Sunday’s edition of America’s Game of the Week puts the spotlight back on a trade that refuses to fade from NFL conversation: Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff. As the Los Angeles Rams face the Detroit Lions, the quarterback swap once again takes center stage — and it likely will until Stafford’s career ends.
While Detroit undeniably maximized its draft capital from the deal, the most important position in football has ultimately tilted the trade in Los Angeles’ favor. Stafford’s presence has elevated the Rams in ways Goff has yet to replicate for the Lions, particularly in January football.
Since arriving in LA, Stafford has transformed opportunity into tangible results: three postseason appearances, a Super Bowl championship, and now a realistic shot at league MVP. Goff, meanwhile, has guided Detroit to the playoffs twice, but his shortcomings under playoff pressure have been difficult to ignore.
Let’s break down the matchup as kickoff approaches.
Quarterbacks
History will likely judge the Stafford-Goff trade as beneficial for both franchises — but decisive in favor of the Rams. Los Angeles cashed in immediately with a Super Bowl title in 2021 and now finds itself positioned for another deep run. Detroit, for all its progress, is still chasing its first Super Bowl appearance.
Stafford is playing at an elite level and has distinguished himself from the rest of the league this season. Goff has grown since leaving LA, but his effectiveness remains highly dependent on strong protection and a dominant ground game. When pressure arrives — as seen against Philadelphia — his performance tends to unravel. The Rams will surely attempt to replicate that blueprint.
Running Backs
Los Angeles’ rushing attack erupted last week, as Kyren Williams and Blake Corum spearheaded a dominant performance that surpassed 250 yards on the ground. Much of the damage came untouched, a testament to both vision and offensive line play. With fresh legs and McVay’s renewed commitment to the run, the Rams’ offense is peaking at the right time.
Detroit counters with Jahmyr Gibbs, arguably the most dynamic running back in football. His burst and change of direction are unmatched, and his receiving ability creates matchup nightmares. The Rams face a difficult choice: deploy defensive backs to cover him and risk lighter boxes, or stick with linebackers and accept the mismatch.
Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua delivered a historic performance last week, earning the highest PFF grade ever recorded for a wide receiver. Davante Adams continues to develop chemistry with Stafford, even if touchdowns haven’t followed every week. Sean McVay also confirmed that Tutu Atwell will return from IR, and while his snap count may be limited, his speed adds another wrinkle.
Detroit’s receiver group is formidable. Amon-Ra St. Brown remains the engine, supported by Jameson Williams’ speed and Isaac Teslaa’s size. Coverage assignments will be tricky for the Rams’ secondary, particularly in the slot, where St. Brown thrives. Whoever draws that responsibility will face a tough afternoon.
Tight Ends
For the Rams, Parkinson has quietly become a reliable contributor, ranking among the top tight ends per PFF. While red-zone usage inflates some of his numbers, his efficiency when targeted is undeniable.
Detroit’s tight end production has fallen off since Sam LaPorta’s season-ending injury. Brock Wright and Anthony Firkser are now used primarily as blockers rather than receiving threats.
Offensive Lines
Los Angeles’ offensive front has been outstanding, and Warren McClendon has been a notable improvement while filling in for the injured Rob Havenstein. This week, however, he faces his biggest test yet in Aidan Hutchinson.
Detroit’s line remains strong overall, anchored by Penei Sewell, whose run blocking has been elite. Pass protection could be challenged by the Rams’ edge rushers, and interior linemen Trystan Colon and Graham Glasgow remain potential pressure points.
Defensive Line
Poona Ford has anchored the Rams’ interior defense at a high level, ranking among the league’s top interior linemen. Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske have also found their rhythm, consistently collapsing pockets after slow starts. Tyler Davis may see extended usage to combat Detroit’s run game.
The Lions rely on size inside with Alim McNeil and DJ Reader, who focus more on clogging lanes than generating pressure, allowing Hutchinson to be the primary disruptor.
Edge Rushers
This matchup features elite talent off the edge. Jared Verse and Byron Young have been dominant for LA, while Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad lead Detroit’s charge. The production on both sides is remarkably even, setting up a trench battle that could decide the game.
Linebackers
The Rams’ linebackers continue to make timely plays, and while last week’s turnover came via interception rather than a forced fumble, Nate Landman remains a constant threat to punch the ball loose.
Detroit boasts depth at linebacker, with Jack Campbell leading the unit. The Rams will need to vary personnel and formations to prevent the Lions’ linebackers from dictating the middle of the field.
Secondary
Los Angeles will feel the absence of Quentin Lake, who likely would have drawn coverage duties on Amon-Ra St. Brown. Now, the task falls to Cobie Durant or Josh Wallace — a challenging assignment regardless. Limiting explosive plays will be key.
Detroit’s secondary is dealing with injuries of its own, including the loss of Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold. The remaining group has struggled with penalties, ranking among the league’s most flagged defensive backfields. Expect physical coverage — and possibly yellow flags.
Special Teams
Harrison Mevis has stabilized the kicking situation for LA, while punter Ethan Evans has been largely idle thanks to offensive efficiency.
Detroit’s Jake Bates has been reliable, missing just once from inside 49 yards.
Coaching
Sean McVay has embraced a more aggressive mindset this season, frequently opting to go for it on fourth down — a strategy that could be pivotal against Detroit.
Dan Campbell remains bold, but without former coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit’s offensive creativity has dipped. Expect Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula to apply pressure similar to what rattled Goff earlier this season
Final Thoughts
This game is about more than just standings — it’s about legacy. Can Stafford once again outperform his former team on a big stage? Or will Goff finally silence critics with a defining moment?
What do you expect from this latest chapter in the Rams–Lions rivalry?
