WXYZ (DeTROIT) — The opponent the Detroit Lions will take on in the Wild Card round of the playoffs is officially known. We have known for a few weeks that the Lions will play their playoff game at home.
Next week, the Lions will play the Los Angeles Rams at home in a playoff game. The franchise confirmed Sunday night that the Lions will play the Rams on Sunday Night Football on NBC. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
The Lions are hosting a playoff game for the first time in 30 years after clinching the NFC North with a win over the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Eve. They beat the Vikings again earlier today to finish the season at 12-5, their second 12-win season in franchise history.
There’s a number of storylines to keep in mind with this match-up, including:
Quarterback Matthew Stafford returns to Ford Field for the first time since he was traded to the Rams in January of 2021. After 11 seasons and three playoff appearances with the Lions, Stafford has since won a Super Bowl with the Rams. Hollywood couldn’t write a better script for the quarterback, whom many consider to be the greatest in franchise history.
The following players, including draft picks, were acquired by the Lions in the Stafford trade: tight end Sam LaPorta, defensive tackle Broderic Martin, cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu, quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Jameson Williams, defensive lineman Josh Paschal, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Without that deal and the guys they were drafted with, they would not be where they are now.
Brad Holmes, who spent 18 seasons with the Rams, most recently as their Director of College Scouting, was brought on board as general manager by the Lions.
It would be an understatement to say that Detroit will be thrilled about this matchup. For coverage during the game and in the aftermath, stick with 7 Action News.
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