Predictions: Rams-Lions
It's finally time. The Detroit Lions earned the right to host a home playoff game for the first time in three decades.
Big games are won in the trenches and Detroit has been built to shine on the offensive and defensive lines.
Detroit's running game will set the tone early to allow Jared Goff to excel in the passing game.
Aidan Hutchinson will make Matthew Stafford's return to Ford Field unbearable all evening, as Detroit's pass rush will force the ex-Lions signal-caller to make throws before he is set and ready.
The game will be close and should have many lead changes. In the end, Detroit's defense makes the key plays late in the game to give Dan Campbell and the team their first playoff victory since 1991, spoiling Stafford's return.
Lions 27, Rams 24
Sunday's game between the Lions and the Rams has garnered the most attention of any playoff game in the Wild Card round. This is largely the result of the matchup between Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff and each other's former teams.
However, this game will be won in the trenches. For the Lions, the key will be establishing the run on offense and getting Stafford uncomfortable on defense. The Lions have a chance to show that their offensive line is truly among the best in the league by handling Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner and company.
Defensively, the best way to neutralize Stafford's chemistry with his talented wideouts is to put pressure on him. If Aidan Hutchinson continues his high level of performance, it will be a long night for Stafford.
Given the heightened stakes of this game, it's hard to imagine these Lions coming out flat. I predict they use this fuel to dominate the line of scrimmage, feeding off a rowdy crowd, and secure a double-digit win over the Rams.
Lions 30, Rams 20
At last, the Lions’ wild card playoff contest with the L.A. Rams is here.
In arguably Detroit's biggest game in 30 years, Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford, two quarterbacks that were traded for each other three years ago, will square off with one another.
The Stafford-led Rams are red hot, having closed out the regular season with seven wins in their last eight games. They're equipped with a pair of high-end wideouts: Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The two of them have formed one of the best pass-catching duos in the NFL, and should give Detroit's secondary plenty of trouble Sunday.
And, when Stafford and the Rams aren't airing it out, they'll be handing it off to Kyren Williams. Williams ran for over 1,000 yards (1,144), and tallied double-digit rushing touchdowns (12) in just 12 games in 2023.
To me, the best way of limiting the Rams’ potent offense will be by keeping it off the field. I believe that the Lions can do that by establishing the ground game early, via their two-headed monster of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Fueled by the electric energy of Ford Field, I believe that Gibbs and Montgomery will produce multiple explosive runs, and set up the play-action pass for Goff. In doing so, Detroit will control the time of possession, plus keep Stafford and the Rams off the field just enough.
It won't be easy, but this is what it will take for the Lions to secure their first playoff win since the 1991 season.
Lions 31, Rams 28
Buckle up. This weekend's playoff game between the Lions and the Rams at Ford Field is going to be a good one.
It's time for Detroit to show us what it's truly made of, and what better opponent than the Rams and old friend, Matthew Stafford.
The Rams finished the regular season 10-7, good for second place in the NFC West. They boast some of the better receivers in the league, including Cooper Kupp and rookie Puka Nacua, and will certainly look to be aggressive.
Detroit, on the other hand, is starving for its first playoff victory in decades. The Lions will have to be sharp, as they have been for much of the season, if they want to win this one. Home-field advantage should bode well for them, as Ford Field will be a zoo on Sunday.
I'll have my eye on the play of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who should help to stabilize that Lions defense with increased opportunities. Detroit can also rely on the duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs for its rushing attack on offense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has already gone on record to say that he hopes the Lions can get the victory for Jared Goff's sake. So, why not make it happen? And, once it does happen, it'll be time for a party in Detroit.
Lions 27, Rams 24
The Detroit Lions have thrived when they have been doubted. Some of their best performances the last two seasons have come when people have expected them to fall on their face.
The story of Matthew Stafford ending Detroit's season in a playoff game certainly can write itself, but the Dan Campbell Lions haven’t abided by the "SOL" rules that many of us have struggled to remove ourselves from.
Does the defense have flaws? Yes. Does the offense have injury issues? Yes. But, this team has that true "grit" that Campbell has preached. It finds ways to win, even if it’s unconventional.
This game isn’t about Stafford. It’s about this three-year culture change, and it’s about these loyal Detroit fans. Ford Field is going to be heard from space Sunday, and that will help drive this team to a win and a new chapter in the franchise.
Lions 23, Rams 20
