Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
The wild card round of the 2023 NFL playoffs will feature the Matthew Stafford - Jared Goff bowl.
The two quarterbacks swapped teams in a 2021 trade and face off in primetime on Sunday at Ford Field.
Stafford brings the Los Angeles Rams back to the playoffs. They missed the postseason last year after winning Super Bowl 56 with him at quarterback. The Rams are a wild card team this season and their first game of the 2023 playoffs is against Stafford's old team: the Detroit Lions, who won the NFC North for their first division title in 30 years.
Stafford was drafted by the Lions as the No. 1 overall pick in 2009 and spent 12 seasons with them before being shipped west. He threw for 3,965 yards this season with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He's had the help of veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp and record-setting rookie Puka Nacua.
The Lions return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with Goff behind center. The three-time Pro Bowler was drafted by the Rams with the No. 1 overall pick in 2016. He took Los Angeles to Super Bowl 53 where they lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
In his third year with Detroit, Goff is second in the league with 4,575 passing yards and has 30 touchdowns and 12 picks. Running back duo Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 1,960 rushing yards.
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Lions vs. Rams odds, moneyline, over/under
The Lions are favorites to defeat the Rams, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Lions (-3)
Moneyline: Lions (-165); Rams (+140)
Over/under: 53
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NFL playoff bracket: Details on matchups in the 2024 NFL playoffs
NFL Wild Card odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Texans vs. Browns | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Steelers
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers | Lions vs. Rams | Buccaneers vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Rams 24, Lions 21
The Lions have waited a long time to host a playoff game, but I think this is a spot where the Rams could play spoiler. Matthew Stafford finished the regular season strong, while Detroit’s offense has slowed some. And the Rams, despite having a very young core on defense, can still generate pressure through the middle of the line, thanks to, yes, Aaron Donald, but also Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Kobie Turner.
Tyler Dragon: Lions 27, Rams 23
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.
Safid Deen: Lions 30, Rams 23
Matt Stafford’s return to Detroit makes this matchup intriguing but the Lions will make it a rude homecoming for him. Dan Campbell’s crew has been waiting for this moment all season, and the Rams won’t know what hit them on Sunday night.
Victoria Hernandez: Lions 28, Rams 24
Despite inconsistent play in the middle of the season, Detroit proved in the end that they are a fierce force. The Rams have some playmakers, but Ford Field will be fired up with fans who need something to believe in besides the lowly Pistons. Jared Goff ultimately rains on Matthew Stafford's homecoming parade.
Jordan Mendoza: Rams 26, Lions 24
This is going to be an emotional game with Matthew Stafford returning to Detroit. He’ll want to show out in front of his former crowd, and he has a good chance to do so against a suspect pass defense. The Lions want to end their playoff win drought, but Los Angeles pulls off the shocker on the road to end Detroit’s successful season.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
