The most compelling matchup of NFL Wild Card weekend might be the one that features two NFC teams that traded their quarterbacks in a blockbuster deal three years ago.
Matthew Stafford, who never won a playoff game in over a decade with the Lions, will oppose former Ram Jared Goff, who led Los Angeles to a berth in Super Bowl 53.
Stafford was named to the Lions’ All-Time team and set a massive amount of franchise records. He went on to win Super Bowl 56 with the Rams and now stands in the way of Detroit winning its first postseason game in over 30 years.
Let’s dig into the latest SNF odds for this intriguing NFC postseason clash.
Rams vs Lions Odds
SNF odds are current as of Monday, Jan. 8, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rams (+145) @ Lions (-175)
- Spread: Rams +3.5 (-120) @ Lions -3.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: Over 51.5 (-112) / Under 51.5 (-108)
Sunday Night Football Prediction
Lions 30, Rams 27
This should be a hotly contested and entertaining first-round matchup, as the Lions are potent and hungry, and the Rams have some experience on their side.
Los Angeles has been overcoming expectations all season and finished strong. The Rams won seven of their final eight games, with the only loss during that span to Baltimore in overtime.
Losing their first playoff game at Ford Field would seem to play into the historical Lions narrative of stumbles and disappointments, but ultimately, Los Angeles’ 20th-ranked pass defense won’t be able to make a stop when it counts most.
Sunday Night Football Best Bet
Over 51.5 (-112)
Detroit has scored 30-plus points in four of its last six games and averaged 30.5 points per game at home during the regular season.
Los Angeles has scored 26-plus points in six of its last seven games.
Goff led the NFC in passing yardage this season, and the Rams can punch right back on offense with Stafford, who was named to the Pro Bowl, and RB Kyren Williams, who ranked third in the NFL in rushing.
Strap in for an offensive ride that also features established top WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown (third in the NFL in receptions and receiving yards) and Cooper Kupp, plus breakout rookies Puka Nacua (set rookie records with 105 receptions and 1,486 yards) and Jahmyr Gibbs.
The amount of offensive talent on both sides in this game points to the Over being a prime play.
Sunday Night Football Parlay
I will post my featured Sunday Night Football parlay later this week, including a lean to the Over and a player prop.
Sunday Night Football Prop Bet
When Rams-Lions player props are released, I will post my favorite one here.
I will consider an alternate receiving yards prop for St. Brown against a Los Angeles pass defense that has regularly been prone to coverage breakdowns.