A first-half quarterback duel between Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford settled into a battle of attrition between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams during the second half.
But when it was all said and done, Goff and the Lions held on for a 24-23 home win over the Rams at Ford Field in Detroit in an NFC Wild Card matchup Saturday night.
Goff aired it out for 277 yards and a touchdown with Amon-Ra St. Brown being his favorite target in the victory as the wideout produced seven catches for 110 receiving yards. Rookie wideout Puka Nacua had nine receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown for the Rams.
The first half had Goff (194 passing yards and one touchdown) and Stafford (196 yards and two TDs) neck-and-neck with the Lions taking a slim 21-17 edge into halftime.
But the second half had the quarterbacks' fireworks curbed by the defenses as the Lions and Rams each only managed one field goal during the third quarter. The Rams then tacked on another field goal with 8:10 in the fourth quarter to pull within 24-23.
However, the Lions' defense made a stand on the Rams' next drive.
Goff's pass and St. Brown's reception on a 2nd & 9 possession during the Lions' final drive sealed Detroit's win with just under 2:00 left as it forced the Rams to burn their final timeout.