When the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions swapped quarterbacks in 2021, few expected both franchises to emerge stronger from the deal. But nearly four seasons later, it’s hard to argue with the results: Matthew Stafford delivered a Super Bowl title to Los Angeles, while Jared Goff has helped turn Detroit into one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders, buoyed by the draft capital Detroit received in the trade.
Both teams enter the 2025 season with high expectations, and their Week 15 showdown is shaping up to be one of the marquee matchups of the year. Set for Sunday, December 14 at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, the game will likely carry major NFC playoff implications.
Los Angeles Rams Schedule: Detroit Lions Week 15 Matchup Carries Heavyweight Implications
Stafford, now preparing to face his former team for the fourth time, is embracing the challenge. When the Rams schedule was announced, he was asked about the matchup. “That’ll be fun,” Stafford said during an appearance on NFL Network. “Dan and Jared and those guys did a hell of a job the last couple years getting that thing turned in the right direction. They’re playing really good football… I’m sure it’ll be another good battle.”
LA won the first meeting in 2021, in LA, but the Lions have taken the last two, including a playoff victory after the 2023 season and a Week 1 win in 2024. This year, the matchup returns to Los Angeles, and Stafford will look to even the score.
“It’ll be interesting having it in our place in December,” he said. “Every season is a new season… we’ve had some great matchups the last couple years.”
If recent history is any indicator, Week 15 won’t disappoint.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel