Detroit’s win was also the first play-off game in which both starting quarterbacks previously played for the opposing team as the Rams traded for Matthew Stafford in 2021, in exchange for fellow quarterback Jared Goff and three draft picks.
Stafford won the Super Bowl in his first season in LA and the 35-year-old was booed on his first return to Ford Field while Goff, who fell out of favour after leading the Rams to Super Bowl 53, has revived his career in Detroit.
The 29-year-old has helped the Lions transform their fortunes, and despite playing in front of an expectant home crowd, they hit the ground running, literally – David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs crashed into the end zone in the first quarter, either side of a Rams field goal.
The two quarterbacks – both former number one draft picks – then had a shootout in the second quarter, after which Detroit led 21-17 at half-time.
LA receiver Puka Nacua continued his record-breaking rookie season with a 50-yard touchdown, before Goff made a touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta and Stafford found Tutu Atwell for a 38-yard score.
Detroit added a field goal in the third quarter, only for LA to kick two of their own to get within one point with eight minutes left. But the celebrations could begin after Stafford was unable to get the Rams into a scoring position on their final possession.