Lions vs. Rams Preview: A Must-Win Test With No Margin for Error
I don’t expect the Detroit Lions to win this game — but they absolutely need it.
On Sunday, December 14 at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, the Lions head west to face the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup that carries real postseason weight for Detroit. At 8–5, the Lions are still alive in the NFC picture, but the margin for error has disappeared. Games like this are no longer about style points or moral victories — they’re about execution and results.
Goff vs. Stafford: The Results Since the Trade
This will be the fourth meeting between the Lions and Rams since the January 2021 trade that sent Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles and Jared Goff to Detroit.
Since that deal, Detroit holds a 2–1 head-to-head advantage, including a postseason victory.
Head-to-Head Since the Trade
- Oct. 24, 2021: Rams 28, Lions 19 (Regular Season, LA)
- Jan. 14, 2024: Lions 24, Rams 23 (NFC Wild Card, Detroit)
- Sept. 8, 2024: Lions 26, Rams 20 (OT, Detroit)
Stafford’s Super Bowl run in his first season with the Rams is well documented. At the same time, Goff has helped lead Detroit to consecutive division titles and an NFC Championship Game appearance. The idea that this trade produced a clear winner has long since faded.
Across their three meetings:
- Stafford: 896 passing yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs
- Goff: 692 passing yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs
Quarterback Play: Stafford’s Peak vs. Goff’s Efficiency
Matthew Stafford has been outstanding this season, arguably putting together the most complete and efficient year of his career. He’s operating with elite weapons in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and the Rams’ backfield tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum presents a real challenge for a Lions defense that has been inconsistent at times.
This matchup places significant pressure on Detroit’s linebackers. If they aren’t decisive, disciplined, and effective in space, this game has the potential to get out of hand early. Stafford thrives when defenses hesitate, and Sean McVay is among the league’s best at forcing those moments.
Jared Goff, meanwhile, continues to deliver efficient, explosive production:
- NFL-leading 33 completions of 25+ yards
- 26 passing touchdowns (tied for second)
- 110.2 passer rating (third)
When protected, Goff has shown he can attack defenses vertically and sustain scoring drives — but that protection will be tested against a Rams front built to disrupt timing.
Stretching the Field Is Non-Negotiable
For Detroit, execution on offense starts with stretching the field. Jameson Williams’ speed must be respected vertically to keep the Rams from crowding the line of scrimmage, while Amon-Ra St. Brown needs to be involved early and often. St. Brown was a warrior against Dallas, battling through an ankle injury when many expected him to sit — and he looked strong throughout the game. The mini-bye, with nine days between games, should only help him regain more health and explosiveness.
When the Lions execute offensively and sustain drives, they keep Matthew Stafford on the sideline — and that matters. Fail to do so, and Stafford will carve up a defense that has already shown vulnerability. Statistically, Detroit and Los Angeles are similar in total yards allowed, ranking 19th and 20th respectively. That’s where the comparison ends. The Rams have surrendered just 227 points this season, while the Lions have allowed 304 — a significant gap that highlights how little margin for error Detroit has if drives stall or mistakes creep in.
Jahmyr Gibbs Is the Offensive Engine
Detroit’s offense continues to revolve around Jahmyr Gibbs.
Against Dallas last week at Ford Field, Gibbs delivered:
- 175 total yards
- Three touchdowns
- A 44–30 statement win
Those scores pushed Gibbs to 47 touchdowns in his first three seasons, tying Barry Sanders for the most by a player in franchise history over that span.
With Sam LaPorta on injured reserve, Gibbs has become the primary mismatch — runner, receiver, and safety valve. Against a Rams defense ranked 13th overall, Detroit’s ability to stay balanced depends heavily on Gibbs touching the ball early and often.
Defensive Outlook: Pressure Is Mandatory
The Lions’ defense showed signs of life last week:
- Five sacks
- Three takeaways
- Consistent disruption up front
Veteran edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad led the way with a three-sack performance. That level of pressure is mandatory again. If Stafford is allowed to operate comfortably, the Lions’ secondary will be stressed early and often.
Injury Report: Secondary Remains a Concern
The Lions enter the weekend with notable defensive questions.
Kerby Joseph (knee) appears unlikely to play. He has not practiced on consecutive days — a requirement consistently used for clearance — and his absence would be significant against a Rams passing attack built on timing and precision.
There is some positive movement elsewhere:
- Alex Anzalone returned to full practice after illness
- Kalif Raymond is trending toward availability
- Thomas Harper provides additional depth if cleared
Even so, Detroit will need clean communication and disciplined play on the back end.
Keys to the Game
For the Lions
- Protect Jared Goff against the Rams’ pass rush
- Stretch the field with Jameson Williams
- Feature Amon-Ra St. Brown early
- Ride Jahmyr Gibbs to control tempo
- Finish drives with touchdowns
For the Rams
- Exploit mismatches in Detroit’s injured secondary
- Maintain balance with Williams and Corum
- Disrupt Goff’s timing up front
- Win the turnover battle
- Stay disciplined and avoid drive-extending penalties
Final Word
Los Angeles is favored, and the Rams have earned that status with their consistency and execution this season.
Still, this game will define Detroit’s postseason outlook. If the Lions can protect Goff, stretch the field, ride Gibbs, and affect Stafford’s rhythm, they can stay competitive deep into the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Rams 34, Lions 31 — a tight game that comes down to execution late.
Do you have a prediction you’d like to share? Call your shot now— drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Lion’s Den — where fans break down every game, every angle.
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Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
