Rams vs. Lions wild card playoff highlights: Detroit wins first postseason game in 32 years

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Rams vs. Lions wild card playoff highlights: Detroit wins first postseason game in 32 years

Chris Bumbaca, Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Mon, Jan 15, 2024 ·

22 min read

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Party like it's 1992, Detroit . The Lions have won a playoff game.

The No. 3-seeded Detroit Lions defeated the No. 6 Los Angeles Rams , 24-23 , Sunday in the NFC wild-card round at Ford Field. The Lions' first playoff win since Jan. 5, 1992 ended the NFL's longest postseason victory drought .

The first half featured offensive fireworks, with both teams trading blows. The scoring exchanges were in the form of field goals in the second half. And in the end, it was the Lions who made the plays to move on. They will host the winner of Monday's Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Philadelphia Eagles wild-card matchup in next weekend's divisional round.

With the victory, the Lions spoiled the return of Matthew Stafford . Now quarterbacking the Rams, Stafford returned to the confines in which he spent the first 12 seasons of his career. The Lions drafted him No. 1 overall in 2009. The Lions traded Stafford for Jared Goff and a bevy of draft selections in January 2020. He won the Rams a Super Bowl in his first season with his new team. Another regime change had befallen the Lions. Said new regime agreed to part with a city's favorite adopted son. It's complicated.

So in the end, it was Goff who knelt and raised his arms in the air as the seconds ticket off the clock and the sellout crowd — many of whom arrived an hour prior to kickoff. Goff was the one who had revenge, knocking out his former team, as he was 22 of 27 for 277 yards and a touchdown.

Detroit scored touchdowns on its first three possessions of the game — drives of 75, 70 and 69 yards — and racked up 16 first downs on the way.

Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta , a week removed from suffering an MCL injury that appeared serious, not only played. He scored a touchdown and finished with three catches for 14 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown was the No. 1 receiver he has proven to be, as he caught seven balls for 110 yards. Both running backs — free agent signee David Montgomery and 2023 first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs — found the end zone.

The defense stood up a trio of Rams drives that reached the end zone.

All of that to snap a nine-game losing streak in the playoffs. The Motor City Exaltation. — Chris Bumbaca

Lions vs. Rams highlights

Jared Goff threw for a touchdown and completed a game-sealing first down against the team that cast him away, and the Lions won a playoff game for the first time in 32 years, beating Matthew Stafford and the Rams.

Winners and losers from Lions' wild-card win over Rams

WINNERS

The long-suffering city of Detroit:It was their first playoff win since 1992, more than 30 years ago. It was their second since 1957. In fact, the Lions are no longer the NFL franchise with the longest postseason drought, handing that distinction over to the Miami Dolphins , who are now at 23 seasons.

The NBC broadcast cameras showed fans in tears as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Lions fans deserve this victory. And while the Lions may have wanted a rematch with Dallas after the controversial Week 17 loss, Detroit will actually get the chance to host another postseason game because the Cowboys lost to the Packers . So gear up, Detroit, you have another one coming up, against the victor of Monday night's game between the Eagles and Buccaneers.

Aidan Hutchinson :A solid second season continued for Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, a player who may be blossoming into a star before our eyes. After receiving a Pro Bowl nomination for an 11.5-sack season with three forced fumbled, Hutchinson was a force against the Rams, generating six tackles, two sacks and five quarterback hits.

And if his spin move wasn't already on scouting reports, it should be now.

LOSERS

The Rams in the red zone:This was the difference in the game. The L.A. Rams moved the ball at will, churning out 425 yards of total offense and outgaining Detroit by 91 yards. Matthew Stafford, playing against his old team, threw for 367 yards. But, when the Rams marched it into the red zone, they left points on the field. Los Angeles failed to convert any of their three trips inside the 20 and, as a result, kicked three field goals that were each fewer than 30 yards. The Lions, by comparison, turned all three of their red zone attempts into touchdowns.

