The NFC’s premier game will feature two NFL franchises looking to return to the postseason next month. The mid-afternoon kickoff features the Detroit Lions (8-5) heading west to take on the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) inside SoFi Stadium.
The Lions are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. Detroit is third in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, and both the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have better records than the Lions.
Los Angeles is currently tied with the Seahawks for the NFC West lead. The Rams returned to their winning ways last week, thrashing the Arizona Cardinals 45-17. Can L.A. start another winning streak by defeating Detroit on Sunday? We’ll cover that and provide bettors with our top three player props for this intriguing matchup.
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The storylines about Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford facing his “old” team aren’t as prevalent anymore. This year’s headlines are about how the 37-year-old quarterback is having one of the greatest passing seasons in NFL history.
Through 13 games, Stafford has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 3,354 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Already, his stats are among his career best totals, and he has four more contests to add to his lines.
Stafford will certainly add to his passing totals on Sunday. The Lions may score in bunches, but opponents do the same against the NFC North squad. Opposing passing attacks have been extremely successful, which is why Stafford will cover his prop bet total in this game.
Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs achieved his second 1,000-yard season two weeks ago, topping that mark against the Packers. He’s fifth in the NFL with 1,062 rushing on 187 carries, and he’s scored 13 times on the ground in 2025.
Opponents with strong running games can have success against the Rams. Los Angeles is yielding nearly 80 yards per game to running backs. After Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard notched 83 yards two weeks ago, bettors should expect Gibbs to have a similar stat sheet following Sunday’s game.
Third-year wide receiver Puka Nacua continues to show his value. The 6-foot-2 target is leading the NFL with 93 receptions, producing the league’s second-best receiving total with 1,186 yards. He’s also scored six times through the air for the Rams.
Detroit’s pass defense has not received a passing grade this year. The Dallas Cowboys just eviscerated the Lions, posting 299 receiving yards last week. How can you not take Nacua to do the same on Sunday? Expect him to hit the century mark against the Lions to cover this player prop bet total.
Detroit has been dominant or disappointing in games this year. The Lions have won or lost nearly every game by more than a touchdown margin. The only margin fewer than seven points came against the Minnesota Vikings in a 27-24 loss last month.
If you believe Los Angeles will win – as I do – then you’re taking the over in this contest. The Rams have won most of their games this season in convincing fashion. While Detroit will be a strong opponent, take the Rams to cover the spread and win this game by a touchdown or more on Sunday.