Rams vs. Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jared Goff Get Revenge on Rams in NFC Wild Card Round?
Rams vs. Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jared Goff Get Revenge on Rams in NFC Wild Card Round?
The Lions fanbase is pumped. The get-in price for the Lions' Wild Card matchup against the Rams is super high compared to other games.
It's not only because the Lions finally made the playoffs and won the NFC North. It's also because Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford will play against their former teams in a huge NFC Wild Card matchup.
The Lions and Rams worked out a massive trade a few years ago that swapped the two. Stafford was a legend for Detroit but won a Super Bowl with the Rams. Now Goff is trying to give Detroit the Super Bowl that Lions fans hoped Stafford would've delivered on.
Can the Lions escape the pesky Rams on Sunday night?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions.
Rams vs. Lions Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date:Â January 14, 2024
- Game Time:Â 8:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch:Â NBC
Rams vs. Lions Odds
- Spread: Rams +3.5 (-110), Lions -3.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 51.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Rams (+150), Lions (-180)
Rams vs. Lions Injury Report
Rams
Questionable: OL Joe Noteboom (Foot), TE Tyler Higbee (Shoulder), LB Troy Reader (Knee), S Jordan Fuller (Ankle)
Out: DB Shaun Jolly (Undisclosed)
Lions
Questionable: TE Brock Wright (Hip), WR Jameson Williams (Ankle), TE Sam LaPorta (Knee), WR Kalif Raymond (Knee), LB James Houston (Ankle)
Out: G Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Back)
Rams vs. Lions Prediction
The Rams and Lions were both poor defensively this season. Yet, despite the lousy defense, both offenses found a way to outscore their opponents.
The Lions allowed 395 points this season. That averaged out to over 23 points per game. Meanwhile, the Rams allowed 377 points, which was 22.18 points per game.
Both secondaries played terribly, and the missed tackles piled up for both sides. However, upfront, the defensive lines for the Rams and Lions played at a higher level. But it doesn't matter when the secondary can't hold their own in coverage.
Detroit added 27.12 points per game behind Jared Goff. The Lions also nearly had two 1,000-yard rushers and helped Amon-Ra St. Brown to 119 receptions with over 1,500 yards and ten receiving touchdowns.
It's unclear if Sam LaPorta will play at tight end after hyperextending his knee in Week 18. However, he's still questionable. He likely won't be 100%, even if he does play.
On the other hand, Matthew Stafford helped Puka Nacua to a rookie record 105 receptions and 1,486 yards with six touchdowns. Nacua had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history despite Cooper Kupp also being on the field.
Meanwhile, the Rams also surprised in the run game. Kyren Williams added 228 carries for 1,144 yards with 12 touchdowns on the ground. He was one of the most surprising runners in the NFL this year. His season output reminded us why the Rams got rid of Cam Akers earlier in the season.
The Lions and Rams are typically good defensively against the run. However, both run blocks on offense have been consistent, and the runners on both teams have also broken out in a big way.
If the run game finds early success, the offenses can open the playbook and get down the field quickly.
That's why I like the Over in this late-night matchup.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Pick
- Over 51.5 -110 Â is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.