NFL Wild Card Betting Picks: Rams at Lions

4mo

The NFL playoffs have arrived, and it all kicks off with a six-game Wild Card Weekend that begins on Saturday and finishes on Monday night. While each clash carries its own value and excitement, maybe no game has as much buzz to it as the matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.

If there was a script, there couldn't have been better writing to set up this game. Matthew Stafford will make his return to Detroit for the first time since being dealt to the Rams back in the 2021 offseason, and he will do so in what is the first home playoff game for the Lions in 30 years. It truly doesn't get much better than that.

The Rams surprised everyone this season, finishing with a 10-7 record and returning to the playoffs after a brutal campaign a year ago. Considering LA was expected to be among the bottom teams in the NFL, it's been nothing short of impressive how Rams coach Sean McVay and company have gotten themselves to this point.

Detroit had some big expectations for 2023 coming off the heels of their near playoff berth in 2022. The Lions not only met those expectations but surpassed them, winning their first NFC North title since 1993 with a 12-5 record -- a record tied for the best in the entire NFC.

What might fly under the radar a bit in the excitement of Stafford heading back to Detroit is that Jared Goff will be playing the same team -- and coach -- that moved on from him in favor of Stafford.

Each team has a strong offense and suspect defense, setting the stage for a possible shootout.

How will this game ultimately break down? Let's dive in and check out some bets to consider on FanDuel Sportsbook for Sunday's primetime playoff game.

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Spread, Moneyline, and Total

Spread: Lions -3.0 (-118)

Moneyline:

Los Angeles: +146
Detroit: -174

Total: 51.5

Rams-Lions Best Bets

Lions -3.0 (-118)

At the end of the day, the Lions have been one of the top teams all year long, and they have the edge of playing at Ford Field, which will surely be a raucous environment.

The Lions ranked fifth in the NFL with 27.1 points per game. According to numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics, the Lions had the sixth-best rushing offense, third-best passing offense, and fourth-best overall offense.

The Rams, on the other hand, are just a few points back offensively in terms of scoring at 23.8 points per game -- which ranked eighth in the regular season. Detroit finished with the seventh-best rushing offense, seventh-best passing offense, and eighth-best overall offense, per numberFire's metrics.

In short, these are two really good offenses.

On the defensive side -- you guessed it -- these two teams have similarities, as well.

Detroit has allowed 23.2 points per game while Los Angeles has surrendered 22.2 points per game. The Lions have shown some improvement in their last four games, letting up just 21.3 points per game, but it's still enough to keep these two teams close. The Rams have the slight advantage on D, according to numberFire, ranking 21st in overall defense, with the Lions ranking 23rd.

The return of C. J. Gardner-Johnson in Week 18 could be what gives the Lions' defense a huge lift.

Fans in Detroit have been waiting a long time for this opportunity and are going to be loud. Home field can be a big difference maker this weekend. The Ford Field crowd and the Lions' elite offense are reasons why Detroit should be able to cover as 3.0-point favorites -- even if I expect a strong fight from the Rams.

Over 51.5 (-110)

Given these two teams and all the offensive threats on each side of the field, I'm taking the over, as this very well could be the highest-scoring game of the weekend.

The 51.5-point total is the highest of the six-game Wild Card Weekend, and with each team boasting a strong offense and meh defense, it's easy to see why the total is where it is. Often, the tension and drama of postseason games can hurt the offensive output, but it's hard to envision that low of a score at Ford Field on Sunday night.

Each squad enters with some of the best skill players in football. The Rams sport the three-headed monster of Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp. Detroit is no slouch with Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way for them offensively.

There are currently Wild Card Weekend Specials available at FanDuel Sportsbook, with one of the options being St. Brown and Nacua to combine for 250-plus receiving yards at +600 odds. It's a bet to consider if you expect a lot of offense on Sunday night.

The Lions are notably 6-2 at home when hitting the over, so they've excelled in high-scoring home games, and with the Rams owning a 6-3 road record, both sides should be comfortable on Sunday. As an added bonus, the offenses won't have to deal with any of the weather elements that are forecasted to plague some of this week's other games.

Lions' First Drive Offensive Touchdown (+165)

The Lions come out of the gates hot in many of their games, and their first home playoff bout in 30 years should have them going early and often. Out of all the team props for this game between the Rams and Lions, this is one of the most intriguing in my eyes.

Detroit averages the third-most first quarter points in the NFL (6.5) while the Rams allow 4.3 points per game in the first quarter -- the 13th-most. LA's defensive clip goes up to 4.7 first-quarter points allowed per game when they're on the road.

In the regular season, no team scored a touchdown on their opening drive more than Detroit did as the Lions did it 47% of the time (8 out of 17 games). If there's a team to do it and an environment to help aid them in doing do, it will be Detroit this Sunday at Ford Field.

If you're betting on any of Saturday, January 13th's NFL playoff action, you can take advantage of FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Playoffs No-Sweat Same Game Parlay. Check the promotions page for more information.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.