Matthew Stafford downplays potential high-stakes playoff matchup

Fate is funny.  It brings about the most consequential outcomes, creating some of the best games in NFL history.  Matthew Stafford and his Los Angeles Rams playing the Detroit Lions could now be that. The only issue is that the veteran quarterback is downplaying the possibility of playing his former team. “No, no. Like I […]

Ian Kayanja
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Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gestures in the second half against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fate is funny. 

It brings about the most consequential outcomes, creating some of the best games in NFL history. 

Matthew Stafford and his Los Angeles Rams playing the Detroit Lions could now be that. The only issue is that the veteran quarterback is downplaying the possibility of playing his former team.

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to enter the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to enter the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium.Image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“No, no. Like I said, there’s a lot of ball to be played between now and then,” Stafford said on the "Thursday Night Football" postgame show. 

“We’re just trying to get in the dance, that’s the main goal. Get in, be the best seed you can be, figure out where we gotta go play after that. But there’s a lot of football to be played between now and then, and we have two tough opponents."

Stafford was traded to the Rams from the Lions in 2021. He won a Super Bowl with the franchise. But it has been in recent weeks where he has played the best football of his career. 

In leading the Rams back into playoff contention, Stafford didn't throw a single interception in December. He also threw 10-plus touchdowns, joining a list of Hall of Famers. 

Ahead of the Rams, however, is a matchup with the New York Giants on the last day of the year. Then, the Rams will play the San Francisco 49ers. 

If Los Angeles makes the playoffs and plays the Lions, it will not only be fate — it could be a historic. 

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