By Sunday 
For a team that has spent the last few weeks fighting through injuries, close calls, and a rollercoaster of defensive performances, the Detroit Lions suddenly have the entire NFC asking the same question: Do they actually have a real shot against the Los Angeles Rams?
If you watched the rebound against the Cowboys, you might think, absolutely. But if you’ve looked at the injury report long enough to feel your blood pressure rise, well… you’re not alone.
Let’s break down what’s real, what’s hopeful, and what still feels like pure wishcasting.
The Brian Branch Blow: A Wound at the Worst Possible Time
Before we even talk Rams, we need to talk about the hit Detroit just took.
Brian Branch being lost for the season is the type of blow that shakes a defense at its core. Christian Booher called it “a brutal one for Detroit’s defense” and stressed that Branch “will not be easily replaced.”
He’s right — Branch is one of the few defenders in the league who can be anywhere at any time, and losing that kind of versatility changes how Detroit plays every snap.
Vito Chirco didn’t sugarcoat it either: “a catastrophic blow.”
Put simply: the secondary was already duct-taped together. Now it’s duct-taped and missing a piece.
The Dallas Game Reminder: Oh Yeah, This Team Can Ball
But here’s the plot twist — despite all that, Detroit walked into Thursday night and played one of their cleanest, most complete games of the season.
Booher saw a “renewed spark.”
The offense flowed. Goff looked crisp. And the pass-rush? Suddenly breathing fire.
Al-Quadin Muhammad stepping up wasn’t just a highlight — it was a message: this team still has juice.
Chirco put it simply: “the Lions’ star players performed like stars.”
Gibbs, Montgomery, St. Brown, Jameson — they all showed up. Five sacks. Three takeaways. Jack Campbell going off for 12 tackles like a man possessed.
When Detroit clicks like this, they look like a top NFC team. No exaggeration.
So… Do the Lions Actually Have a Shot Against the Rams?
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Yes — but only if the right version of Detroit shows up.
Christian Booher didn’t hesitate: “The Lions absolutely have a chance against the Rams.”
He even called LA “the favorites in the NFC,” so the respect is real.
The key?
Detroit must hit Matthew Stafford. Repeatedly. Consistently. Aggressively.
This is a man-coverage defense with a banged-up secondary. If the pass-rush doesn’t eat, Stafford will cook.
Chirco leaned on recent proof: if the Panthers — yes, those Panthers — can put up 31 on the Rams and steal a win, Detroit absolutely has the firepower to do the same.
And he’s right. The Lions can score on anyone when the offense is humming.
The Playoff Angle: Every Game Matters Now
This isn’t just another matchup. This might be the season.
Booher believes Detroit needs to go 3-1 over the last four to secure a playoff berth. With the Rams, Steelers, Vikings, and Bears on deck, nothing is guaranteed.
Chirco is a bit more skeptical, predicting 10–7 and missing the postseason.
Translation?
The Rams game is not just big — it might be defining.
The Kerby Joseph Question: Concern Meter at 10/10
As if losing Branch wasn’t enough, Kerby Joseph’s knee situation is officially in the danger zone.
Booher called the lingering injury “scary,” especially for a First Team All-Pro.
Chirco also admitted “significant…uncertainty” about how it will impact Joseph long-term.
Detroit’s secondary without Joseph and Branch?
Let’s just say Stafford isn’t the quarterback you want testing that.
Final Verdict: Contender Energy With a Side of Fragile Hope
The Lions can beat the Rams.
They have the offense. They have the coaching. They have the momentum of a statement win over Dallas.
But they’re also walking into this matchup held together by grit, tape, and the hope that the pass-rush shows up like it did last week.
If Detroit starts fast and makes Stafford uncomfortable, this becomes very real, very quickly.
If not?
It may look more like wishful thinking.