Rams vs. Lions: Predictions, odds, injury news, schedule for wild card game

After many fond memories and unbelievable game-winning drives with the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford will finally play in a playoff game at Ford Field. The only problem is that Stafford will be wearing a Los Angeles Rams jersey.

After claiming their first division title in 30 years, emotions will be bittersweet after Sunday night's wild card contest. If the Lions win, then that's a win for a team that hasn't had many in the postseason, but they'll also be eliminating the same quarterback that gave them so many great moments throughout his 12-year career with Detroit.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell likely has no mixed feelings on the matter though. This will be a showdown of two high-octane offenses that have leaned on stellar play from their running backs to reach this point. While the Lions' defense does leave a bit to be desired, their offense has been so good, particularly at home, that it has often made up for their shortcomings on the other end.

The Rams, meanwhile, were the shock of the NFL season. Nobody expected them to go .500 let alone reach the playoffs. However, after a 3-6 start to the season, Los Angeles rattled off seven wins in their last eight games and even secured a playoff spot before Week 18 started. The Rams even took the AFC's top seed, the Baltimore Ravens, to overtime in their lone loss in that stretch.

Here's everything to know about this wild card playoff matchup.

Postseason slate: NFL playoff schedule: Dates, times, TV info from wild-card round to Super Bowl 58

NFL wild card playoffs, Rams vs. Lions predictions:

Sportsbook Wire: Over 51.5

Not only are both the Rams and Lions over .500 on the over this season, but the Rams have also scored at least 20 points in every game since Thanksgiving. The Lions cannot claim the same, but they have scored 30 or more in four of their last six.

CBS Sports: Rams 27, Lions 24

John Breech writes, "As much fun as Stafford's return is going to be, it feels like all the pressure this week is on the Lions. For one, they're the higher seed and they're favored to win. Also, Jared Goff is going to be facing a ton of pressure, and that's because he'll be facing a team and a head coach that traded him away because they didn't want him anymore. There is no one on the planet who understands Goff's weaknesses more than Sean McVay, which could put the Lions in a tough spot."

FOX Sports: Lions 25, Rams 23

Although FOX sports predicts the Rams to cover, they are very aware that the Lions are a solid 7-4 ATS when favored by three or more points as they are in this game. Stafford's return and the pressure facing Detroit may not be enough to make them lose, but could be enough to allow the Rams to cover.

BetMGM: Over 51.5

BetMGM writes, "Although Detroit is 16th in pass defense DVOA, they’re facing a Rams team ninth in the corresponding offensive category. Additionally, dating back to Matthew Stafford’s return from injury in Week 11, Los Angeles ranks fifth in EPA per play and dropback EPA per play."

NFL wild card playoffs, Rams vs. Lions: odds, lines

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.

Betting odds, as of Wednesday evening:

• Spread: Lions (-3)

• Moneyline: Lions (-190); Rams (+155)

• Over/under: 51.5

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Injury News:

Los Angeles Rams Injury Report

Detroit Lions Injury Report

How to watch NFL wild card playoff, Lions vs. Rams:

• When: Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024

• Where: Ford Field in Detroit, MI

• Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

• TV: NBC

• Stream: Peacock, NFL+, YouTube TV, FuboTV

Watch the game: Catch Sunday Night Football with a Peacock subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams vs. Lions predictions, odds, and how to watch SNF wild card game