Matthew Stafford Benched This Weekend – What It Means for the Detroit Lions
The Los Angeles Rams are resting Matthew Stafford when the Rams take on the 49ers this Sunday (Jan. 7). That move could have big implications on what seed the Rams are heading into the playoffs. In turn, that could impact if the Detroit Lions will face Stafford and the Rams in the wildcard round at Ford Field. Here’s what it means for the Detroit Lions.
Right now, it’s most likely that the Detroit Lions will end the regular season the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs. To get to the No. 2 spot, they’d need to win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18 and also have both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles lose. I could actually see that happening, but it’s more likely that at least the Cowboys will win this weekend. So, if the Lions end the season as the No. 3 seed, they’ll likely either play the Los Angeles Rams or Green Bay Packers.
Currently, the Los Angeles Rams are the No. 6 seed in the NFC, which would put them against us. The Packers are right behind them, as are the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints and Vikings. But, the Rams play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. So, without Stafford, it’s going to be tough to win this game. The 49ers will probably bench some of their best players. But, not having Stafford seems like a bigger deficit to me. So, if the Rams lose, they could end up the No. 7 seed if the Packers also beat the Bears, and it seems likely that Green Bay will beat Chicago.
So, let’s go over all the possibilities. If the Rams win, they’ll be the No. 6 seed and go up against the Lions, unless the Lions end up the No. 2 seed. In order for the Lions to be No. 2, either the Eagles or Cowboys have to lose this weekend. If both the Rams and Packers lose this weekend, the Rams will also be No. 6 seed. But, if the Rams lose and the Packers win, the Rams will be the No. 7 seed. Those are your Week 18 scenarios.
At this point, I’m happy as long as the Lions aren’t playing the Seahawks in the wildcard round. We haven’t been able to beat them in the Dan Campbell era. But, I would prefer Green Bay over Los Angeles. This team is too special to get lost in a narrative that involves the past, ie. Stafford.
Detroit Lions Super Bowl Odds 2024
Backstory
The Detroit Lions are having one of the best years in the history of the franchise. They have the division title and will likely be the No. 3 seed going into the wildcard round, meaning they’ll host that first game. The Lions are hoping to win a playoff game for the first time since 1991.
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions Super Bowl Odds & Futures 2024
According to Lineups.com, the Detroit Lions’ NFC Winner Odds are +900. The Detroit Lions’ Super Bowl 58 Odds at +2200. So, what does that mean? Read on for the explaination.
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions Super Bowl Odds - Percentage
The Detroit Lions currently have the eighth-ranked odds in the league to win the Super Bowl at +2200. That’s around a 5% chance. Their odds of making the playoffs are -10000. Not bad, but I think we deserve a bit higher.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
What People Are Saying
Lineups.com says last weekend’s Cowboys game, albeit frustrating, shows that the Lions could make it to the Super Bowl. “The Lions performance against the Dallas Cowboys last Saturday on primetime was eye opening for all the right reasons,” they state.
They add, “Even in a loss, that type of performance was much needed to give Lions backers assurance that they can compete with them in a potential rematch in the playoffs.”
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Next challenge
Jared Goff and company’s next challenge is the Lions vs. Vikings game this Sunday (Jan. 7) at 1 p.m. EST. This game isn’t super important to the Lions, as they’ll probably end up a No. 3 seed regardless. What will be interesting is to see who clinches the No. 6 seed and goes up against the Lions in the wildcard round.
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
