Lions beat Stafford, Rams, 24-23, in historic playoff win

Winning Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff greets former Lions QB and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford after the Lions pulled out a close wild-card playoff victory 24-23 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions' Sam LaPorta celebrates his touchdown reception from quarterback Jared Goff, on fourth down, in the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts after the Lions have a first down in the last minute of the game, securing the win.

Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson celebrates with John Cominsky and kicker Michael Badgley after the victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions receiver Josh Reynolds celebrates the Lions’ 24-23 playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams with fans after the game.

Lions fans celebrate at the end of the game.

Fans celebrate the Lions' 24-23 playoff victory over the Rams at Ford Field.

Detroit Lions receiver Josh Reynolds celebrates the Lions’ 24-23 playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams with fans after the game at Ford Field in Detroit.

Detroit Lions' Sam LaPorta celebrates his touchdown reception from quarterback Jared Goff, on fourth down, in the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell greets quarterback Jared Goff back to the sideline after throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

A Los Angeles Rams fan surrounded by a sea of Lions fans in the first half at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions fans celebrate their team in the first half at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Lions running back David Montgomery runs the ball during Detroit's opening drive. Montgomery scored to finish the drive.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford looks up to the stands after throwing a touchdown pass to Puka Nacua in the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Lions tight end Sam LaPorta goes out of bounds near the first down marker on the Lions' first touchdown drive against the Rams at Ford Field.

Detroit Lions fans celebrate their team in the first half at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ John Cominsky, with Chase Lucas in background, celebrate a victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds is dragged down after a reception in the first half.

Detroit Lions’ David Montgomery works up field with Los Angeles Rams’ Michael Hoecht defending in the first half.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff throws under pressure from Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald in the first half.

Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams defense in the second quarter.

Lions players take the field before their first-ever playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell congratulates Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds after a catch on the team's opening drive.

Lions running back David Montgomery scores a touchdown in the first half.

Lions running back David Montgomery (5) takes a bow after his touchdown in the first half.

Lions fans make some noise in the first half.

Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) fights for yardage with Rams safeties Jason Taylor II (25) and Russ Yeast (2) defending in the third quarter.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) evades an attempted tackle by Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (44) in the third quarter.

Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) converge on Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) in the fourth quarter.

Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) on coverage with this incomplete pass to Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) in the fourth quarter.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch and runs for a first down in the third quarter.

Lions wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Jameson Williams (9) signal a first down in the third quarter.

Fans cheer after the Lions get a first down to secure the win in the fourth quarter.

Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) and Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) react with Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) after a Rams’ incomplete pass in the fourth quarter.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff is introduced during pre-game.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) tries to get away from Rams safety John Johnson III (43) in the third quarter.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs as Rams cornerback Cobie Durant, right, comes in to tackle in the third quarter.

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) tries to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the third quarter.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to pass in the third quarter.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) signals on the line of scrimmage before the snap in the fourth quarter.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scrambles in the fourth quarter.

Fans cheer on the Lions in the fourth quarter.

Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) chases Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) in the fourth quarter.

Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) and Lions place kicker Michael Badgley (17) watch Badgley’s 44 yard field goal in the third quarter.

Lions running back David Montgomery celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wild-card playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff throws in the first half.

Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown hangs onto a reception with Los Angeles Rams’ Ahkello Witherspoon in the second quarter.

Los Angeles Rams’ Titi Atwell is all smiles after flipping into the end zone for a score in the second quarter.

Los Angeles Rams’ Titi Atwell is all smiles after flipping into the end zone for a score in the second quarter.

Lions staff check on Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after a play in the fourth quarter.

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) react after a defensive stop in the fourth quarter.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches the offense in the fourth quarter.

Lions fans celebrate near the end of the game.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks over the offense in the fourth quarter.

Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball with Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht (97) in pursuit in the fourth quarter.

Lions running back David Montgomery (5) pushes forward with Rams safety Russ Yeast (2) trying to tackle n the fourth quarter.

Fans cheer on the Lions in the fourth quarter. Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Rams in an NFL Wildcard game at Ford Field in Detroit on January 14, 2024. (Robin Buckson/The Detroit News)

Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) breaks up a pass to Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) in the fourth quarter.

Lions fans celebrate near the end of the game.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hands off to running back David Montgomery (5) in the fourth quarter.

Fans cheer on the Lions in the fourth quarter.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) in the fourth quarter.

Lions fans cheer in the fourth quarter.

Streamers start at the end of the game.

Streamers start at the end of the game.

Lions place kicker Michael Badgley (17) kicks the extra point in the first half.

Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) pushes against Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson (77) trying to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the first half.

Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) reacts towards the fans as he heads to the tunnel.

Matt Hornsby, 52, of Romeo, left, and Chris Evatt, 53, of Macomb strut in their outrageous Lions fan costumes outside Ford Field before the Lions playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Los Angeles Rams,' former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on the visitors bench before the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders talks with rap artists Eminem and Big Sean on the field before the game.

Martha Ford, former Lions owner and chairperson, talks with Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly and their children before the game.

Eminem and Barry Sanders talk at Ford Field before the game.

Lions TE Sam LaPorta runs onto the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wild-card playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders talks with rap artists Eminem and Big Sean on the field while watching the Packers game on the video screen before the game between Detroit and the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field.

Rap artist Big Sean talks with Detroit Lions great Calvin Johnson before the game.

Eminem talks with Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders, left, on the field before the game.

Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford talks with Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly and their children before the game.

Fans stand in the cold near the Elwood Grill outside Ford Field before the game.

Matt Hornsby, 52, of Romeo, left, and Chris Evatt, 53, of Macomb pose for a photo in their outrageous Lions fan costumes outside Ford Field before the Lions playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

This Lions fan 'X'ed out Stafford’s name and number on his Lions jersey outside Ford Field before the game.

Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders on the sidelines before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions chairperson Martha Ford makes her way onto the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Los Angeles Rams,' former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on the visitors bench before the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Gamer, and Lions fan, Tyler ÒNinjaÓ Blevins before the game between the Lions and Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Los Angeles Rams,' former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford walks the field before the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Los Angeles Rams,' former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on the visitors bench before the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Ford CEO Jim Farley talks with Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company Bill Ford Jr. before the Lions-Rams game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Gamer, and Lions fan, Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins before the game between the Lions and Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Sam LaPorta stretches out before game agains the Rams at Ford Field on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders and Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford