When the Detroit Lions take the field in Los Angeles on Sunday, their fate may rest in the hands of their two most explosive stars — one capable of changing the game in a blink, the other capable of wrecking it snap by snap.
The Detroit Lions are stepping into what could be the biggest game of their season Sunday, traveling west to face the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup loaded with playoff implications and familiar faces.
Detroit has won the previous two meetings between the teams, but both came at Ford Field. This time, the Lions must handle a road environment against a Rams team that has been far more comfortable at home and remains dangerous behind veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. If Detroit is going to come away with a win, it will need elite performances on both sides of the ball.
For the Lions, that means an MVP-level showing from their most explosive offensive weapon and their most disruptive defender.
Offensive MVP: Jahmyr Gibbs
There are several candidates who could emerge as Detroit’s offensive MVP in this matchup, but no Lion is playing better football right now than running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Coming off a three-touchdown performance, Gibbs has been the engine of Detroit’s offense and its most dynamic playmaker. His ability to score from anywhere on the field, whether between the tackles, on the edge or split out as a receiver, makes him a nightmare matchup for any defense.
Gibbs continues to carve out a historic start to his career. He is the seventh player in NFL history to rush for at least 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons. Even more impressive, Gibbs is the first player since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to post the following numbers over any three-game span: 400 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 180 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Through three professional seasons, Gibbs has already placed himself among elite company. The only players in NFL history to total at least 4,500 scrimmage yards and 45 touchdowns over their first three seasons are Gibbs, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell.
Against a Rams defense that has struggled at times to contain versatile backs, Gibbs’ role becomes even more critical. Detroit’s offense is at its best when it establishes tempo early, and Gibbs gives the Lions the ability to strike quickly while also controlling possession. If Detroit is going to keep Stafford on the sideline, Gibbs must once again be a focal point.
Defensive MVP: Aidan Hutchinson
On the other side of the ball, the spotlight shifts to defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
It has been two weeks since Hutchinson recorded his last sack, but the lack of sacks does not reflect his overall impact. Hutchinson continues to lead the league in pressures and remains one of the most disruptive defensive players in football.
Hutchinson currently sits 12th in the NFL with 8.5 sacks and figures to see plenty of one-on-one opportunities against a Rams offensive line that has allowed pressure in key moments. Against a quarterback as experienced as Stafford, pressure alone isn’t enough. Hutchinson must finish plays and force turnovers. He has also recorded at least one quarterback hit in 20 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league.
Detroit’s defense has thrived when it disrupts timing and creates short fields, and Hutchinson is the catalyst for that chaos.
Keys to the game
The formula for beating the Rams has been clear. In all three of Los Angeles’ losses, the opposing team forced multiple turnovers — whether through interceptions, fumbles, blocked kicks or turnovers on downs.
Detroit must also be aggressive on fourth down. The three teams that have beaten the Rams combined to go 10-for-11 on fourth-down attempts, extending drives and keeping Stafford off the field.
If the Lions can score early, win the turnover battle and convert in high-leverage situations, they have the personnel to leave Los Angeles with a statement victory.
Prediction
Lions 31, Rams 27.
If Gibbs delivers another explosive performance and Hutchinson gets home when it matters most, Detroit will pass one of its toughest tests of the season.