The 10-3 Rams host the 8-5 Lions on Sunday, with the chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win and both teams fighting for playoff positioning overall. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. pacific time on FOX.
Ahead of the contest, here are 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams, presented by The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani (CallJacob.com).
1) Minimize Aidan Hutchinson's impact
The Lions defensive end is one of the league's top pass rushers and a focal point of every opposing offense's protection plan. The Rams' offensive line has done a great job protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford all season; mitigating Hutchinson's impact will be critical for the offense to operate as efficiently and explosively as it as in recent weeks.
2) Make Jared Goff uncomfortable
Despite turnover at offensive coordinator this offseason and at key skill position roles in-season, Detroit's quarterback has taken responsibility and command of its offense with 26 touchdowns against only five interceptions.
It's also important for the Rams' pass rush to do so given the Lions could be missing four of their normal five starting offensive linemen due to injury, with left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) listed as questionable.
3) Take advantage of an injury-depleted Lions secondary
Between injuries to safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch along with cornerback Terrion Arnold being placed on Injured Reserve, a short-handed Detroit secondary has allowed 318 passing yards and nearly three touchdowns per game (2.7) over its last three games. The pass rush led by Hutchinson, and also Al-Quadin Muhammad (nine sacks), presents a formidable challenge, but if Los Angeles' pass protection can give Stafford time, he has to take advantage of that depleted secondary.
