The biggest day in Detroit Lions football is upon us! The 12-5 Lions welcome the 10-7 Los Angeles Rams to Ford Field on Sunday night. It is the biggest game in 30 years. It promises to be a dramatic and emotional evening in the Motor City. Here is everything you need to know about Lions vs. Rams.
When and Where is this Game?
The game takes place at Ford Field. It is the first Lions playoff game in Ford Field history. Kick-off is at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Form Guide
The Lions finished 12-5. It was their best season in three decades.
LA finished in red-hot form. The Rams went 7-1 after their bye week. They finished with a 10-7 record.
Injury Report
Detroit’s main injury concerns surrounded rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. The Iowa product’s fitness improved through the week, and he is trending towards playing.
Wideout Kalif Raymond is out. Meanwhile, tight end James Mitchell is on injured reserve with a hand injury. Jerry Jacobs is also on injured reserve. James Houston did complete a whole week of training, but this game has come too early for him.
The Lions announced these roster moves on Saturday.
James Houston, Linebacker, Ankle – Out
Jerry Jacobs, Cornerback, Thigh/Knee – Out
James Mitchell, Tight End, Hand – Out
Kalif Raymond, Wide Receiver, Knee – Out
Sam LaPorta, Tight End, Knee – Questionable
John Cominsky, Defensive Lineman, Illness – Questionable
#Lions announce roster moves:
Placed CB Jerry Jacobs & TE James Mitchell on Injured Reserve
Signed TE Anthony Firkser & CB Chase Lucas to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad
Elevated DL Tyson Alualu & FB Jason Cabinda to the Active/Inactive list from the Practice Squad
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 13, 2024
The Rams have a longer list of questionables. Tyler Higbee’s status is one to watch on gameday. Safety Jordan Fuller has missed consecutive training sessions as well.
Tyler Higbee, Tight End, Shoulder – Questionable
Jordan Fuller, Safety, Ankle – Questionable
Joe Noteboom, Guard, Foot – Questionable
Troy Reeder, Linebacker, Knee – Questionable
Kevin Dotson, Guard, Shoulder – Questionable
Bobby Brown, Defensive Tackle, Illness – Questionable
Betting Odds
FanDuel Sportsbook currently has the game like this:
Detroit Lions
SPREAD-3-115
MONEYLINE-164
TOTALÂ U 51.5-105
LA Rams
SPREAD+3-105
MONEYLINE+138
TOTALÂ O 51.5-115
What They’ve Said
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff crystalized his aims when speaking to the media:
“I so badly want to win a playoff game for this city that hasn’t had one in so long. We’ve got a home playoff game for the first time in so long, and that’s so much more important than anything personally for me. I want to be a part of this win and do my job to the best of my ability.”
Matthew Stafford said the following ahead of his Ford Field return:
“It’ll be an awesome atmosphere. I’m excited for everybody to get to play in that game and go have some fun.”
What Is at Stake?
The simple answer is a spot in the NFL Divisional Round. But there is so much more on the line for the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell’s team has the opportunity to banish the ghosts of Same Old Lions. The Detroit Lions stand on the edge of something special on Sunday night.