NFL teams are learning their schedules for the 2025 season, and the Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Detroit Lions. Far from being just another game, quarterback Matthew Stafford faces an emotional challenge as he goes up against his former team, now led by star Jared Goff.
Stafford played 12 seasons with the Lions before being traded to the Rams in 2021. Without a doubt, facing Detroit again in Week 15—a place where he spent over a decade—will be a meaningful moment for the veteran Los Angeles quarterback.
On the other side, it will not just be an emotional test as he will also be facing a team with a real shot at making a deep run this season, led by a now established star in Goff. With that context in mind, Stafford did not miss the chance to share how he feels about the idea of facing his former team.
Stafford’s warning to Lions
“That’ll be fun. We’ve had some great matchups. 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,” Stafford said, in an interview with NFL Network.
Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
“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,” Stafford said.
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NFL News: Rams HC Sean McVay set to reunite Matthew Stafford with a Super Bowl LVI champion
Recent matchups between Stafford’s Rams and the Lions
Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season was the most recent meeting between the two teams since Stafford joined the Rams, with the Lions coming out on top 26-20. They had also faced each other during the 2021 regular season, when Los Angeles defeated Detroit 28-19. As for the playoffs, they clashed in the Wild Card round of the 2023 NFL postseason, where the Lions won again (24-23).
