourth meeting between the Rams and Lions since the blockbuster Matthew Stafford–Jared Goff trade before the 2021 season. While Los Angeles won the first matchup at SoFi Stadium, Detroit has taken the last two meetings at home. A Rams victory would not only help keep them atop the NFC standings, but also reduce the Lions’ playoff chances to just 32 percent.
To come out on top, the Rams must execute in several key areas. Here are five keys to victory for the Rams against the Lions.
- Don’t Let the Lions Control the Game on the Ground
The Lions’ offensive approach closely resembles the ball-control style used by the Carolina Panthers earlier this season—a game in which the Rams defense struggled mightily. Against Carolina, the Rams allowed long, methodical drives that limited possessions and ended in touchdowns.
Detroit is more than capable of employing a similar strategy. The Lions rank among the lowest early-down passing teams in the NFL, relying heavily on their running backs to stay ahead of the chains. Minnesota exposed this formula in Week 9 by holding Detroit to 3.1 yards per carry, forcing obvious passing situations.
The Rams are better equipped this time around. With Poona Ford healthy, Los Angeles has consistently shut down elite runners such as Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Still, this Lions offense thrives on physicality and patience. If Detroit dictates tempo and shortens the game, the Rams could be in trouble.
- Dominate the Red Zone and Win on Fourth Down
Over the last two meetings, the Rams have struggled mightily against Detroit in critical moments—going 2-for-8 in the red zone while allowing the Lions to convert every fourth-down attempt.
That must change.
The Rams rank among the NFL’s best red-zone offenses, converting touchdowns on 66.7 percent of trips inside the 20. Defensively, they rank second in red-zone defense, while Detroit sits 23rd. This is a clear advantage if the Rams capitalize.
Detroit is also one of the league’s most aggressive teams on fourth down, attempting conversions 25 times this season. If the Lions cross midfield, fourth-down attempts should be expected. Winning on third down will be critical to forcing field goals instead of touchdowns.
- Pressure Jared Goff Up the Middle
When facing Jared Goff, pressure alone isn’t enough—it must come from the interior.
Goff ranks third in the NFL in EPA per dropback when kept clean, but drops to -0.43 EPA per dropback under pressure. The weakness of Detroit’s offensive line lies in the middle, and the Rams must exploit it.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has done this creatively, using Jared Verse as a stand-up linebacker to attack interior gaps. Expect similar looks, along with safety blitzes, to disrupt Goff’s rhythm. This will also be a critical game for Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske in the trenches.
- Contain Jahmyr Gibbs and Limit Crossing Routes
The Rams have consistently shut down elite running backs this season, holding Barkley, Taylor, and McCaffrey well below their averages. But Jahmyr Gibbs presents a different challenge.
Gibbs ranks:
2nd in yards per carry
5th in explosive run rate
1st in missed tackles forced per attempt
When Gibbs is held under 3.5 yards per carry, the Lions are just 1–3. He’s also a major threat in the passing game, averaging 36.5 receiving yards per game.
Detroit also thrives on crossing routes over the middle, making linebacker and safety play crucial. Nate Landman, Josh Wallace, and Jaylen McCollough must tackle well in space, especially with Quentin Lake unavailable.
- Let Matthew Stafford Win the Game
This game feels tailor-made for Matthew Stafford.
Facing his former team in a nationally televised matchup, Stafford has a chance to strengthen his MVP case while ending the Rams’ two-game losing streak against Detroit.
Stafford has thrown three or more touchdowns in seven games this season. Meanwhile, the Lions are allowing two passing touchdowns per game, tied for fourth-most in the NFL. Since Week 10, Detroit has surrendered 254.8 passing yards per game, third-most in the league.
With Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Terrion Arnold all sidelined, the Lions’ secondary is vulnerable. Add in Detroit’s second-longest time to pressure in the NFL, and Stafford should have both time and opportunity to exploit mismatches downfield.
Final Word
If the Rams:
Control the run,
Win situational football,
Disrupt Jared Goff,
Neutralize Jahmyr Gibbs,
And trust Matthew Stafford,
they’ll put themselves in prime position to beat the Lions and strengthen their NFC playoff standing.
