Two top teams are looking to secure their playoff spots this Sunday as the Detroit Lions take on the Los Angeles Rams.
The 10-3 Rams are a beast of an opponent on the Lions’ rocky path to the playoffs. Former Lion Matthew Stafford is having an all-star season, as Detroit continues to battle injury after injury.
On Pride of Detroit, we’ve got Erik Schlitt breaking down Dallas’ offensive and defensive schemes, a preview with our SB Nation counterpart Turf Show Times from Ryan Mathews, and six takeaways from the Lions coordinators press conference from Jeremy Reisman.
Once you’re done with your assigned reading, here are some Week 15 picks, predictions, and thoughts from NFL analysts and writers.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: Rams 34, Lions 27
“This is a big game in terms of playoff seeding. The Lions are 8-5 and can’t afford another loss, while the Rams are pushing for a division title and the top seed. The Rams offense got back on track last week and the Lions have issues on defense. That’s a bad combination. Look for Matthew Stafford to light things up against his former team, while Jared Goff can’t keep up. Rams win it.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Rams 28, Lions 24
“The key for both teams will be the running game. Jahmyr Gibbs (5.7 yards per carry) and Kyren Williams (4.9 yards per carry) can control a high-stakes game like this. Turnovers also will be huge. The Rams are 4-1 S/U at home this season, and three of those games have been one-score victories.”
Pro Football Talks’ Mike Florio: Rams 30, Lions 27, and Chris Simms: Rams 38, Lions 35
“The Lions are on the ropes. Matthew Stafford hope to punch his former team through.”
All five NFL.com analysts polled picked the Rams to win. Ali Bhanpur: Rams 33, Lions 30
“What gives me pause about the Lions, then, is how their defensive tendencies match up with the Rams’ hyper-efficient offense. No team has run man coverage at a higher rate this year than Detroit, and no QB has a better TD-to-INT ratio against man looks than Matthew Stafford (21-1). Unless the Lions’ pass rush can consistently win up front, their aggressiveness on the perimeter (despite multiple injuries in their secondary) could come back to bite them. Just as a second straight pick against the Lions could come back to bite me. With this win, L.A. becomes the first NFC team to clinch a playoff berth this season.”
The USA Today sports staff was a bit more confident in the Lions than seemingly the entire world, with two picking Detroit to win, but four going with Dallas.
“The scoreboard has a chance to light up this week in SoFi Stadium. Given Detroit has been able to not get blown out in some time, it at least stays close in a thriller.” — Jordan Mendonza, Lions win
“The Rams have been playing tremendous football, and Matthew Stafford is firmly in the MVP race. The Lions are immensely talented, but their defense is an issue, and L.A.‘s outfit has been solid on third downs and in the red zone.” — Lorenzo Reyes, Rams win
Finally, the 11 experts who were polled at ESPN were nearly split, but six took the Rams.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- In case you missed it, Aidan Hutchinson was mic’d up against the Cowboys.
- A reminder — known to many as World of Isaac, Andy will be honored with the Courage Award at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 induction ceremony on Friday, Dec. 19, and anyone can attend.
- The NFL announced the time between first-round picks in the NFL Draft is being shortened.
- Pro Bowl voting is still underway, make sure to repost this to cast yours.
- The Lions will be wearing these cute lil candy cane patches when they take on the Packers on Christmas Day.
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