The Detroit Lions (8-5) and Los Angeles Rams (10-3) will square off in a Week 15 battle between two of the best in the NFC. With the NFL playoffs on the horizon, teams are fighting for positioning, and this game will likely have a significant impact on how things shake out in a crowded NFC.
With a dominating win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14, the Rams are back atop the NFC, currently holding on to the No. 1 seed in the conference. Meanwhile, the Lions are coming off a two-touchdown win over the Dallas Cowboys and currently find themselves slotted as the No. 8, just one spot out of the postseason dance, and only two games away from the Rams’ lead.
The folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook have set the initial betting line at Lions +4.5 points.
The Rams started the season 2-0, but went 1-2 over their next three games. One of the storylines of the Rams’ first six games was turnovers, as they lost six, while taking away seven on their way to a 3-2 record. L.A. would go on to record a six-game win streak, only conceding two turnovers during that span, while forcing 11. The Rams’ win streak would come ot an end in Carolina as the Panthers forced three turnovers (while giving up zero). On Sunday against the Cardinals, the Rams swung the turnover margin back in their favor (forcing one) and got back to their winning ways.
But the Rams’ season has been about more than just turnovers, as they currently have a top-five scoring offense AND defense. Matthew Stafford is having a MVP-like season, recording a league-leading 32 touchdowns with just four interceptions; the only quarterbacks in the NFL close to those numbers are Jared Goff (26 TDs:5 INT) and Drake Maye (23:6). Stafford’s favorite target, Puka Nacua, is one of just three receivers to break 1,000 receiving yards (with Amon-Ra St. Brown being the next closest with 976), while Davante Adams leads the NFL with 14 touchdowns receptions (St. Brown is next in line with nine). On defense, edge rusher Jared Verse is top 10 in pressures, while his counterpart, Byron Young, is among the top 10 in sacks (11).
The Rams should be the toughest test remaining on the Lions’ schedule, and will likely be the last game they’re not favored during the regular season.
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