Rams clinch NFC West as they beat the Lions 30-16 in Detroit

The Los Angeles Rams do just enough to beat the Detroit Lions and clinch the NFC West, winning in Week 13 30-16.

The Los Angeles Rams won a game that was both remarkably uninspiring and beneficial at the same time. With the 30-16 win over the Detroit Lions, LA moved to 11-1 and clinched their second consecutive NFC West title.

If you were looking for style points, you won’t find them. Los Angeles managed to look like a team who woke up late for a game way earlier than their are used to playing.

Rams quarterback Jared Goff, a dark horse MVP candidate depending on who you listen to in the NFL media, had a game that won’t reflect well with those who have touted him of late. Against Detroit, Goff would throw for 207 yards completing 17 passes on 33 attempts. He’d also toss one touchdown, one interception, and lose a fumble.

Quite the trifecta.

Also, not a good day.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, Todd Gurley looked back to form as he’d rush for 132 yards on 17 attempts. He would score two touchdowns for his efforts, getting back on track after a disappointing game in Week 11 where he injured his ankle against the Kansas City Chiefs. While it’s hardly a performance that puts him back in the MVP discussion, it is a performance that puts LA in the win column and clinches a division title.

That likely doesn’t happen without him today.

The Rams weren’t particularly sharp, and given their week off via the bye, it’s going to be interesting to see how they fare when they venture back into the NFC North next week playing the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. Chicago won’t be a layup in Week 14, and the elements may be in play when Los Angeles straps it on again prime time.

Of note, the Bears lost on the road against the New York Giants 30-27 in overtime.