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Rams at Lions: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Rams defeat the Detroit Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Rams defeat the Detroit Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions will host the Los Angeles Rams in NFL Week 6 action.

In one of the sneaky interesting matchups of the NFL Week 6 slate, the Detroit Lions will play host to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon. The Lions sit at 2-3 on the season, but they are coming off of an impressive 24-23 victory over the then undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams come into this game at 3-2.

Neither of these teams are expected to be major NFC contenders, but both teams are capable of putting up a strong performance at any time.

Detroit’s defense is a bit of a mess, but their offensive unit can be as good as any when they are rolling. Matthew Stafford is as inconsistent as they come, but when he is on, Stafford is nearly impossible to stop.

Led by Aaron Donald and company on the d-line, the Rams have a strong defense that can step up and stop anybody. That being said, they are a bit of an inconsistent unit themselves. The Lions’ offensive line will undoubtedly have their hands full, but this Rams’ defense is not unbeatable.

Expect the Lions’ offense to be able to move the ball well through the air, as long as Stafford plays at a high level.

The Rams’ defense will likely be without number one cornerback Trumaine Johnson in this game, as he is recovering from an ankle injury. Johnson is an elite-level cornerback whose loss will loom large for the Rams.

In Johnson’s absence, Troy Hill will step up and start at cornerback, while E.J. Gaines becomes their number one option at the position. Gaines is a solid player, but he is not much of a match against Lions’ number one receiver Marvin Jones. Expect Jones to be a major part of the Lions’ offensive attack with Johnson out.

The Detroit defense has suffered significant injuries of their own. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and linebacker DeAndre Levy will likely continue to miss time this week. The Lions’ defense has struggled without their top two defenders, but they are not exactly facing the Greatest Show on Turf here.

Todd Gurley is obviously a threat at running back, but the Rams’ offensive line has not been able to open up holes for the talented back. Is this the week that Gurley breaks out in a big way? It is certainly possible. One thing we do know for sure — Case Keenum is not going to be a significant difference maker.

The Lions will likely sell out to stop Gurley and the Rams’ rushing attack on Sunday, just like every team does against the Rams.

Odds

Line: DET -2.5

Over/Under: 43.5

Vegas has Detroit as the favorites in this game in a relatively low scoring affair. The matchups seem to set up well for Detroit in this game. With the Lions being the home team, this line feels about right to me.

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Prediction

I think the Lions’ offense will be able to move the ball well in this game. That being said, will Stafford make big mistakes like he is sometimes prone to do? His play on Sunday will have a lot to do with the outcome of this game.

While the Lions will undoubtedly key on him, I think Gurley could be in for a huge game here. He is due to breakout, and this Lions’ defense can be gashed against the run. I see this as a close game that will come down to a couple of late plays. I will take the Lions.

Pick: Detroit Lions 24, Los Angeles Rams 20

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