Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Wildcard Predictions

SN Bender (Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-3):  The Lions were the best team against the spread this season at 12-5, and they were 3-1 S/U and 4-0 ATS in their past four games. The Matthew Stafford return game will be overwhelming, and the Rams have allowed just 86 rushing yards per game through a four-game winning streak. Detroit has 115 rushing yards or more in their home victories this season, and they should be able to lean on that to keep Jared Goff, who has a 107.9 passer rating at Ford Field, comfortable enough to avoid turnovers. Sam LaPorta (knee) is a tough injury, but that means more targets for Amon-Ra St. Brown. For all the talk about Dan Campbell's fourth-down calls, the Rams have a 61.9-percent conversion rate on fourth down with Sean McVay. Keep an eye on that.  Pick: Lions 28, Rams 24):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-wild-card-playoffs/b8805fe1c7ea7b828d70bf42

Biglead (LIONS (-3) over RAMS:  If you've been paying any attention at all then you know that no website on the face of the Earth has had more confidence in Dan Campbell's team and no other outlet has won as many hypothetical bets backing them. Matthew Stafford returning to the place that still loves him with a team that might be the second-best in the NFC is truly terrifying. So too is thinking about how many times we're going to hear about this storyline in the coming days. And how Stafford went to high school with Claytono Kershaw. Remember that ol' chestnut? Here's the thing, though. Lions fans have waited for a home playoff game for far too long to be scared. Aaron Glenn's defense had made real strides and isn't breaking while bending. All they need to do is hold the Rams to something like 26 points and you'd think Jared Goff's offense can get more than that in front of an insane crowd. It all sounds so simple. Lions 30, Rams 24):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-wildcard-playoff-predictions-picks-spread-lines-01hksz1j1rcc

O'HARA'S WILD CARD PREVIEW: Campbell wants Lions to stay true to what got them here (My pick: Lions 33, Rams 27):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-wild-card-preview-campbell-wants-lions-to-stay-true-to-what-got-them-here


Five things to watch as Lions seek playoff win against Rams; plus prediction (PREDICTION: Lions 31, Rams 27. The Rams may be hot, but the Lions seem to be playing their best at the right time. Playing at Ford Field is a definite advantage.):  https://lionslowdown.com/2024/01/13/five-things-to-watch-as-lions-seek-playoff-win-against-rams-plus-prediction/

SI All Lions Predictions: Rams-Lions (All 5 pick the Lions to win by scores of 27-24, 30-20, 31-28, 27-24, 23-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/predictions-rams-lions-playoffs

Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams Wild Card Round: Prediction, odds, picks (Prediction: Detroit 25 - Los Angeles 23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/detroit-lions-vs-los-angeles-rams-wild-card-round-prediction-odds-picks

Lions Wire Lions vs. Rams: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction (Final score prediction
The Lions have more paths to victory than the visiting Rams, and I think they find just enough trails to win. Lions 30, Rams 27.):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/14/lions-vs-rams-last-minute-thoughts-game-breakdown-final-score-prediction/

Super Wild Card Weekend NFL game picks: Chiefs, Bills, Cowboys unanimous winners; Rams or Lions? (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 27-25, 25-23, 27-23.  2 pick the Rams to win by scores of 27-25, 31-27):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-picks-super-wild-card-weekend-2023-nfl-season

Our guide to the NFL wild-card round: Picks, predictions and stats to know for all six matchups (Moody's pick: Rams 28, Lions 24.  Walder's pick: Lions 24, Rams 20):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nflviewguide011224/nfl-wild-card-playoff-schedule-game-guide-odds-injuries-stats-2023

Freep (2 pick the Lions to win by scores of 28-27, 28-24.  2 pick the Rams to win by scores of 33-28, 31-28):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/01/14/detroit-lions-los-angeles-rams-predictions-nfl-playoffs-matthew-stafford/72216414007/

NFL.com Rams vs. Lions preview | Super Wild Card Weekend (6 pick the Rams to win by scores of 30-28, 27-24, 31-24, 30-27, 35-31, 29-28. 4 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-30, 27-24, 31-30, 30-29):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/rams-vs-lions-preview-super-wild-card-weekend

USA Today Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 27-24, 30-23, 28-24.  2 pick the Rams to win by scores of 24-21, 26-24):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/01/12/los-angeles-rams-detroit-lions-playoff-game-predictions-picks-and-odds/72143102007/

USA Today (3 pick the Rams to win by scores of 28-27, 27-23, 34-31.  1 picks the Lions to win 28-24):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl-picks/2024/01/12/nfl-playoff-picks-predictions-spread-wild-card/72195336007/

