Story by
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
- Story by
- 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.
Advertisement
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.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Advertisement
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
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with the full slate of playoff action. You can also look ahead to the big game with the best Super Bowl betting promos .
If you're new to sports betting, don't worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online . And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites .
Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
NFL playoff bracket: Details on matchups in the 2024 NFL playoffs
Advertisement
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 .
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here .
32 things we learned in NFL Week 18: Key insights into playoff field
NFL salaries: These are the highest paid NFL players
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
