Lions-Rams first round playoff matchup: Stafford makes first return to Detroit

DETROIT – We finally know who will be visiting Detroit for the first ever playoff game at Ford Field next weekend.

The Lions finished their regular season on Sunday, beating the Vikings for their franchise-record tying 12th win. They’ll have the No. 3 seed in the NFC, which means they’ll take on the No. 6 seed — the Los Angeles Rams.

Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will make his first return to Ford Field since being traded for current Lions quarterback Jared Goff three years ago, adding extra drama to the first home playoff game in Detroit since 1993. It’ll surely be the top storyline in the first round of the playoffs.

Stafford played 12 years in Detroit and still holds all major franchise passing records. He was never able to win a playoff game in Detroit, but led the Rams to a Super Bowl win two seasons ago.

The Rams started the season off slow but have been on a tear in the second half of the year, finishing the season with a 9-8 record, even resting starters, including Stafford, in their final game Sunday vs. the 49ers.

The Lions enter the game with a 6-2 home record. The Rams are 4-5 on the road. Detroit will likely be without star rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who left the game with a knee injury vs. the Vikings.

The Lions will be looking to snap the NFL’s longest playoff win drought dating back to 1991, the last time Detroit had 12 wins in a season.

We don’t know the day and time of the first round playoff matchup just yet — the schedule won’t be complete until the end of games Sunday night. But you can bet it’ll probably be in a primetime slot. Stay tuned.