DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are probably going to host either Matthew Stafford or the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the playoffs, but which would fans prefer?
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With one week left in the regular season, the Lions are guaranteed to play either the Rams or Packers unless they somehow jump up to the No. 2 seed. That would require the Lions to beat the Vikings, the Commanders to beat the Cowboys, and the Giants to beat the Eagles.
In other words: Not happening.
That means the Lions will play the Rams, unless the Packers beat the Bears and the 49ers beat the Rams this weekend. In that case, it would trigger Packers-Lions Round 3.
Both matchups come with potential concerns. Obviously, the last time Detroiters saw the Packers, they were running all over Ford Field en route to an easy win on Thanksgiving Day. It was a jarring performance by the Lions, and unrecognizable from the Thursday Night Football beatdown they handed the Packers in Lambeau.
Since their win in Detroit, the Packers have been a bit hard to figure out. They beat the Kansas City Chiefs and blew out the Vikings in Minnesota, but also lost to the Giants, got worked over by the Buccaneers, and nearly blew a big lead against the lowly Panthers.
Lions fans know as well as anyone that the good version of Green Bay is a problem, but the bad version is just... bad.
The Rams, on the other hand, have been the most consistent team in the NFC since their Week 10 bye. They’re 6-1 over that span, with the only loss coming in overtime on the road against the 13-3 Ravens.
The schedule hasn’t been overly difficult for the Rams, but that stretch does include wins over playoff contenders like Cleveland, New Orleans, and Seattle.
Then, of course, there’s the elephant in the room.
Yes, this season should be considered a success for the Lions no matter what happens in the postseason. They won their first NFC North title and finally brought playoff football to Ford Field.
But one way to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth would be Stafford coming into Detroit and eliminating the Lions after he didn’t win a playoff game here for 12 seasons.
The flip side is obviously that the Lions could beat Stafford and give fans some extra satisfaction. But that comes with the risk of further heartbreak, and fans here have had more than their fair share over the decades.
So is it the Rams or the Packers? Stafford or a division rival? Both matchups have their pros and cons. Which would you prefer?
