The Detroit Lions have enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in franchise history under Dan Campbell — reaching the NFC Championship Game in the 2023–24 season and earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed the following year. Still, the franchise has never made a Super Bowl appearance, leaving fans wondering if their moment will ever come.
Meanwhile, former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford already reached the mountaintop with the Los Angeles Rams, winning a Super Bowl during the 2021–22 season. His immediate success after leaving Detroit stung for some Lions fans, while others were genuinely happy for him.
After that championship run, the Rams struggled to get close to another Super Bowl — until now. With Stafford healthy and the roster finding its rhythm, Los Angeles is emerging as a legitimate contender once again.
Rams Rise to No. 1 in Major Power Rankings
The Rams sit atop multiple Week 12 NFL power rankings following their win over the Seattle Seahawks on November 16. Several analysts believe Stafford could be poised for another deep postseason run.
ESPN ranks the Rams No. 1 across both the NFC and AFC but notes potential concerns on special teams.
ESPN’s Sarah Barshop writes:
“After early-season protection issues on field goals and missed kicks led to a change at kicker and long-snapper before Week 10, it was clear special teams was a weakness for the Rams… Since the switch… the Rams have not attempted a field goal.”
She adds that if the issues return, head coach Sean McVay could be forced to make a change at special teams coordinator after the season.
Other outlets agree with ESPN’s high placement.
Eric Edholm of NFL.com says the Rams took a major step toward winning the NFC West and remain close behind the Eagles in the race for the conference’s top seed. Danielle Flowers of Alternative Fix adds that the Rams “might just be the real deal.”
Where the Detroit Lions Stand
While the Rams climbed, the Lions slipped from No. 6 to No. 8 in ESPN’s Week 12 power rankings after their 16–9 loss to the Eagles.
According to ESPN, offensive coordinator John Morton is the person under the most pressure:
“Morton was stripped of his play-calling duties after a Week 9 loss to the Vikings… and he might have to fight to secure a long-term role with the Lions,”
writes ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.
With the offense no longer performing at its 2024 level under former coordinator (and current Bears head coach) Ben Johnson, Detroit faces major questions heading into the final stretch of the season.
Could a Lions–Rams Playoff Clash Be Coming?
Detroit still controls its own postseason destiny, but improvement is needed. If both teams continue on their current paths, a Lions-Rams matchup with Stafford on the opposite sideline isn’t just possible — it may be inevitable.
