Rams Secure Playoff Berth with Controversial 41-34 Win Over Lions
On December 14, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Detroit Lions 41-34 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, clinching a playoff berth and maintaining their pursuit of the NFC West title alongside the Seattle Seahawks.
Matthew Stafford was instrumental in the victory, completing 24 of 38 passes for 368 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Puka Nacua led the Rams with nine receptions totaling 181 yards, while Colby Parkinson contributed five receptions for 78 yards, including two receiving touchdowns. Notably, Parkinson scored on a pivotal 26-yard connection from Stafford in the third quarter.
The touchdown play involving Parkinson was reviewed due to debate over whether he had possession of the ball and was down at the one-yard line before crossing the goal line. Officials ultimately upheld the touchdown ruling, but the call sparked a heated discussion on social media.
For the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns. His primary targets were Amon-Ra St. Brown, who caught 13 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, and Jameson Williams, with seven receptions for 134 yards and one touchdown. Detroit scored late in the fourth quarter on a rushing touchdown by David Montgomery but could not overcome the deficit in the remaining time.
