The Detroit Lions (8-5) face a crucial showdown against the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams (10-3) this Sunday in Inglewood, California. With playoff hopes still in the balance, a loss could seriously jeopardize Detroit’s postseason chances.

Lions vs. Rams Odds: Detroit as 5.5-Point Underdogs
According to FanDuel odds, the Lions are 5.5-point underdogs, marking their largest underdog status since the 2023 NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. The last time Detroit faced such a heavy regular-season underdog line was Week 12 of 2022 against the Buffalo Bills, where Detroit covered despite the loss.

Playoff Implications for Detroit
After a strong win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, the Lions enjoyed extra rest ahead of this key matchup. Detroit has alternated wins and losses over the last nine games, making every contest vital for keeping playoff dreams alive. Meanwhile, the Rams have won six of their last seven games and currently hold the NFC West lead, including a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seattle Seahawks.

Historic Rivalry: Lions vs. Rams
Sunday’s game will mark the 90th all-time meeting between the two franchises. The Rams lead the series 45-43-1, but under Coach Dan Campbell, Detroit has won 2 of 3 matchups since trading former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles in 2021 — including a victory in the 2023 NFC Wild Card.

Key Takeaway
With Detroit positioned on the playoff bubble and facing a top NFC team led by their former star QB, this matchup against the Rams could define the Lions’ postseason fate. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle where every play counts.