By Sunday 
It’s the kind of story that almost writes itself—just not the kind Lions fans want to read.
Matthew Stafford, once the face of the Detroit Lions franchise, now a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Los Angeles Rams, might be returning to Ford Field. But according to a Pro Football Network prediction, that return wouldn’t be for a nostalgic tribute or jersey retirement—it’d be to crush Detroit’s playoff dreams.
A Familiar Face, a New Threat
Let’s rewind a bit. Stafford gave Detroit everything he had. Grit, loyalty, and unforgettable moments—just without the postseason success. And while his departure in 2021 to the Rams marked the end of an era, it also brought closure: he deserved a shot at a title, and he got it.
Fast forward to the present, and the Lions are riding high. A 15-2 season, a reshaped roster, and a sense that this team is finally ready to contend. But in PFN‘s playoff projection? All of that promise ends not with a trip to the Super Bowl, but with a gut punch at the hands of—you guessed it—Stafford and the Rams.
PFN Predicts a Lions Letdown
In their simulated bracket, the Lions land the NFC’s No. 2 seed. But their playoff run is short-lived. The prediction? A loss in the Divisional Round to the Rams, who enter as the 3-seed behind a rejuvenated offense featuring Davante Adams.
“In the end, the Rams pull off the upset,” PFN writes. “Sean McVay has a loaded offense that added Davante Adams this offseason, and as the young defense continues to grow, LA’s outlook is bright.”
It’s not just a loss—it’s that loss. In that building. With that quarterback.
Don’t Count Detroit Out
To be fair, PFN points to real concerns—namely, changes on the coaching staff and the loss of key offensive linemen like Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. But let’s not act like the Lions are suddenly in shambles.
Detroit responded by signing veteran Trystan Colon and has a solid fallback option in Graham Glasgow. This is still one of the best O-lines in the league. One or two pieces missing? Sure. But this team has the depth—and the coaching chops—to adapt.
And honestly, it feels like we’ve heard this narrative before: Detroit can’t finish the job. But this is a new era. A team led by Dan Campbell, Jared Goff, and a locker room that believes.
Final Thoughts
Look, a Stafford revenge tour in Ford Field would be poetic in the most painful way. But predictions are just predictions. If anything, this one should light a fire under the Lions and their fans.
Because if there’s one thing Detroit does well, it’s rise when counted out.
And if this matchup really happens? You can bet Ford Field will be electric—and more than ready for closure.