The highly anticipated matchup between the Lions and Rams is finally here. With it comes the return of Matthew Stafford and general manager Brad Holmes showing what his roster can do against his former team.
Outside of the media-friendly headlines courtesy of the returns we will see, there are deep numbers to look at.
PFF has been showing all year that players like Aidan Hutchison, Penei Sewell, and others have had strong numbers both on film and by the numbers. What do the numbers say in regard to how they match up according to PFF and their analytics?
The matchup is much more interesting than just headlines. Check out how the Lions and Rams matchup position group by position group to see who has the edge.
Quarterback
Lions
- Jared Goff 84.4
Rams
- Matthew Stafford 85.9
Running Backs
Lions
- Position average: 72.4
- Highest graded player: David Montgomery 80
Rams
- Position average: 64.6
- Highest graded player: Kyren Williams 80.3
Wide Receivers
Lions
- Position average: 64.3
- Highest graded player: Amon-Ra St. Brown 90.6
Rams
- Position average: 65.6
- Highest graded player: Puka Nacua 87.9
Tight Ends
Lions
- Position average: 55.8
- Highest graded player: Sam LaPorta 76.4
Rams
- Position average: 61.6
- Highest graded player: Brycen Hopkins 68
Offensive Linemen
Lions
- Position average: 68.6
- Highest graded player: Penei Sewell 90.7
Rams
- Position average: 60.5
- Highest graded player: Kevin Dotson 85.2
Defensive Linemen
Lions
- Position average: 60.2
- Highest graded player: Aidan Hutchison 91
Rams
- Position average: 59.3
- Highest graded player: Aaron Donald 90.9
Linebackers
Lions
- Position average: 51.5
- Highest graded player: 68.8
Rams
- Position average: 63.1
- Highest graded player: Ernest Jones 82.1
Cornerbacks
Lions
- Position average: 59.1
- Highest graded player: Brian Branch 78.1
Rams
- Position average: 56.6
- Highest graded player: Quentin Lake 71.2
Safeties
Lions
- Position average: 68.4
- Highest graded player: Ifeatu Melifonwu 85.6
Rams
- Position average: 52.7
- Highest graded player: Jordan Fuller 67.9