Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Sunday’s game between the Lions and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (4:25 p.m., FOX/97.1 FM).

▶ Nolan Bianchi: Each game these two teams play, the trade that made them both perennial NFC contenders gets farther in the rearview mirror. This Sunday’s game is about two good teams vying for their own playoff positioning. The Rams’ defensive front figures to give the Lions‘ offensive line – which has had a tough time handling pass rushes that get home with four players – some serious problems. But the Rams’ pass protection is arguably the weakest link of their entire team, and I think the Lions can do some severe damage there after a stabilizing performance against Dallas. Ultimately, the blueprint for this one is the exact same as it was against the Cowboys: Score a ton of points, cut the pass rush loose, and try to force some negative plays that end or derail drives. With their backs still somewhat against the wall, I think the Lions show up in a big way. Pick: Lions, 34-31

▶ Richard Silva: The Rams are an absolute juggernaut. They run the ball efficiently, are the NFL’s most explosive passing offense and are devastatingly good on defense, especially in the red zone. Puka Nacua couples elite ability after the catch with impressive contested-catch prowess, and Davante Adams is a machine in a phone booth, getting open with slants and fades for 12 touchdowns in the red zone. L.A.’s defensive front is deep, with Jared Verse (53 pressures), Byron Young (42), Kobie Turner (36) and Braden Fiske (32) wreaking constant havoc. A loss doesn’t end Detroit’s season, but it does shrink the margin of error to virtually zero. Pick: Rams, 35-28

▶ John Niyo: Maybe the one thing going for the Lions in this stretch run is the rest advantage they’ll have. It starts this week in Los Angeles, though the flight to the West Coast negates some of the mini-bye week they enjoyed. And they’ll have it again against Chicago in Week 18, when the Bears are coming off a Sunday night game in San Francisco. Even if that doesn’t play a big factor here, the Lions are the kind of team that can give L.A. problems. The Rams’ losses this season — to the Eagles, 49ers and Panthers — all came against teams that can grind it out on the ground. And even though this Lions team doesn’t do it as well as the past couple did, the run game can help take some pressure off Detroit’s defense, and particularly a depleted secondary that’ll be without both starting safeties now. Logic says Matthew Stafford and his receivers have a big day Sunday, but Jared Goff and the offense still can keep pace. Pick: Rams, 31-28

▶ Bob Wojnowski: Enormous challenge for the Lions, with enormous stakes. The 10-3 Rams might be the best team in the league, and the 8-5 Lions sit outside the playoff picture. The Rams aren’t just about Matthew Stafford, although he’s having an MVP-caliber season, leading the NFL in touchdown passes (35). And don’t overlook this motivating factor: Stafford has lost to his former team the past two years. Jared Goff is more than capable of engaging in a shootout, and the Lions lead the league in scoring. But the Rams’ defense is menacing, ranked in the top 10 in QB pressures and sacks. The Lions’ defense suffered another blow with the loss of safety Brian Branch, and against Stafford’s fearsome twosome of Puca Nakua and Davante Adams, the secondary will be under fire. The Lions’ best hope is that Jahmyr Gibbs gets loose running and receiving, Jameson Williams gets deep, and Stafford doesn’t have the ball last. It’ll be entertaining, but the Rams have too much on both sides of the ball. Pick: Rams, 38-30

Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.