Rams vs Lions opening odds: LA slim underdogs in the Wild Card Round
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By: Evan Craig
Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit on Wild Card Weekend
After a one-year hiatus from the postseason, the Los Angeles Rams will be facing the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round and are 3.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. This should be a special game for both quarterbacks as Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff are going against their old teams for just the second time. Stafford led LA to a 28-19 win over Goff and the Lions during the 2021 season.
It’s happening…
Jared Goff vs. Matthew Stafford
Rams vs. Lions in the Wild Card pic.twitter.com/9hLbmCAWpu
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2024
Despite the 49ers resting their starters, the Rams will happily take a win over their rival, defeating San Francisco 21-20 in Week 18. LA ended a nine-game regular season losing streak to their NFC West foe. Carson Wentz started in place of Stafford and performed well, going 17-of-24 for 163 yards and two touchdown passes. Wentz also led the team in rushing with 56 yards and a touchdown.
Carson Wentz rushing score? Carson Wentz rushing score.
After a successful 2-point conversion the Rams lead by 1!
FOX pic.twitter.com/dZ5HGA7RPI
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 7, 2024
Following that score on the ground, the veteran completed the two-point conversion to Tutu Atwell to put the Rams up by one with less than five minutes to go. Congratulations are also in order for Puka Nacua who set the all-time record for most receptions and yards by a rookie wideout.
Puka Nacua @AsapPuka
105 Receptions
1,486 Receiving YardsThe most receptions & most receiving yards by a rookie in a single season in NFL history. @BYUfootball @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/6z754YoUZF
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) January 7, 2024
The Lions clinched the NFC North ahead of the season finale but had an outside chance of earning the two-seed in the conference. That didn’t happen thanks to the Cowboys destroying the Commanders 38-10. Either way, Detroit is going into the playoffs on a positive note after beating the Vikings 30-20. Jared Goff was lights out as he threw for 320 yards, with touchdown passes to Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs each rushed in for a score as the Lions put the finishing touches on a memorable 12-5 campaign.
With RBs David Montgomery (13 TDs) & Jahmyr Gibbs (11), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (10) & TE Sam LaPorta (10) the @Lions are the second team in @NFL history with 4+ players each recording 10+ scrimmage TDs in a season.
They join the 2013 Broncos, who had 5 players each with 10+ TDs. pic.twitter.com/kn273FFSm4
— NFL345 (@NFL345) January 7, 2024
Who do you trust more this week? Will the Rams enter the playoffs well-rested and put a damper on the Lions’ season? Or will the Lions play inspired in their first home playoff game in 30 years? I expect this will be a high-scoring affair that’ll be decided in the final minute. Whoever has the ball last will win this game.
My pick is for the Rams to go over the spread, yet lose in a physical matchup with the overly hyped-up Lions at Ford Field. Who else on you picking on Wild Card weekend Turf Show Ramily?
