If you’ve been watching the NHL or NBA finals, you know the importance of performing at pivotal moments in the game. Two of the four NBA Finals games—including Wednesday night’s thriller—have been decided on the final possession of the game. And half of the four Stanley Cup Finals games went to overtime, where sudden death decides the outcome.
NFL games aren’t always that dramatic, but it also feels like nearly every single game is decided in the fourth quarter. And given how few games are played
in a single NFL season, how a team performs in dagger crunch time could mean the difference between a one seed and missing the playoffs entirely.
For example, let’s take the 2025 Chicago Bears. They were 7-4 in one score games last year, leading to an overall 11-6 record and the NFC’s No. 2 seed. But had those numbers been flipped (4-7 in one score games), Chicago would’ve finished 8-9 and out of the playoffs entirely.
The difference between a win and a loss is partially dictated by luck, but it also requires players who can deliver in clutch moments. So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions players do you trust most in clutch situations?
My answer: No. 1 on the list has to be Amon-Ra St. Brown. Any time the Lions need a big play in a pivotal moment, it seems Detroit turns to St. Brown. He was the player who delivered the first win of the Dan Campbell era with a walk-off touchdown, and he was the player Jared Goff turned to in order to seal Detroit’s first playoff victory in three decades against the Rams in 2024.
He’s also one of the most reliable players on money downs. Last year, St. Brown was DOMINANT on third downs.
- 33 catches (second in NFL)
- 23 third-down conversions (third among WRs)
- 6 TDs (second)
And on fourth down:
- 5 catches (t-fifth)
- 5 fourth-down conversions (t-fifth)
- 1 TD (t-10th)
In short, I don’t think there’s anyone I trust more than St. Brown in a gotta-have-it moment.
I also have to mention Lions kicker Jake Bates when talking about clutch performers. Since joining the Lions in 2024, he has literally been perfect in clutch situations.
(He’s now 6-of-6 after his game-winner against the Bears in Week 18.)
Which Lions players do you think are among the most clutch at their position? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
