The Los Angeles Rams head into Week 15 as the only team in the NFC with a chance to secure a playoff position. A win at Sofi Stadium this Sunday against the Detroit Lions, led by Jared Goff, would send Los Angeles to the postseason for the third consecutive year. The Rams understand that the stakes are high and are treating the upcoming game with the utmost seriousness. Head Coach Sean McVay emphasized a focus on day-to-day preparation, stating, “We try to do everything in terms of being totally present. Our focus and concentration are doing everything that we can to try to be able to win this game.”
For the Rams to clinch their playoff spot this week, they must excel in all facets of the game. The Lions are coming off a decisive 44-30 victory against the Dallas Cowboys and are just one game behind the No. 7 seed San Francisco 49ers, with only four weeks left in the regular season. Detroit boasts the league”s top scoring offense, having scored 34 or more points in seven of their eight wins this year. Third-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs has continued to impress, accumulating over 1,500 total yards and 16 touchdowns in just 13 games this season, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.
McVay recognizes Gibbs” impact on games, saying, “I see as an explosive a player as there is in this league. Every single time he touches it, you”re like, “Oh my gosh, he might score.”” Despite their prolific scoring, Detroit”s offense has faced challenges. Following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9, Head Coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties from Offensive Coordinator John Morton. Since then, the Lions have scored 44 points in two games but also experienced their worst offensive performance of the season in a 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Even with coaching changes, McVay appreciates the Lions” offensive capabilities. “Still an unbelievable offense,” he remarked. “There”s a certain style of play that really comes to life when they”re at their best. It”s a real credit to their players and coaches.” He also praised his former quarterback, Jared Goff, for his ability to manage the offense effectively from the pocket. “You can see they give him a lot of things at the line of scrimmage like Mike point IDs, calling multiple plays and getting in and out of the right looks whether that be in the run game or in the pass game, unbelievable accuracy and anticipation,” McVay noted.
The Rams” third-ranked scoring defense will face a significant challenge in containing Goff, Gibbs, and the rest of the Lions” offense, while Detroit will need to find a way to neutralize MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford. The 37-year-old quarterback has been nearly unstoppable this season, completing 66.7% of his passes and throwing for 3,354 yards along with a league-leading 35 touchdowns. These statistics put him in contention for his first MVP award in his 17th season. Stafford expressed his gratitude for being part of the MVP conversation, stating, “Just to be in the conversation is something that”s humbling to me.”
Facing his former team, with whom he spent the first 12 years of his career, Stafford recognizes the challenge ahead. “It”s a really good, complete football team,” he said. “It”ll be another challenge for us.” However, the Lions will be missing star defensive back Brian Branch, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against Dallas. Stafford acknowledged Branch”s significance, saying, “He”s a huge difference maker for them on the back end with his ability to cover receivers, cover tight ends, make plays in the run game and he”s great in zone coverage. I know that”ll be something they”ll have to adjust to and figure out.”
A key factor in Stafford”s success this season has been wide receiver Devante Adams, who joined the Rams on a two-year, $46 million contract in March 2025. The two-time First-Team All-Pro receiver has lived up to expectations, leading the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns, five more than the next closest players. Adams shared his satisfaction with his time in Los Angeles, saying, “It”s honestly been exactly what I hoped it”d be. I was just another piece to the puzzle and it”s been fun being a part of a fun operation.”
This matchup promises to deliver a playoff atmosphere, with both teams eager to make their mark as the postseason approaches.