Is the window closing for the Rams?This, more than anything, should be considered a hold. Because the Rams do have an infusion of young talent that it can ride to success. But the team also must answer difficult questions on key veterans and succession plans. Matthew Stafford turns 36 next month and has taken significant punishment over the years. The Rams must protect him but also figure out his eventual replacement. All-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald recorded another first-team All-Pro season — his eighth — but he will be 33 in May. Even receiver Cooper Kupp , who is just two years removed from one of the most prolific seasons in NFL history, looked every bit of 30 and has seen his production decline steadily over the past couple of years. — Lorenzo Reyes

Rams vs. Lions score

Rams: 23
Lions: 24

First quarter

Lions touchdown (9:30) — David Montgomery, 1-yard run ( Michael Badgley extra point)

Rams field goal (4:26) — Brett Maher , 24 yards

Lions touchdown (1:31) — Jahmyr Gibbs, 10-yard run (Michael Badgley extra point)

Second quarter

Rams touchdown (13:24) — Puka Nacua , 50-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Brett Maher extra point)

Lions touchdown (7:12) — Sam LaPorta, 2-yard pass from Jared Goff (Michael Badgley extra point)

Rams touchdown (4:02) — Tutu Atwell , 38-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Brett Maher extra point)

Third quarter

Lions field goal (8:41) — Michael Badgley, 54 yards

Rams field goal (2:33) — Brett Maher, 27 yards

Fourth quarter

Rams field goal — Brett Maher, 27 yards

Matthew Stafford, Rams miss chance to take lead as Lions defense stands

Was it pass interference or not?

It appeared Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton tugged on Rams receiver Puka Nacua's jersey on a pivotal play on third down. But the refs let the players play.

Stafford's pass to Nacua was too high, and the Lions defense forced the Rams to punt.

The Lions are hanging onto a 24-23 lead with 4:07 left in this game.

For a playoff game with a 21-17 halftime score, the defense from both sides has emerged in the second half. — Safid Deen

Kristin Juszczyk makes Lions jacket for Taylor Lautner

No matter who they root for, celebrity NFL fans have one thing in common: They're all wearing jackets created by Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

A day after Taylor Swift caused a frenzy with her custom-made jacket, "Twilight" star Taylor Lautner was sporting a similar one at the Detroit Lions game Sunday night . Lautner's featured the name and No. 97 of Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

And like Swift's, this jacket came with a backstory, too.

Juszczyk posted on Instagram earlier Sunday that she'd had "something so fun planned for the Lions game" but the jacket was stuck in Tennessee . She then asked if someone at FedEx could "help me pull off a miracle." A few hours later, she posted a video of Lautner, a Michigan native and diehard Lions fan, opening the jacket on the field and putting it on before the game.

FedEx had hand-delivered the jacket, Juszczyk said.

"You are an actual mastermind and I am so here for it," Lautner said in a comment.

"YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR," Lautner's wife added.

Juszczyk has been creating custom puffer jackets and vests throughout the season, but Swift put her talent on display nationally Saturday night .

Juszczyk had made a jacket for Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, featuring his name and number, and made a similar one for Swift with boyfriend Travis Kelce 's name and No. 87. Juszczyk sent both jackets to Mahomes, who passed the Kelce one on to Swift, and the two women wore them Saturday night as the wind chill dipped below zero. — Nancy Armour

Puka Nacua sets another record

Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua can add his name to another record.

The Rams wideout has nine catches for 181 receiving yards midway through the fourth quarter. Nacua's 181 receiving yards are the most by a rookie in a playoff game .

Nacua's had a record-breaking rookie campaign. The 2023 fifth-round pick broke NFL regular-season records for most catches (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie wide receiver. — Tyler Dragon

Detroit goes three and out, punts back to Los Angeles

The Lions had a chance to march down the field and put this game on ice.

They punted back to the Rams instead.

A three-and-out by the Lions offense barely shaved a minute of the clock, and the Rams have the ball again with 7:18 left in the game.

