The Detroit Lions know what it takes to compete with the best in the loaded NFC after a 41-34 loss to the conference-leading Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions head West to face Goff’s former team in a critical matchup with the Los Angeles Rams that has postseason implications on both sides.

Well, at least according to a number of NFL fans, who have crowned Matthew Stafford the definitive frontrunner after he threw for 368 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a crucial 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions that kept the Rams No. 1 in the NFC.

The Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, face the Los Angeles Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

The Detroit Lions fell to 8-6 with a 41-34 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Here are grades for each position group based on performance in the Lions' Week 15 matchup against the Rams.

Backing Detroit is the way to go, according to the model. The Lions cover the 6-point spread in 58% of simulations, good for an "A" grade. Detroit wins in 46% of simulations to offer value as a plus-money underdog and the Under (55) hits in 59% of simulations.

In the Detroit Lions’ 34-27 overtime victory against the New York Giants on Nov. 23, wide receiver Jameson Williams did not catch a pass. In the Lions’ next game, he had a career-high seven receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown on Nov.

The Lions’ star had 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half alone. St. Brown was involved from the beginning, and was able to get the first points of the game one play after an Aidan Hutchinson interception flipped the momentum.