NFL Playoffs: Lions edge Rams to snatch first playoff win since 1992

The Detroit Lions won their first playoff game in over three decades as they defeated the Los Angeles Rams in a tight 24-23 victory in the NFL wild-card round Sunday night at a raucous Ford Field.

After leading 21-17 at the half-time interval, both teams tightened up in the second half, with everything still to play for in the dying moments of the game. But with just over four minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Detroit halted a Rams drive and Los Angeles’ comeback momentum.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff, playing in a revenge game against his former team, was then able to secure two first downs with completions to running back David Montgomery and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to help run out the clock and seal the win.

The former first overall pick was sharp from the opening kickoff as he completed his first 10 passes and finished 22-of-27 for 277 yards and a touchdown to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta in the second quarter, who himself was questionable heading in to the game after suffering a knee injury in the final week of the regular season. Montgomery and Gibbs also went over for a touchdown each.

It wasn’t the return to Detroit that Matt Stafford was hoping for, having played for the Lions for 12 seasons prior to a move to Los Angeles, but he showed great grit and determination to stay in the game, having taken multiple knocks throughout the night. The main issue was converting in the redzone, where they were 0-for-3 and missed on a couple of throws, which ultimately meant they had to settle for field goals.

The outstanding rookie receiver Puka Nacua, who set rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards in the regular season, set a playoff rookie record for receiving yards with 181 on nine catches.

Detroit will now host the winner of the Philadelphia Eagles–Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup next Sunday.