After scoring on four of their first five possession with three touchdowns, the Lions have punted on back-to-back drives – the latter being their first three-and-out of the game. — Safid Deen

Lions 24, Rams 23: Rams settle for another field goal

Bend don't break. That's how the Lions offense has been operating for most of the game.

Los Angeles kicker Brett Maher kicked another short field goal – this one from 29 yards away – to cut the Lions' lead to one, 24-23, with 8:10 to go in the game. All three of Maher's field goals have been less than 30 yards.

The Rams have not scored upon reaching the red zone in tall three of their positions that have reached there. The drive took six minutes, 43 seconds. — Chris Bumbaca

Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua both return after injuries

Matthew Stafford's Detroit return took an abrupt turn.

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback was hit hard after he tossed a pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp on third down with 3:35 remaining in the third quarter. As Stafford was following through, he was hit to the ground by Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill .

Stafford grimaced and clutched his side as he gingerly came off the field.

The Rams settled for 27-yard field goal.

Stafford was checked out by the Rams' medical staff in the blue tent on the sideline.

The Rams quarterback eventually checked out of the blue tent and was seen warming up on the sideline.

The veteran quarterback return in the team's next series.

Puka Nacua was also injured during the Rams' drive and returned to the game after being evaluated. — Tyler Dragon

Lions 24, Rams 20: Brett Maher trims Detroit's lead

Los Angeles went 66 yards all the way to the Detroit 9-yard line, but Sean McVay took the points with a field goal once again instead of tying the game. The Rams trailed 24-20 with 2:33 left in the third quarter. Rookie tight end Davis Allen had a 22-yard catch for the biggest play of the drive.

By it's end, however, the Rams were holding their breath as Matthew Stafford walked off the field shaken up. — Chris Bumbaca

Lions 24, Rams 17: Detroit adds field goal

The second half has gotten off to a slow start, compared to the first half.

But a field goal left Lions coach Dan Campbell and Rams coach Sean McVay happy.

Lions kicker Michael Badgley connected on a 54-yard kick to give Detroit a 24-17 lead with 8:41 left in the third quarter.

Campbell was content coming away with points after a long kick, while McVay was happy to hold Detroit to three points after three touchdowns on four possessions in the first half.

It's a one-score game in Detroit. — Safid Deen

Lions fans boo Matthew Stafford in QB's highly anticipated return to Detroit

So much for a warm welcome back.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was booed by Detroit fans on Sunday as he emerged from the tunnel before the team kicked off its NFC wild-card playoff game against the Lions.

The boo birds continued as Stafford took the field for the Rams' opening series. They persisted as the Los Angeles offense gathered together in a hurdle before the unit's first play of the game. — Tyler Dragon

Lions head into halftime with four-point lead

The Lions have a 21-17 lead at halftime in their first home playoff game in 30 years.

Detroit scored touchdowns on its first three possessions in what was an electric first half.

Jared Goff has 194 passing yards and one touchdown. Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have combined for 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

But Matthew Stafford and the Rams are keeping the game close. Stafford's been sharp in his Detroit return. The 35-year-old delivered a few clutch throws and engineered two 70-plus touchdown drives to keep the Rams within striking distance.

Offensive rookie of the year candidate Puka Nacua tallied five receptions, 106 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

Rams safety Quentin Lake leads all players with eight tackles at the half. — Tyler Dragon

Lions 21, Rams 17: Tutu Atwell flips into end zone

The first half of trading punches continued with the Rams finding the end zone and bringing them within 21-17 4:02 until halftime.

Matthew Stafford zipped in a throw just past the outstretched arms of Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor , who dove for the pass breakup, into the hands of receiver TuTu Atwell . All Atwell had to do was turn upfield and run past the goal line, but he added a flip into the end zone for some flair.

The Rams converted a fourth down on the previous play thanks to a Stafford completion to Cooper Kupp. — Chris Bumbaca

Lions 21, Rams 10: Jared Goff finds Sam LaPorta on fourth-and-goal

Lions coach Dan Campbell saw the spot of the ball on fourth-and-1 at the 2-yard line, and offensive lineman Dan Skipper successfully reported eligible.

