The Los Angeles Rams were happy to get quarterback Matthew Stafford for another year. There was some contract drama this offseason, but the two sides got it resolved. After a rough start last year, the team made the postseason and almost beat the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. It is a downtime for many veterans, but the NFL schedule has given people plenty to talk about. The Rams have another matchup scheduled with Stafford’s former team, the Detroit Lions. In an appearance on NFL Network, he talked about how excited he was to face his former team.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford On Playing Detroit
Matthew Stafford has played his former team three times since being traded. He won the matchup in 2021, but the last two have not gone his way. In the 2023 playoffs, the Lions beat the Rams at home and also beat them in week 1 of last season. In the 2025 season, the Lions will travel to California to take on the Los Angeles Rams in week 15, a matchup that could have playoff implications. Stafford talked with the panelists on NFL Network about how excited he was to face his former team again.
“That’ll be fun. We’ve had some great matchups. Dan (Campbell) and Jared (Goff) and those guys did a hell of a job the last couple years getting that thing turned in the right direction. They’re playing really good football. Lost some coordinators and that’s a challenge. Every season is a new season when you step out there and go play.
Definitely had some great matchups the last couple years against those guys. It’ll be interesting having it in our place in December. I’m sure it’ll be another good battle.”
The last two matchups have been very fun to watch. These are two of the best teams in the NFC. He seems excited to play them at home, as Ford Field has become a tough place to play.
The Rare Win-Win Trade
Usually, NFL trades have a clear winner and loser. When the Los Angeles Rams acquired Stafford for Jared Goff and some picks, many wondered which team would regret the decision. At this point, neither side is feeling bad about the outcome of the trade. The Rams got their Super Bowl with Stafford, and the window is still open. Detroit was able to restock its roster and resurrect Goff’s career. This trade put both of these teams on a higher trajectory, which is not something we see too often in sports.
Final Thoughts
I’m with Stafford. This is an exciting matchup to look forward to. While the matchup last year was a great way to kick off the season, a late-season matchup can be just as exciting. Both teams are hungry to return to the postseason and have reloaded their offenses through free agency and the draft. Mark your calendars now for this matchup in week 15.
