Rams Spoil Jared Goff's Return To L.a., Hamper Lions' Playoff Hopes Thanks To Second-half Defense And Run Game

The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams offenses were unstoppable in the first half, combining for 519 yards, the most in any half this season, and 41 points.

But the Rams made key adjustments, holding the Lions to just 10 points in the second half and rallying from 10 points down to win 41-34.

This game was about more than just bragging rights for former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and former Rams quarterback Jared Goff. The Rams clinched a playoff spot with the win and kept hold of the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while Detroit stayed in the eighth spot in the NFC but saw its playoff chances drop to 26%, per The Athletic.

Los Angeles scored 17 unanswered points in the third quarter, including a 26-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Colby Parkinson (that maybe shouldn't have counted) and an 11-yard Blake Corum touchdown run. Goff and the Lions kept the pressure on from there but couldn't retake the lead.

After Sunday’s win, the Rams continue to control their destiny in the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Indianapolis Colts on a late field goal, but the Rams still hold the tiebreaker due to an early-season victory. The Rams will play the Seahawks on Thursday, with the winner taking the lead in the division.

While the Lions are not yet eliminated from playoff contention, their path is much more challenging after the Bears’ win over the Browns. The Lions will play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

After Amon-Ra St. Brown’s nine catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, he finished the game with 12 catches for 150 yards. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was also bottled up, recording 12 carries for 34 yards. The Lions are now 0-4 this season when Gibbs rushes for less than 40 yards.

On offense, the Rams were led by wide receiver Puka Nacua, who torched the Lions' depleted secondary for nine catches and 181 yards. Parkinson also contributed with five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Rams wide receiver Davante Adams left the game with a hamstring injury. He was listed as questionable but did not return, and has battled a hamstring injury already this season. He finished the game with four catches for 71 yards. Nacua exited the next drives with cramps.

Rams running backs Corum and Kyren Williams combined for three touchdowns. Williams sealed the game by converting a crucial first down before the two-minute warning. He finished the game with 15 carries for 78 yards.