And the Lions cashed in the end zone again.

Jared Goff found tight end Sam LaPorta on a slant near the back of the end zone for the Lions' third touchdown of the game to take a 21-10 lead over the Rams.

The Lions were inside the 5 and did not want to settle for a field goal, especially after the Rams scored a 50-yard touchdown on the previous drive. Detroit's aggressiveness paid off into an 11-point lead with 7:12 left until halftime. — Safid Deen

Lions 14 Rams 10: Puka Nacua, Matthew Stafford hook up for long TD

Well, that was fast.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford found rookie receiver Puka Nacua open for a 50-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to narrow the score.

It was the response Los Angeles needed after a roaring start by the Lions in this game. Stafford is 7 of 10 for 119 yards, while Nacua has 85 yards on four catches. — Safid Deen

Lions lead 14-3 after first quarter

The Detroit Lions have a 14-3 lead over the visiting Los Angeles Rams after the first quarter of their wildcard playoff game.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff is off to a 9-of-9 start with 111 yards, leading two touchdown drives – one each for running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Rams are driving to begin the second quarter, and stalled out in the red zone on their first possession, leading to a field goal.

Lions fans have also welcomed former quarterback Matthew Stafford, in his third season with the Rams, with boos in the first quarter. — Safid Deen

Lions 14, Rams 3: Jahmyr Gibbs extends Lions' lead

Two drives, and two touchdowns by the Detroit Lions.

Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 10-yard run to give Detroit a 14-3 lead with 1:31 left in the first quarter.

Gibbs had a 14-yard run on the drive, while receiver Josh Reynolds had catches of 10 and 33 yards on the drive to fuel Detroit.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff has started the game 9 for 9 with 111 yards, while Reynolds has 75 yards on four catches. — Safid Deen

Lions 7, Rams 3: Rams get field goal, Matthew Stafford booed

Matthew Stafford started the Rams' opening drive 4-of-4 passing, but the quarterback had three straight incompletions in the red zone as the team had to settle for a short 24-yard field goal.

Rams WR Puka Nacua had two catches for 25 yards in the team's opening drive.

Stafford, who spent his first 12 years in Detroit , was booed by the home crowd when he entered the game for the first time. — Tyler Dragon

Lions 7, Rams 0: Detroit strikes first on opening drive

The Lions offense didn't show any jitters in the franchise's first home playoff game in 30 years.

Detroit moved the ball right down the field on a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Quarterback Jared Goff was a perfect 5-of-5 passing in the Lions' opening series. Running back David Montgomery had five carries for 24 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run up the middle to give the Lions an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Rams vs. Lions game time

Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The Rams vs. Lions wild-card playoff game is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game will be held at Ford Field in Detroit.

How to watch Lions vs. Rams

TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock

Betting odds for Lions vs. Rams

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 .

Predictions for Lions vs. Rams

USA TODAY Sports' staff picks for the game :

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.

Thanks, Packers: Lions will get second home playoff game with win over Rams

Well, look who has a chance to get the last laugh now, Dallas Cowboys .

That's right, how about the Detroit Lions !

Why is that? Well, thanks to the Cowboys stunning blowout upset loss to the rival Green Bay Packers in the Sunday late afternoon game, the Lions are guaranteed to earn a second home playoff game next week , should they win their first postseason game in 32 years on Sunday night. — Marlowe Alter , Detroit Free Press

NFL playoff schedule

Rams vs. Lions inactives: Sam LaPorta active for Detroit

Breakout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee), who was injured in the Lions' regular-season finale, will play in the team's first home playoff game in 30 years. LaPorta returned to practice on Friday and was listed as questionable heading into Sunday night's wild-card game.

Rams' inactive players:

DB Jordan Fuller
WR Tyler Johnson
RB Zach Evans
LB Ochaun Mathis
LB Troy Reeder
OL Warren McClendon Jr.

