The Rams are currently 10-1 while the Lions sit at 4-7 after last week’s Thanksgiving Day loss to the Chicago Bears.
Detroit Lions
Offensively, the Lions will need a big game from running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount was able to rush for 88 yards against the Bears while recording two touchdowns on the ground. Rookie phenom Kerryon Johnson still out of the lineup with a knee injury the Lions are going to need another big game from Blount.
Defensively, veteran cornerback Darius Slay is looking to have yet another impressive game against the Rams on Sunday. Slay is an excellent tackler and has a good sesne of locating the ball. He’s also productive in either man or zone schemes and a lot of his success happens downfield against some of the league’s top recievers.
The Lions’ dark horse will kicker Matt Prater. Prater has been nearly automatic all season and has excellent range when it comes to long field goal attempts. Prater should have another big performance in regards to field goals made and extra points against a talented Rams team.
L.A. Rams
Offensivley, the Rams have a highly talented quarterback in Jared Goff. The Rams have an explosive group of receivers to complement Goff and a top-tier running back in MVP favorite Todd Gurley. The Rams’ running game has been making it easier on Goff. It’s allowed him to make tight throws look easy and has really progressed as a third-year quarterback.
Defensively, the Lions are going to have to worry about Rams defensive takcle Aaron Donald. Donald has a knack for finding the ball and is currently leading the league with 14.5 sacks this season. Donald is often double-teamed but is so quick that he can find his way to the quarterback to either record a sack or manage force a fumble
The Rams’ dark horse will be wide reciever Brandin Cooks. Cooks is an extremely talented reciever with a lot of speed. Cooks has the ability to make tough catches look extremely easy downfield. However, Cooks is also a viable target in the redzone this season. His speed and ability to catch the ball in heavy traffic is a highly impressive component for the Rams offense.
