Defense wins championships, offense sells tickets.
The Detroit Lions are hoping they can get back on track to do both against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. It's a tall order, with the Rams looking like the best team in the NFL as of late while led by former Lion quarterback Matthew Stafford. They have a dynamic offense and a strong defensive front, two things that have given the Lions fits throughout this season.
Still, the clock is ticking for Detroit to string together a few wins and punch a ticket into the postseason as they remain in the hunt for a Wild Card spot - or, as some think, even a divisional title. These three Lions can swing the pendulum, one way or another, during this afternoon contest.
3 Lions that can break Rams game wide open in Week 15
Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson has not been getting to the quarterback as effectively as he has in the past, and he's not even leading the team in sacks this year - that honor goes to Al-Quadin Muhammad. But, that doesn't mean he isn't an effective piece to this Lions defensive line, still.
He's getting free to get to the quarterback through double teams and chips to the tune of 80 pressures this season, but it's often a bit too little, too late. With Muhammad's surge, perhaps the Rams' defensive line finds they need to balance out their blocking between him and Hutchinson, opening things up for the defender.
Jack Campbell
Another defender that will be key to this contest is Campbell, the high-flying linebacker who is in line for a huge extension if he keeps up his level of play. His work alongside Alex Anzalone has been a highlight for Detroit's defense in 2025. He has 67 solo tackles this season, which is good for 4th in the league, in addition to five sacks and three forced fumbles.
His punch-out ability and usefulness as another pass rusher, essentially, can throw Stafford off his game. Additionally, Campbell is such a proficient gap-filler that he could be an effective stop-gap measure against Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
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Jahmyr Gibbs
You cannot create a list of impactful Lions players without, at this point, including Gibbs. The running back is only one touchdown away from becoming the league-leader in rushing touchdowns scored before the age of 24, surpassing Lions legend Barry Sanders.
If that's not enough motivation for Gibbs and the Lions to get him going, his speed and threat as a pass catcher can also provide another dimension to what is already the best offense in the NFL. Gibbs' last game against the Rams included 40 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards, and a touchdown.
If he can recreate that magic, the Lions are in good shape. Los Angeles only allows 103.5 rushing yards per game, but they are facing down a peak point in Gibbs' season.