Detroit’s 41-34 loss to the Rams hurts playoff odds and highlights a leaky defense — punters should lean toward game totals (over) in future matchups and be cautious backing the Lions outright; futures bets on Detroit reaching the playoffs are riskier unless they win out. Consider fading Detroit’s defense in prop markets while backing their offense to produce points.
Week 16 snapshot: Lions stumble in high-scoring loss at SoFi Stadium
The Detroit Lions fell 41-34 to the Los Angeles Rams in a shootout that exposed a recurring defensive problem. The offense showed life, but the defense surrendered more than 500 yards, its second 500-yard allowance in four weeks, leaving playoff hopes precarious as the regular season winds down.
Offense still clicking, Goff shows poise
Jared Goff delivered one of his better performances despite circumstances that limited the offense’s ceiling. Detroit’s attack can score on anyone when it’s clicking, and the team still boasts playmakers capable of changing games.
Jameson Gibbs emerges as a superstar
Running back Jameson Gibbs has exploded out of the gate: 47 total touchdowns over his first three seasons — matching an all-time mark — and this season he sits near the top of the league with 16 rushing/receiving TDs and about 1,594 scrimmage yards. Gibbs remains on a rookie contract but will be a priority for an extension this offseason.
Defense’s injuries and breakdowns threaten postseason run
Injuries and schematic lapses have hollowed out the defensive unit. Despite individual bright spots, like defensive end Aidan Hutchinson ranking among leaders in splash plays, the unit’s inability to stop sustained drives is the Lions’ biggest liability.
Playoff picture and urgency
Sitting at 8-6, Detroit can ill afford another loss if it wants a reliable path to the postseason. Scenario models diverge wildly — their probability of making the playoffs plunges after recent setbacks, but a clean sweep to end the season would dramatically increase their odds. The margin for error is vanishingly small.
Power ranking: 13th
Last ranking: 8th
While the Lions aren’t capable of scoring with the Rams sans an elite run game, I thought this was one of Jared Goff’s better games in a situation where he was clearly playing with a hand tied behind his back. If Campbell’s ethos is toughness, let’s see what the Lions have left over the next few weeks.
Power ranking: 12th
Last ranking: 11th
Gibbs is off to a record-breaking start to his young career with 47 total touchdowns, which is tied with Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns by a player in his first three seasons. Detroit has a track record of rewarding its top players, with nearly $1 billion worth of contracts signed to nine players since spring 2024. Gibbs is still on his rookie deal and has a fifth-year option in 2027, but he is eligible for an extension this offseason.
Power ranking: 13th
Last ranking: 8th
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is having a great year (third in splash plays), but it’s hard to laud anybody on this defense. Offensively, there are plenty of candidates, but Gibbs edges out Amon-Ra St. Brown because Gibbs is second in the league in touchdowns with 16 and fifth in scrimmage yards with 1,594. It’s going to be a shame if he’s not in the playoffs, and the Lions only have a25 percent chance of making it after this loss.
Power ranking: 18th
Last ranking: 17th
At 8-6, they can't afford more than one more loss. The defense is really an issue right now, which might be their undoing.
Power ranking: 13th
Last ranking: 11th
For 3 1/2 months, the Lions have alternated wins and losses. They haven’t had a two-game winning streak or two-game losing streak since the start of October. This is just what Detroit is. It’s an inconsistent team. The defense is not good enough after taking on key injuries. The Lions have a 96% chance to make the playoffs if they win out, according to The Athletic’s playoff simulations, but can a team that can’t win two straight games be trusted to do that?
Power ranking: 13th
Last ranking: 12th
The Lions were game with Jared Goff dueling Stafford well in the classic double-revenge game, but their beat-up defense had to submit and go into the tank in the second half. Dan Campbell's team is headed to have a year off to set up a strong comeback.
Power ranking: 13th
Last ranking: 8th
A team this good and fun to watch? Notre Dame is definitely going to cry foul if the committee leaves the Lions out of the playoff field.
Power ranking: 12th
Last ranking: 9th
The Detroit Lions went head-to-head with arguably the best team in the NFL on Sunday and managed to make things interesting. However, the Lions can't feel good about where they stand heading into the final three weeks.
Detroit's offense continues to show that it can score on anyone. However, its defense might simply be too injured to make any significant run if the Lions can get into the postseason.
Unfortunately, the Lions wouldn't be in the playoffs if the season ended today. Even if they win their final three—vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at the Bears—11 wins might not guarantee a wild-card spot in the NFC this season.
Power ranking: 12th
Last ranking: 10th
They went toe-to-toe with the powerful L.A. Rams. But giving up 519 yards? That’s twice in four weeks someone lit up their woeful defense for at least 500.
Betting implications and what punters should consider
Given the team’s high-powered offense and vulnerable defense, markets are likely to favor higher point totals in Lions games. Punters should be cautious about backing Detroit on the moneyline against top offenses and consider targeting player props for offensive producers. Futures on a playoff berth are more speculative now unless the Lions win out, while live-game and over/under markets could offer the best value.
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Detroit Lions defense sinks team in 2025 Week 16 NFL power rankings.
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