The Detroit Lions know what it takes to compete with the best in the loaded NFC after a 41-34 loss to the conference-leading Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

NFL refs screw up calls every weekend, but they were extra on their game during Sunday's pivotal game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. In fact, they made one of the most nonsensical calls of the season by upholding Colby Parkinson's touchdown despite clear video evidence he did not, in fact, score a touchdown.

The Detroit Lions will need to take care of their own business to make the playoffs, plus get some help from around the league.

Well, at least according to a number of NFL fans, who have crowned Matthew Stafford the definitive frontrunner after he threw for 368 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a crucial 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions that kept the Rams No. 1 in the NFC.

The Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, face the Los Angeles Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Between the end of the second quarter through the third, the Rams scored 20 unanswered points to comeback and steal the win from the Lions. The Rams’ defensive front came alive in the second half and wrecked havoc on the Lions’ interior offensive line.

Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions was always going to be an offensive shootout. Both teams are within the top five of the NFL in terms of scoring production. The Rams were able to withstand a fiery first half from Detroit and trailed by seven after two quarters.

Matthew Stafford threw for 368 yards and 2 TDs, helping the Los Angeles Rams put a dent in the Detroit Lions' playoff chances in Week 15 game.