The Rams won a Super Bowl with Stafford. Detroit Lions' draft choices helped them win their first division since 1993. Returning quarterback Jared Goff has been terrific.
Rams-Lions wild-card game stories abound. One is a major trade that improved both clubs. Both teams would undoubtedly be different without the Stafford trade.
This has long been anticipated by Detroit. The Lions' first playoff game will be at Ford Field, which debuted in 2002. In 1993, a young Brett Favre connected Sterling Sharpe on a game-winning touchdown to end Detroit's playoff hopes in the Pontiac Silverdome.
The Lions' postseason history is NFL legend. They've only won one postseason game since 1957 and none since 1991. Watch Sunday night's playoff game to watch a crowd that's been waiting for decades to burst.
Honestly? Nothing. The finest wild-card matchup. Both offenses score quickly. Both defenses are weak. Scores should be plentiful in this contest.
Great stories include quarterbacks fighting their trade partners and the Lions enjoying their greatest season in 30 years. Two well-matched teams and a terrific Detroit audience should enhance the theater. A Rams-Lions game will finish the weekend well.
The biggest wild card is Sam LaPorta. The Lions rookie tight end had a great season before Week 18 knee injury. Despite being out for a time, he claimed Thursday he took repetitions in practice and hope to participate. That affects the Lions' offense if he plays.
Someone must join Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit's passing game if he doesn't play. Jameson Williams may be crazy. Injury and suspension sidelined the 2022 first-round pick for a season and a half. In 12 games, he had 24 receptions for 354 yards and three touchdowns and displayed speed and playmaking abilities. Despite his inconsistent production, the Lions may need Williams on Sunday night if LaPorta can't play.