LOS ANGELES — The Detroit Lions suffered a 41-34 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread with only three games left in the season.
The Lions, now 8-6, must win their remaining games to have a chance at the playoffs, as they face a tough schedule ahead.
“You know what it is. And we’re not there right now,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “Doesn’t know we can’t be, but now we know what it looks like, and you got to get better.”
The Lions had a strong first half, leading 24-14 thanks to quarterback Jared Goff’s dynamic passing to receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and a remarkable 58-yard interception return by Aidan Hutchinson.
However, the Rams managed to close the gap with a field goal before halftime, and the Lions struggled in the second half, going three-and-out on both third-quarter possessions while allowing 17 points.
Goff completed 25 of 41 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns, with St. Brown catching 13 passes for 164 yards and two scores, and Williams adding 134 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.
The Lions’ running game faltered, finishing with just 70 yards on 20 carries, and they have not won any games this season when rushing for less than 100 yards.
The Lions need to win their final three games against Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Chicago to keep their playoff hopes alive, with quarterback Jared Goff expressing confidence in the team’s resilience.