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Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are playing the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and the stakes just got even higher.
The Detroit Lions will take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 14, and the stakes for this game were already high, but now, they’re even higher. Now, the motivation for the Lions to win goes beyond even keeping their playoffs alive, because now, the Lions are playing for pride.
The Detroit Lions are coming off a 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 4, which improved their record to 8-5. It was a must-win for the team, and it improved the Lions’ chances of getting to the postseason to 52%, according to NFL research. Without that win, it would be have very improbably for the Lions to keep their playoffs alive.
The win also moved the Lions closer to the Chicago Bears in the NFC North standings. Even though Detroit is still No. 3, they’re only a game behind the Bears. The Green Bay Packers‘ strength went up after their win over the Bears.
So, what makes the stakes higher for the upcoming Lions and Rams game? It’s about respect.
Detroit Lions Are Underdogs Again
For years, even decades, the Detroit Lions were underdogs for the majority of their games. But, thankfully, the team has been so strong the past few years that they’ve often the favorites to win.
Not this time. The Lions are are significant underdogs going into the Rams, with Los Angeles favored by 5.5 points. The Rams have been on fire all season and have a 10-3 record going into the game, putting them No. 1 in the NFC West.
The Lions are dealing with new injuries, too, such as Brian Branch’s season-ending Achilles tear, and it’s an away game. So, there are reasons for the Lions to be underdogs, but if they win, they’ll earn not only that easier road to the playoffs but also more respect.
Fox Sports Analyst Thinks the Detroit Lions Have It
Will Hill at Fox Sports thinks the Lions will take it. In a story out on Tuesday, December 9, he points to the Rams’ easy schedule up until now as a reason they might fall.
“The Rams now face the Lions, who lead the NFL in yards per play and points, averaging over 30 per game,” he said in the piece. “The Rams are the rightful favorite to win it all come February, but a skeptic can make the case they’ve feasted on a soft schedule that includes the Saints, Titans and the Ravens without Lamar Jackson, and haven’t been tested by elite offenses. That will change Sunday against the high-powered Lions, who will come in off extra rest, having not played since Thursday.”
He added, “I expect Lions’ coach Dan Campbell and his team to embrace the underdog role, be ultra-aggressive on fourth down, and go toe-to-toe with the first-place Rams.”
Hill also points out that while “the Rams look like the best team in the NFL,” they’re “certainly not unbeatable,” pointing to their recent loss to the Panthers, where they gave up 31 points.
So, yes, the Lions are underdogs, but it’s not over yet. Besides, Detroit is used to being the underdog. It’s Detroit vs. Everybody.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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