Expert Predictions: Will Detroit Lions Defeat Los Angeles Rams?

Vito Chirco 

The Rams, sitting at 10-3 and with the NFC’s No. 1 seed, will certainly give the Lions a run for their money Sunday. 

Los Angeles’ high-octane offense, led by veteran signal-caller Matthew Stafford under center, is averaging the fourth-most points per contest (29.2) and the fourth-most yards per game (373.2).

Stafford, in the midst of an MVP-caliber campaign, has thrown for an NFL-leading 35 touchdowns. He's aided by a pair of great receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, as well as a more than capable duo of running backs in Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. 

I fear that Stafford & Co. will prove to be too much for Detroit's injury-decimated defense, resulting in a costly loss for Dan Campbell’s team. 

Rams 37, Lions 30

John Maakaron 

The Lions face their toughest test of the season against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Sean McVay has one of the league's best teams -- and one that is truly a Super Bowl contender. 

It will take a top-notch performance from Dan Campbell's squad in order for it to leave SoFi Stadium with its ninth victory of the season. 

The offense must score plenty of touchdowns and Jahmyr Gibbs will carry the team yet again, as the former first-round pick has emerged as one of the top running backs in the NFL. 

With the back-end of the defense dealing with so many injuries, it will be a challenge to limit Matthew Stafford and the Rams from scoring. 

With their backs against the wall, the Lions play their best game of the season and hold off the surging Rams.

Lions 38, Rams 35

Emmett Matasovsky

Well, the stakes are quite high for both squads this weekend. The Los Angeles Rams are looking to maintain sole possession of the No. 1 seed in the NFC, alongside closing in on their division title.

The Lions, meanwhile, enter as the eighth seed in the NFC, with the top seven going to the playoffs.

The Rams have the advantage of not being injured to the same extent as Detroit. With the Lions rotating around nearly every position group, there is the “legion of whom” secondary, backup guard play and questions around who can complement Aidan Hutchinson in the pass-rush department.

Additionally, the Lions play longtime franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford for what seems like the 10th time in the last four seasons. That storyline, especially with it being in Los Angeles and with the present playoff scenarios, makes this must-watch television.

However, with Byron Young and Jared Verse combining for 17 sacks this season, the offensive line needs to be alert at all times. With Stafford being a less-than-mobile quarterback, the battle in the trenches will be a top focus on Sunday.

Jahmyr Gibbs will have 150 yards from the line of scrimmage, Amon-Ra St. Brown grits his way to 85 receiving yards and a touchdown and Aidan Hutchinson records a multi-sack game to silence the doubters. However, the Lions see the “comeback kid” in Stafford shine, and Los Angeles wins with a last-second field goal.

Rams 27, Lions 24