The Detroit Lions will make Ford Field history when they host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night for their first-ever home playoff game inside the stadium. Leading into that game, NFL writers across the country, including MLive’s Kyle Meinke and Ben Raven, are predicting the Lions will make additional history that night: win a playoff game.
The Lions are favored to play spoiler to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will be returning to Detroit for the first time since he was shipped to Los Angeles ahead of the 2021 season in exchange for Jared Goff and several draft picks.
Both teams met that season at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where the Rams emerged victorious, giving Stafford a victory over his old team and Goff a loss against his. Stafford went on to lead the Rams to a Super Bowl LIII victory over the Cincinnati Bengals later that season, while Goff finished the year 3-13-1 in Detroit.
Writers are predicting a role reversal this time, with Goff being instrumental in leading the Lions to a home playoff victory, while Stafford is unsuccessful in his return home.
Let’s take a look at some predictions from journalists across the country:
MLive
Kyle’s prediction: Lions
“I apparently am contractually obligated to pick this game, which is an unfortunate opportunity to look like a dummy in front of the world wide web. The Lions feel like a team of destiny, armed with a high-powered offense that is versatile enough to punch holes in all comers. But the Rams have Matthew Stafford at the height of his powers, and strength where Detroit lacks it most — on the perimeter, with powerhouses like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Expect L.A. to score. Expect Detroit to score. As for who scores the most, no one can tell. Since I have no choice but to give it my best go, expect the Lions — whose moment feels like it’s 30 years in the making — to come out on top in front of a frenzied house that will make life complicated for Matthew Stafford. WIN.”
Ben’s prediction: Lions
“On paper, this is a very tough matchup for the Lions. The Rams are running the ball extremely well, and they have two stud wide receivers who can beat you in an instant. Matthew Stafford is hitting those tight-window throws and getting the most out of his top two wideouts. But I think this Lions pass rush can make noise and get this offense on its heels. That could keep the takeaways coming, and that’s what will be the difference in my mind. Lions win a tight one, 24-17.”
CBS Sports
Prediction: Lions
“Just two seasons ago, Stafford was busy going on a Super Bowl run while Goff went winless in his inaugural year with the Lions. Now, the roles reverse, and Goff tastes the postseason success with Stafford walking off Ford Field with a familiar feeling: disappointment.”
The Athletic
Prediction: Lions (majority)
“The Lions were 6-2 this season at Ford Field, and they’ll welcome back quarterback Matthew Stafford for the first time since the 2021 trade. The Rams beat the Lions at SoFi Stadium that season, 28-19. The game will likely be determined by ball security, as the Lions were 2-4 this season when they turned it over multiple times. Goff had a stretch earlier in the season when he had three turnovers three times in a span of four games.”
USA Today
Prediction: Lions (majority)
“Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit to face his former team, and Jared Goff has a chance at redemption against the club that traded him. There are a lot of storylines in this one. However, the Lions haven’t hosted a playoff game in 30 years, and they don’t have a playoff victory since Jan. 5, 1992. Detroit fans are starving for some playoff success. There’s going to be a party in Motown if they win.”
