Game: Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams

Date: December 14th at 4:25 PM ET

Where to Watch: FOX

America’s game of the week in Week 15 carries major playoff implications in a heated NFC matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit is currently on the outside looking in, while Los Angeles sits atop its division with the Seahawks right behind them. The Lions enter this game at 8-5 overall and find themselves in yet another matchup that feels like a must-win. They’ve been terrific on offense, ranking 3rd in yards per game (378.7) and 1st in points per game (30.3). Defensively, things haven’t gone quite as well, sitting 15th in yards allowed per game (323.9) and 18th in points allowed per game (23.4). 

The Rams, meanwhile, are 10-3 after last week’s bounce-back win over the Cardinals. Offensively, they’re 4th in both yards and points per game (373.2 yards, 29.2 points). Defensively, they rank 13th in yards allowed (315), but an impressive 3rd in points allowed (17.5). This one is shaping up to be an electric offensive showdown, with both teams boasting high-powered units ready to pull out all the stops.

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Weather

It’ll be a nice day in Inglewood, California with temperatures in the high 60s, and minimal wind averaging 5 mph with gusts up to 9 mph. Obviously with the stadium design, precipitation would be a non factor.

Betting Overview

Preseason lines actually had the Detroit Lions as 1.5 point favorites, but with how things have played out, the Rams are favored at -5.5. With that being the case, the moneyline obviously took a big turn as well with Detroit currently at +220 (from -118), while Los Angeles is at -235 (from -102). The total has taken a pretty big jump from 48.5 to 54.5 or 55.5 depending on the book.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: It’s no surprise both of these teams’ offenses are where they are this season. Both head coaches are some of the brightest offensive minds in the sport. While Dan Campbell has a lot of experience himself, Sean McVay has more head coaching experience, and has slightly more continuity with the rest of the staff.

DLs vs. OLs: Both teams are strong up front on both sides of the ball, so it will be interesting to see which team gets more push in this one. Detroit is certainly better in run blocks, while Los Angeles is probably the best pass blocking team in the league. With the Rams having the slightly better defensive line, the trenches battle leans toward Los Angeles.

QBs: We’re gearing up for a phenomenal QB battle as well, with both of these guys putting up stats with the best in the league. Matt Stafford has been marginally better, though it hasn’t been by much, though there is a wide margin in the pass touchdowns department.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: The Lions have certainly been reeling from the Sam Laporta injury, though the Rams don’t have a great tight end presence at the moment either. In the other departments though, Detroit has the clear edge, with Jahmyr Gibbs having an incredible season, and having strong linebacker play.

WRs vs. Secondaries: Both teams are banged up in this department, with the Lions dealing with a lot more injuries. It’s hard to judge which receiver room is better, as both have been great, but with the Lions having more injuries to the secondary, I’d have to lean in favor of the Rams here.

Betting Trends

Detroit is a 7-6 ATS team, with a 3-3 record on the road, a 1-3 record as a road underdog, and a 4-5 record in the conference. Over’s have been more favorable hitting in 8 of 13 games, splitting 3 apiece on the road, with the under being more favorable hitting in 3 of 4 as road underdogs. In games vs NFC opponents the over has hit in 6 of 9 games.

Los Angeles is now a 9-4 ATS team, with a 4-2 record at home (all as favorites), and a 4-4 record in the conference. Totals for Rams games have actually favored the under hitting in 7 of 13, with 5 of 6 at home. In conference however, the over has hit in 5 of 8.

Final Thoughts

This is a really challenging game to pick, as it feels like it’s a much more important game for the Detroit Lions to win, though the Rams would like to inch closer to home field advantage. Though the Lions may have more on the line here if they lose, I think they’re too banged up in this one, so I think the Rams will win and cover, and the over will result.