Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams Preview
Last Matchup
The last time that Matthew Stafford came back to Ford Field, he left in a first-round exit. There was a lot of pride and high expectations associated with this game. The Detroit Lions fans had poured their heart and souls into this team and had not seen a playoff appearance since 2016 when they lost in the wild card to the Seattle Seahawks. Matthew Stafford was the quarterback for the Detroit Lions in 2016. At that point, the Detroit Lions were the lower seed, and the Seattle Seahawks were the higher seed. Now the Detroit Lions were the higher seed, and the Los Angeles Rams were the lower seed. The Detroit Lions knew that they would have to win this game to be considered playoff-worthy in the future.
The Detroit Lions played the Los Angeles Rams in a showdown in the wild card matchup. The Los Angeles Rams slivered into the playoffs, while the Detroit Lions had won the NFC North in order to be there. All odds were favoring the Detroit Lions, however the Los Angeles Rams did not play like it. The Detroit Lions barely won in a 24-23 final score. The game was an offensive and defensive shootout. According to ESPN, Puka Nacua had nine receptions, 181 yards, and one touchdown. Amon-Ra St. Brown had seven receptions for 110 yards. Matthew Stafford went 25-36 and threw 367 yards and two touchdowns. Jared Goff went 22-27 and threw 277 yards and one touchdown. This game seemed much more like an NFC Championship game than a wild card game. It was intense at all times.
What This Game Means
Matthew Stafford will look for revenge after the last wild card game as he faces his former team again this Sunday. After being booed by Detroit Lions fans at the last matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams, this seems to be a more personal game for Matthew Stafford. After spending his entire career as a Detroit Lion before becoming a Los Angeles Ram, this game means much more than an exhibition. If Matthew Stafford were to win this game, it would make people think that he is better off on the Rams. However, if he were to lose, then people would begin to question if he is better off in Los Angeles. Matthew Stafford did win a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021 but has yet to beat the Detroit Lions. When Matthew Stafford was the quarterback of the Detroit Lions, he was looked at as the heart and soul of the team. He was one of the toughest players on the field at all times. The Detroit Lions needed him in order to win. Now, with this match, the Detroit Lions will truly see if they are better or worse without him.
