After a sub-par showing against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Jeff Fisher and his staff has the chance to rebound nicely in sight of their Week 7 trip to London and Twickenham Stadium, with a quality win on the road against the Detroit Lions.
The Lions present a formidable offense, with a hungry defense that gets after the quarterback.
Offensively, both teams rank amongst the bottom half of the league, although both teams are capable of outbreaks. The Rams rank dead least in the NFL with just 284.2 yards per game, while the Lions rank 19th with 349.6 yards per game.
Stafford has had some uncharacteristic outings this season, with four interceptions and a fumble too. The departure of Megatron has clearly hindered a steady target, while Golden Tate’s sub-par season has the team shuffling for options.
The Lions offense will also be without starting running back Theo Riddick, who was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Rams quarterback Case Keenum hasn’t faired well either. Keenum has thrown five interceptions and has one fumble this season.
While the Rams offense ranks last in the NFL, they are steadily producing results. Aside from the Week 3 outburst for 37 points, the offense has scored more points with each week.
During their Week 5 loss to the Bills, Keenum did not throw a touchdown, but did throw a season high 271 yards. Prior to Week 5, Keenum also went two straight games with two touchdowns.
The emergence of Brian Quick, alongside Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt, has opened up passing lanes on offense for Keenum to excel with. Following that production, running back Todd Gurley has seen gaps open up along the line.
Gurley certainly hasn’t produced up to the 2015 standards, with a forgettable performance Week 5. Gurley did score a touchdown, but also fumbled twice (one lost).
On defensive end, the Rams have taken a step in the right direction. Led by pro-bowler Aaron Donald, the team ranks 19th in the NFL, allowing 364.6 yards per game. On the other hand, the Lions rank 24th in the NFL, permitting 378.2 yards per game.
The Lions defense has collected 12 sacks this season, along with two interceptions and three fumbles.
Donald could have a dominant outing against a weak Lions offensive line, with some added interest. The Lions passed on Donald in the 2014 draft, in favor of tight end Eric Ebron. Through five weeks, Donald has two sacks and a forced fumble.
The Rams will attempt to move past a certain moniker given to them and their success. While the Rams are 2-1 against the NFC West, they remain 1-1 against non-divisional opponents.
The showdown on Sunday should be another close contest, as each Lions game this season has been decided by seven points or less.
A win on Sunday can potentially lift them back into first place, as the Seattle Seahawks face the No. 1 ranked offense in the Atlanta Falcons.