CBS Breech (No. 6 L.A. Rams (10-7) at No. 3 Detroit Lions (12-5):  For the first time in 30 years, the Detroit Lions will be hosting a playoff game. And now, there's only one thing standing in the way of the Lions getting their first playoff win in more than three decades: Matthew Stafford.  This is like if you invited your ex to your wedding and she shows up with Brad Pitt as her date and that's all anyone wants to talk about. You get overshadowed on your own wedding day, which is happening here: The Lions are hosting a postseason game for the first time since January 1994, but the main storyline this week is definitely going to be Stafford's return. It's also my favorite storyline of Super Wild Card Weekend.  Stafford will get to start a playoff game in Detroit, which is something he NEVER got to do during his 12 seasons with the Lions. Detroit went to the playoffs three times with Stafford, but all three of those games were played on the road. Also, this will be Stafford's first game IN Detroit since being traded to the Rams back in March 2021.   As much fun as Stafford's return is going to be, it feels like all the pressure this week is on the Lions. For one, they're the higher seed and they're favored to win.  Also, Jared Goff is going to be facing a ton of pressure, and that's because he'll be facing a team and a head coach that traded him away because they didn't want him anymore. There is no one on the planet who understands Goff's weaknesses more than Sean McVay, which could put the Lions in a tough spot. There's a reason McVay wanted to move on from Goff, but the flip side to that is that you have to think there's no one Goff would love to beat more than McVay and the Rams.  The Goff versus Stafford battle will be the first QB matchup in postseason history between two starters who are both facing their former team. I would love to see the Lions get their first playoff since since 1992, but here's the problem: They can't stop the pass.  The Lions are surrendering 247.4 passing yards per game this year, which is the sixth-worst number in the NFL, and that's definitely not a good thing when you're getting set to face a Rams offense that should be fully healthy. The Rams have only had eight games this season where Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua all played. In those eight games, Stafford threw 18 TD passes compared to just three interceptions and the Rams averaged 28.5 points per game while going 6-2.  The Lions haven't won a playoff game since January 1992, and if they were playing any other team, Stafford would almost certainly be cheering for them to win, but now, he's going to cause more suffering for this fan base. The Lions are the only team in the NFL that has NEVER won in the wild-card round, and I don't think that drought ends this year.  The pick: Rams 27-24 over Lions):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-wild-card-playoff-picks-rams-stun-lions-in-detroit-cowboys-cruise-past-packers-chiefs-top-dolphins/

SN Iyer (Upset of the Week: Rams (+3, 51.5 o/u) over Lions.  The Rams first got a Super Bowl win out of the Matthew Stafford trade. The Lions later got the foundation for a strong young playoff team, with Jared Goff providing the right veteran guidance under Dan Campbell. The Rams, who were supposed to be headed to rebuild mode under Sean McVary in 2023, are intersecting the Lions with their own mini, quicker resurrection.  The Lions have a good running game, but that's the Rams' defensive strength. The Rams have a good running game, but that's the Lions' defensive strength. So this game will be the expected and desired shootout between Stafford and Goff in Ford Field. Although Goff is better at home, recent play suggests it's easier to trust Stafford to make more big plays with fewer big mistakes. Goff has Amon-Ra St. Brown once again to lead his charge, but rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is key absence in this matchup. Stafford produces more points with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua taking turns.  Pick: Rams win 31-27.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-against-spread-wild-card-playoffs/d4f4596e6e99fa929940c815

Walter football (Week 19 NFL Pick: Rams 27, Lions 20):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2023_19late.php

CBS Prisco (Los Angeles Rams (+3) at Detroit Lions:  This is the game featuring two quarterbacks traded for each other in Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. The Rams are the surprise team in the NFC playoffs, but they will be a tough out. I think Stafford and the Rams will get the best of the Lions defense, while Goff will also play well. There will be a lot of points. I will take the Rams in an upset. Pick: Rams 31, Lions 30):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-super-wild-card-weekend-nfl-picks-rams-buccaneers-pull-off-shockers-cowboys-packers-in-shootout/

CBS Sullivan (Rams at Lions:  I was admittedly rooting for the Rams to beat the 49ers last week, so we'd get this matchup. The Lions are hosting a playoff game for the first time in decades and who do they see walking through the doors of the visiting locker room? MATTHEW STAFFORD! It's an incredible turn of events that Stafford faces his former team and Goff also goes toe to toe with the team that traded him away a few seasons ago as well. From an off-field narrative standpoint, you can't ask for much better. And I think Stafford is going to get the better of the Lions here with the Rams pulling off the upset. The Rams are one of the hottest teams entering these playoffs as they are 7-1 in their last eight games. They are averaging 28.3 points per game over that stretch (fourth-best in the NFL) and averaging 385.6 total yards per game. Detroit's defense has been a massive problem for them this season and could lead this game into becoming a shootout. The secondary allowed 7.2 yards per pass (30th in the NFL) and the defense ranked 29th in red zone touchdown efficiency in the regular season. If this turns into a high-flying affair, my money is on Stafford, who is 4-0 in the playoffs as the Rams QB. For what it's worth, Sean McVay is also 3-1 ATS in road playoff games.  Projected score: Rams 27, Lions 24):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-wild-card-playoff-picks-matthew-stafford-rams-upset-lions-in-detroit-bucs-send-eagles-packing/

