The Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions share one of the NFL’s longest interconference rivalries, a series that has spanned nearly nine decades and produced dramatic moments, memorable quarterbacks and shifting fortunes for both franchises. All-time, the Rams hold a narrow edge in the series, with a 45-41-1 record against the Lions dating back to their first meeting in 1937.
The two teams have met 89 times including regular season and playoffs, with each side claiming big victories and enduring lopsided defeats. Detroit’s largest win came in 2010 with a 44-6 rout, while the Rams’ biggest margin came in 1950 with a 65-24 victory.
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A Quarterback Swap That Altered Both Franchises
Perhaps the defining storyline connecting these teams over the last several seasons has been the blockbuster 2021 trade that sent veteran Matthew Stafford from the Lions to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff, draft capital and future picks. Stafford, Detroit’s former No. 1 overall pick in 2009, brought immediate success to Los Angeles, culminating in a Super Bowl LVI title in his first season with the Rams. Goff, the Rams’ 2016 No. 1 pick, became Detroit’s franchise quarterback and helped transform a once-struggling Lions team into playoff contenders.
The trade is widely regarded as one of the most impactful in recent NFL history, altering the trajectories of both teams. In Los Angeles, Stafford’s strong arm and leadership fueled a Super Bowl run. In Detroit, Goff’s arrival coupled with high draft picks acquired in the swap helped the Lions build a roster capable of winning the NFC North and earning the NFC’s top seed during the 2024 season.
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Recent Matchups and Playoff Drama
The rivalry has included several recent high-stakes meetings. In January 2024, the Lions defeated the Rams 24-23 in a wild-card playoff game, with Goff and Stafford facing their former teams and close friends in a dramatic NFC showdown.
The 2024 regular season saw Detroit again top Los Angeles, with the Lions posting a 26-20 victory on Sept. 8, extending Detroit’s recent edge in the series. Overall, the Lions have won three of the last five meetings, reflecting a competitive balance not always expected in a long-running rivalry.
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The two clubs often meet at pivotal moments in their seasons, and their matchup this week carries playoff implications for both. The Lions, sitting at 8-5, are battling for postseason positioning, while the Rams at 10-3 are vying for NFC supremacy.
More Than Just Numbers
The long history of the rivalry encompasses decades of NFL evolution, from leather helmets and ground-and-pound football in the mid-20th century to today’s pass-heavy, analytics-driven game. Despite frequent scheduling quirks that keep the teams apart most seasons, recent years have brought them together with greater regularity, including non-divisional opponents meeting regularly due to shared NFC status.
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Stafford and Goff have become symbolic of the rivalry’s modern era — intertwined stories of talent, opportunity and franchise transformation. Stafford’s drive to bring a championship to Los Angeles has already yielded a title, while Goff’s journey in Detroit has seen the Lions rise to heights not seen in decades. Both quarterbacks, traded for one another, have faced their former teams multiple times, adding narrative spice to each contest.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season winds down, the Rams-Lions rivalry remains compelling. With hard-fought games, historic context and personal storylines that transcend wins and losses, this interleague matchup continues to captivate fans and influence postseason races. Whether in September or January, in Los Angeles or Detroit, Rams and Lions games bring a blend of tradition and modern NFL drama.
