The Detroit Lions are enjoying a bye week following their victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, January 7, which secured them the top spot in the NFC and NFC North, ensuring they don’t play this weekend. However, their playoff path could still be impacted by changes to one of this weekend’s matchups.
This is Wild Card weekend in the NFL, and while the Lions are off, they’re closely watching the results, as they will face the lowest-seeded winner from the NFC Wild Card round. That could potentially be one of four teams: the Los Angeles Rams (No. 4 seed), the Minnesota Vikings (No. 5 seed), the Washington Commanders (No. 6 seed), or the Green Bay Packers (No. 7 seed).
NFL Relocates Wild Card Playoff Game Venue
The plot thickened on January 10, when the NFL made a significant announcement that could shift the dynamics of the Lions’ first playoff matchup. The Wild Card game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, originally set for SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, has now been moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This venue change comes in response to the destructive wildfires ravaging Southern California, with the NFL prioritizing public safety.
Why does this matter for the Lions? The Vikings and Rams are both contenders for the Lions’ first playoff opponent, but this change could tilt the balance in favor of the Vikings. With the Rams losing their home-field advantage, the Vikings could have a better chance of pulling off an upset, potentially setting up a rematch with the Lions rather than facing the Rams.
The NFL’s decision to relocate the game was not made lightly
A statement read, “In the interest of public safety, Monday’s Vikings-Rams Wild Card game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFLPA.”
Despite the venue change, the game will kick off at its originally scheduled time of 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+.
The move follows devastation caused by wildfires in Southern California, which have destroyed more than 5,000 structures and forced over 130,000 residents to evacuate, according to reports from L.A. Times and the Associated Press.
Former Lions quarterback and current Rams star, Matthew Stafford, expressed solidarity with the affected community: “Every time we suit up, we’re the Los Angeles Rams,” Stafford said. “We play for the people in this community, the people that support us, and this week will be another example of that.” Rams head coach Sean McVay added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires.”
Stay tuned as the Lions’ playoff journey could be influenced by the outcome of this Wild Card game under these unexpected circumstances.