Pro Picks (LOS ANGELES RAMS at DETROIT - Line: Lions minus 3.  The Rams (10-7) enter the playoffs as a dangerous team in a season that started with low expectations. Sean McVay has won a Super Bowl, but this could be his best coaching job yet.  Stafford has been outstanding for much of the season. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams have been revelations. On the defensive side, star tackle Aaron Donald is having another excellent season.  But the Lions (12-5) matched a single-season franchise record for victories and won a division title for the first time in 30 years. Former Rams QB Jared Goff has led a powerful offense that could be missing rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who has an injured knee. Goff may have to depend more on Amon-Ra St. Brown and his running backs.  UPSET SPECIAL: RAMS, 27-26):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-pro-picks-wild-card-round-f27533d840e55aca0277102052890b8a

PFT’s Super Wild Card 2023 picks, Florio vs. Simms (Rams at Lions (-3) - Same thinking, same projected score. Matthew Stafford goes back to Detroit and steals a win.  Florio: Rams, 30-27.  Simms: Rams, 30-27.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-super-wild-card-2023-picks-florio-vs-simms

CBS Dubin (Prediction: Rams 27, Lions 24.  The Lions are everyone's favorite darlings, and they're a really good team. When it comes to closely contested playoff matchups, though, I tend to lean toward the quarterback I feel better about, and the team with the stars to take over the contest. In this case, that means Stafford and Donald and Nacua and Kupp pulling off the upset.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-vs-lions-time-how-to-watch-live-stream-key-matchups-prediction-for-super-wild-card-weekend/

Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Predictions: Keys to the Game, Plus Players To Watch (Prediction: Rams 24, Lions 21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/los-angeles-rams-detroit-lions-predictions-wild-card-2024/

Wild Card Weekend Blazin' 5: Can underdogs rule as postseason begins? (Rams @ Lions (-3) - 8:15 p.m. ET Sunday, NBC.  Colin's pick, score prediction: Rams +3 (Rams win 28-27).  Colin's thoughts: "Too many injuries for the Lions. The Rams are 7-2 since 2018 in the playoffs. Only the Chiefs have a better winning percentage. Sean McVay in big games is excellent. They've won seven of eight games since the bye and their only loss was to the red-hot Ravens in overtime. The Rams are a good football team."):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/wild-card-weekend-blazin-5-can-underdogs-rule-as-postseason-begins

Final score prediction for Rams vs. Lions in wild-card round (Prediction: Rams 30, Lions 27):  https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/14/rams-lions-final-score-prediction-playoffs-wild-card/

Sports Book NFC Wild Card: Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions odds, picks and predictions (Prediction

Yardbarker NFC Super Wild Card Weekend predictions: Cowboys, Eagles headed in opposite directions, thriller in Detroit (No. 6 Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at No. 3 Detroit Lions (12-5) | Sunday, 8 p.m. ET:  Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit with Los Angeles being arguably the hottest team in the NFC over the last two months, going 7-1 since Week 11. Meanwhile, the Lions haven't been good on defense over the last month of the season, allowing more than 300 passing yards in each of their final three games, two of which came against Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens. Stafford presents a much tougher challenge.  Rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua and veteran Cooper Kupp have favorable matchups against corners Cameron Sutton and Jerry Jacobs, who combined to allow 107 receptions, 1,491 yards and 12 touchdowns with only four interceptions this season, per PFF. Lions quarterback Jared Goff should find success targeting wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, but in a game that projects to be the highest-scoring of wild-card weekend, it will be the Rams veterans making the key plays late.  PREDICTION: Rams, 34-31):   https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfc_super_wild_card_weekend_predictions_cowboys_eagles_headed_in_opposite_directions_thriller_in_detroit/s1_13132_39802165

Non-Score Predictions:



ESPN (5 pick the Lions to win.  5 pick the Rams to win):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/picks

'GMFB' makes Super Wild Card game picks for NFC' (2 pick the Lions and 2 pick the Rams):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gmfb-makes-super-wild-card-game-picks-for-nfc

CBS (3 pick the Rams to win.  2 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/picks/experts/straight-up/19/


Athletic (6 pick the Rams to win.  3 pick the Lions to win):   https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nfl-wild-card-nfc-rams-lions-updates-playoffs/0K6XtCP9atcG/


57 pick the Rams to win.  46 pick the Lions to win.  Average Predicted Score (1514-1475/56):  Rams 28 Lions 27.
Posted by LionsFan at 11:19 AM

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