Lions' inactive players:

CB Steve Gilmore
DL Charles Harris
QB Hendon Hooker (third QB)
DL Brodric Martin
LB Julian Okwara
WR Kalif Raymond

Who is Puka Nacau?

When the Los Angeles Rams visit the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round Sunday night, one of the best rookies of the NFL season will be in the national spotlight in Rams receiver Puka Nacua .

The late-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft has burst onto the scene for Sean McVay's team, emerging as not only a top receiving option on the offense, but one of the best pass catchers in the league . — Jordan Mendoza

Matthew Stafford makes playoff return to Detroit after blockbuster trade

Sunday night's Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions wild-card matchup has so many storylines it could be a Hollywood script .

Detroit hasn't hosted a postseason game in 30 years. The Lions haven't won a playoff game since Jan. 5, 1992 . It's the NFL's longest active playoff win drought . Matthew Stafford is part of the Lions' wretched playoff history. Stafford spent 12 years in Detroit and went 0-3 in the playoffs. Stafford's postseason misfortune all changed on Jan. 30, 2021 — when the Lions agreed to ship him to Los Angeles in a blockbuster trade with the Rams that also sent Jared Goff to the Lions in exchange. In Stafford's first season with the Rams, the quarterback reached the pinnacle of the sport . Meanwhile, Detroit's postseason win drought continued. — Tyler Dragon

Eminem's message to Matthew Stafford: You owe me

The Detroit rapper — real name Marshall Mathers — posted a video on NBC's X feed asking the former Lions quarterback to let his former team win Sunday night vs. his current team, the Rams.

"Stafford. What'd I say?," Eminem starts in the video, donning a No. 20 custom Barry Sanders king hooded sweatshirt. — Amy Huschka , Detroit Free Press

NFL's longest playoff win droughts

It's already hard enough to make the NFL playoffs, but it's even tougher to get a win in the postseason, and for some teams, it's been awhile since they've tasted a playoff victory.

With one playoff win since the 1957 NFL championship game , it should come as no surprise that the Lions own the league's longest playoff win drought . — Jordan Mendoza

Explaining the Curse of Bobby Layne on the Detroit Lions

The Curse of Bobby Layne has been engrained in the folklore of the Detroit Lions for more than 60 years as a way to explain their unmatched ability to fail .

Layne, who helped lead the Lions to three NFL championships during his tenure from 1950-58, famously cursed the Lions with bad luck after the organization traded him one season after its last championship in 1957.

The curse was never confirmed by anyone else but as the Lions have lived up to the prophecy with only one playoff win since 1957 , the story has become entrenched into the fabric of Detroit sports history. — Jared Ramsey , Detroit Free Press

Rams' playoff history

The Rams are 26-27 in playoff games. The franchise has appeared in five Super Bowls, winning two ( Super Bowl XXXIV and Super Bowl LVI ). The Super Bowl 56 win was the Rams' last playoff appearance. Prior to the Super Bowl era, the Rams won two NFL championships (1945 and 1951).

Lions' playoff history

The Lions are 7-13 in playoff games. The team is among four teams that have never appeared in a Super Bowl and 12 team that have never won a Super Bowl . The Lions' playoff win came during the 1991 season, when Detroit defeated Dallas in the divisional playoff round . Prior to the Super Bowl era, the Lions won four NFL championships (1935, 1952, 1953 and 1957).

How Lions' last NFL playoff win and ultra-rare triumph shaped one USA TODAY reporter

The Detroit Lions have won one NFL playoff game in the Super Bowl era.

I was there at the Silverdome 32 years ago, covering the game for the Lansing State Journal as a sidebar and notebook reporter – just a 21-year-old college student.

Looking back 30-plus years, receiving the responsibility to cover Lions games at the Silverdome was as surreal as it was motivational as it was educational as it was preposterous . — Jeff Zillgitt

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams vs. Lions wild card playoff score: Highlights and biggest plays

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