When the Detroit Lions meet the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 14, the implications for Detroit stretch far beyond the playoff race. The game now carries a layer of pride and identity—something the team has fought to reclaim over the past few seasons.
Detroit heads into this matchup after a 44–30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on December 4, a win that pushed the Lions to 8–5. That result kept their postseason ambitions alive, raising their playoff probability to 52%, according to NFL research. Without that crucial performance, Detroit’s chances would have been on life support.
The win also tightened the NFC North standings. The Lions remain in third place, but they sit just one game behind the Chicago Bears, while the Green Bay Packers strengthened their position with a divisional win.
Why This Lions–Rams Game Carries Extra Weight
The added pressure comes down to one thing: respect.
Detroit has spent decades as the league’s punchline, going into most games as heavy underdogs. Their recent resurgence flipped that narrative—until now. Against the Rams, Detroit again finds itself in the familiar role of outsider, entering the game as 5.5-point underdogs.
Los Angeles is 10–3, dominating the NFC West, and playing some of the best football in the league. Meanwhile, the Lions have been hit with fresh injuries—including Brian Branch’s season-ending Achilles tear—and must take on the Rams in their stadium. The circumstances explain the odds, but they also offer Detroit a chance to reclaim respect if they can pull off the upset.
Fox Sports Analyst Believes Detroit Can Do It
Despite the betting lines, Will Hill of Fox Sports believes the Lions have a real shot.
In a piece published December 9, Hill argued that the Rams’ impressive record may be inflated by a relatively soft schedule.
He noted that the Rams “have been cruising against teams like the Saints, Titans, and a Ravens squad that didn’t have Lamar Jackson,” and that they have yet to face a high-powered offense comparable to Detroit’s. The Lions currently lead the NFL in yards per play and points, averaging more than 30 per game.
Hill expects Dan Campbell to lean into the underdog identity, attack fourth-down situations aggressively, and go blow-for-blow with the NFC West leaders. He also reminded readers that while the Rams may look like the NFL’s top team, they’re not invincible—evidenced by a recent loss to the Carolina Panthers, in which Los Angeles surrendered 31 points.
A Familiar Role for Detroit
The Lions may once again be counted out, but that hardly fazes a franchise built on embracing adversity. Detroit has lived in the underdog role for generations—and this Sunday, they’ll be ready for the fight.
It’s still Detroit vs. Everybody
