By Moses Joshua 
Playoff stakes, recent history, and a cross-country test collide as Detroit faces Los Angeles in a defining December matchup
What a way to open a crucial four-game stretch for the Detroit Lions. With the regular season racing toward its finish and the margin for error nearly gone, Detroit heads west for a high-stakes Week 15 clash against the Los Angeles Rams. The implications are clear on both sides: a Rams victory can lock up a playoff berth, while a Lions upset would dramatically elevate Detroit’s postseason chances.
There’s also history simmering beneath the surface. Detroit derailed Los Angeles’ Super Bowl aspirations in 2023 and handed the Rams a loss to open the 2024 campaign. Sunday presents an opportunity for payback — and a potential turning point for both franchises.
Campbell Embraces the Moment
Lions head coach Dan Campbell understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead, particularly with the game taking place in Los Angeles. Still, the moment is one he welcomes.
“Good coaching, productive team. This’ll be a big challenge, on the road at their place, but once again looking forward to this,” Campbell said. “This is why you’re in it.”
That mentality reflects where Detroit finds itself: not just chasing wins, but chasing relevance in a crowded NFC playoff picture.
Expert Picks Lean Heavily Toward Los Angeles
Despite the stakes favoring drama, the majority of expert predictions point toward the Rams defending home turf. Of the staff picks compiled this week, Los Angeles earned the clear edge, with many forecasting a high-scoring affair.
Several analysts cited the Rams’ offensive rhythm and experience in tight December games as key factors, while others leaned on Detroit’s inconsistency away from home.
Still, not everyone is counting the Lions out.
A Minority Believes in a Detroit Upset
A smaller but notable group sees a path for Detroit to pull off the surprise. Close-score predictions suggest confidence in the Lions’ ability to control tempo and capitalize on key moments.
Here’s the full slate of expert picks for Week 15:
- Jerry Mallory (5-2): Lions 27–24
- Brandon Knapp (8-5): Rams 38–31
- Ryan Mathews (8-5): Rams 35–24
- Alex Reno (8-5): Rams 31–20
- Ty Schalter (8-5): Rams 33–30
- Erik Schlitt (8-5): Lions 28–27
- Zac Snyder (8-5): Rams 27–23
- John Whiticar (8-5): Rams 30–20
- Morgan Cannon (7-6): Rams 34–30
- Meko Scott (7-6): Rams 31–27
- Kellie Rowe (6-6): Rams 34–30
- Al Karsten (6-7): Lions 28–27
- Jeremy Reisman (6-7): Rams 34–21
- Max Gerber (5-7): Rams 31–28
Everything on the Line in Week 15
The consensus may favor Los Angeles, but December football has a way of rewriting expectations. For the Rams, Sunday represents a chance to clinch and move forward with certainty. For the Lions, it’s an opportunity to shift the narrative and ignite a late-season surge.
Either way, with playoff positioning, recent history, and pride all in play, this Week 15 showdown promises to deliver exactly what the NFL does best — pressure-packed football when it matters most.