Rams vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Wild Card Odds, Prediction
The Lions acquired Goff in a blockbuster trade with the Rams in 2021, which sent veteran pivot Matthew Stafford to the coast. Stafford went on to lead the Rams to glory at Super Bowl 56. But while Goff played a key role as the Lions claimed this season’s NFC North title, he now faces the daunting task of guiding the Lions to their first playoff win since 1992.
The Lions’ unenviable playoff track record has not dampened their position on the NFL Wild Card Weekend odds, where they have emerged as a -115 bet to cover as 3-point favourites. The Rams are pegged as +140 road underdogs on the NFL moneyline in their first playoff game since their Super Bowl victory two years ago, and the total is pegged at 51.5.
NFL Wild Card Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Lions’ playoff swoon is truly epic in proportions. Detroit has lost nine straight in NFL playoff action, capped by a crushing 26-6 loss in Seattle on Wild Card Weekend seven years ago. Overall, the Lions have averaged just 18.2 points per game and compiled a dismal 1-7-1 against the spread record during their playoff slide, with six of their nine defeats coming by double-digit margins. However, Detroit emerged as an offensive force while compiling a 12-5 record this season, averaging 27.1 points per game, and has racked up 30.4 points per game while winning six of seven home dates.
The Rams enter the NFL playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league after closing out their schedule on a 7-1 SU run that featured wins in three of their past four home contests. The Rams have also steadily emerged as a reliable bet since enduring a 1-5 ATS midseason slide. LA has covered in five of their past six contests, and in addition to its current 7-2 SU run in playoff action, the team has posted convincing wins in two straight dates with the Lions.
Los Angeles Rams
Hobbled by injuries up and down the lineup early on this season, the Rams have steadily rounded into form as their health has improved. Matthew Stafford has flashed vintage form while tossing for 15 total touchdowns over his past six outings. However, he felt the pressure from a ferocious New York Giants pass defence in his last appearance in Week 17, throwing just one scoring pass against two picks while getting sacked four times in a narrow 26-25 win that clinched a playoff spot. Most of the Rams’ starters were used sparingly, if at all, in a meaningless 21-20 win over San Francisco’s B team last weekend. However, some notables remain listed on the Rams injury report entering the weekend including tight end Ty Higbee, who remains listed as questionable with a shoulder injury that limited him at practice this week.
Detroit Lions
A controversial 20-19 loss to Dallas in Week 17 meant there was little opportunity for Lions starters to enjoy some rest last weekend. That defeat handed the NFC top seed to the 49ers, who enjoyed the benefit of a nothingburger game versus LA last week while Detroit vied for the No. 2 seed. While the Lions earned a 30-20 win over Minnesota in their season finale, it wasn’t enough to seize the No. 2 spot from the Cowboys, and came at a huge cost, with promising rookie tight end Sam LaPorta suffering a serious knee injury that forced him to miss practice all week. However, Jared Goff still enjoys a wide array of downfield options that he can target against a Rams pass defence that has allowed 13 total scoring passes over the past six games. Amon-Ra St. Brown has remained Goff’s favourite target while averaging 113 receiving yards and making four scoring catches over the past four games, while David Montgomery has run for TDs in each of the past three games.
LAR
DET