The Detroit Lions are set to host their first playoff game in 30 years this Sunday night.
Detroit will take on the Los Angeles Rams at 8 p.m. from Ford Field in a game with plenty of storylines.
There’s no question that Ford Field and the city of Detroit will be rocking on Saturday.
If you weren’t lucky enough to get yourself a ticket to the game, you can still enjoy the experience of being downtown for the game thanks to Detroit’s three casinos.
Where you can watch Lions vs. Rams at Detroit casinos
Each of Detroit’s three retail casinos have a sportsbook lounge where you can catch the Lions vs. Rams on Sunday.
MGM Grand Detroit – BetMGM Sports Lounge
The BetMGM Sports Lounge is located inside the MGM Grand Detroit.
The lounge features 60 HDTVs with six betting windows and 33 self-service betting kiosks, as well as a full bar.
For Sunday’s game, there will be a DJ in the betting lounge. Seating is $25 per individual and the VIP areas that include high tops are $400 minimum.
Any guests of the lounge during the game will receive a Detroit Lions mug, while supplies last.
Visit the BetMGM Sports Lounge website to place a reservation.
MotorCity Casino – FanDuel VIP Lounge
Inside MotorCity Casino is FanDuel Sportsbook and its VIP Lounge.
The VIP Lounge is 1,100 square feet with 15 HDTVs with a full bar. Altogether, FanDuel Sportsbook is a two-story sportsbook with multiple bars, 67 HDTVs, 44 self-service kiosks and multiple betting windows.
There are multiple betting windows and self-service kiosks available.
There is no charge to watch the game from FanDuel Sportsbook available spaces. To reserve the VIP Lounge, you need to visit MotorCity Casino and go to the FanDuel location.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown – The Sportsbook
Formerly Barstool Sportsbook, The Sportsbook now resides on the second floor of Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
The venue holds 25 HDTVs, a 30’ video wall of game action, a betting window and 40 betting kiosks.
It’s also got a full bar, along with a restaurant.
You can submit a reservation for Sunday’s game by using their website.
Lions slightly favored vs. Rams
The Detroit Lions (12-5) come into this week as a slight favorite against the Los Angeles Rams (10-7).
NFL oddsmakers list the Lions as a 3.5-point favorite against the Rams currently.
Sunday’s game will be at 8 p.m. and air live on NBC and Peacock.
Ticketmaster and StubHub have tickets available on the re-sale market starting at over $400.
There’s a lot of to break down for this contest. Thankfully we have John Maakaron of All Lions to help us out.
Breaking down Lions vs. Rams
First home playoff game at Ford Field
Ford Field has never played host to an NFL playoff game for the Detroit Lions.
In 2005, Ford Field did play host to Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
However, Sunday’s game will be for the fans of Detroit, who have suffered through a lot of bad football to get to this moment on Sunday.
Expect the Lions fans to have that place rocking.
“I expect the atmosphere at Ford Field to be loud, frenzied, and the most electric in the history of the stadium,” Maakaron said. “The fanbase has waited a long time to be able to celebrate a home playoff game and this is the perfect team to cheer on.”
Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit
Adding to the buzz of a home playoff game is that the Lions will be welcoming back Matthew Stafford to Ford Field.
Stafford brings the Rams and their high-powered offense into town, just two years removed from winning the Super Bowl.
Stafford is arguably the greatest quarterback to wear a Lions jersey, playing his first 12 seasons in Detroit. However, it didn’t lead to any division titles or playoff victories.
Prior to the 2021 season, Stafford was traded to the Rams for Jared Goff and a pair of first-round draft picks.
Goff faces former team as well
Many could see this as an opportunity for Stafford to really stick it to Detroit, but this is also a big opportunity for Goff to stick it to the Rams.
The former No. 1 overall pick of the Rams will likely be without rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee injury) but Goff has played at a high level the last two years in Detroit.
Goff finished second in the NFL in passing yards with 4,575, while his 30 touchdown passes ranked fourth in the league.
“While many will focus on the return of Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff holds the key to success to advance past the Wild Card round,” Maakaron said.
“Detroit’s offense will miss Sam LaPorta, so players like Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and the dynamic duo at running back (David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs) must shoulder the load against one of the hottest teams in the NFL. I expect Goff to manage the game and take calculated risks. If the Lions offense can avoid turnovers, I expect this game to be a high-scoring affair.”
Can Detroit’s defense contain Stafford
Stafford brings an electric offense into Detroit this week. Receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp will be a challenge for the Lions’ 27th-ranked passing defense.
Running back Kyren Williams finished third in the NFL in rushing this season with 1,144 yards.
If Detroit is going to be successful on Sunday, it will have to put together a pass rush that can disrupt Stafford’s timing.
The Lions had 41 sacks this season, but the pass rush has been spotty. Aidan Hutchinson will be key if the Lions are to be successful. He had 11.5 sacks during the regular season, but also had 101 quarterback pressures.
“The defense must pressure Stafford and continue their recent trend of forcing turnovers. Aidan Hutchinson is the key for the Lions defensive line,” Maakaron said. “If he is a disruptor, Stafford is in for a long night in his return to the place he called home for 12 seasons.”
Dan Campbell and grit
The Lions have turned around the franchise behind third-year coach Dan Campbell and his “grit” philosophy.
The team has faced plenty of adversity this season, but went 12-5 without losing back-to-back games and collected a division title.
“The collection of talent on the Lions are gritty and able to bounce back from adversity,” Maakaron said. “To not lose back-to-back games all season is quite the accomplishment for Dan Campbell in his third season in Motown.”
Campbell hasn’t been afraid to gamble with play calls and fourth-down attempts. That isn’t likely to change for the playoffs.
Will he be able to be the man to guide this franchise to playoff success? Maakaron believes so.
“I expect the Lions to win a close, roller-coaster contest by grinding it out in the fourth quarter,” he said.
Either way, Sunday is likely to be an unbelievable atmosphere inside Ford Field. Buckle up for a ride.
