“What gives me pause about the Lions, then, is how their defensive tendencies match up with the Rams’ hyper-efficient offense. No team has run man coverage at a higher rate this year than Detroit, and no QB has a better TD-to-INT ratio against man looks than Matthew Stafford (21-1). Unless the Lions’ pass rush can consistently win up front, their aggressiveness on the perimeter (despite multiple injuries in their secondary) could come back to bite them. Just as a second straight pick against the Lions could come back to bite me. With this win, L.A. becomes the first NFC team to clinch a playoff berth this season.”
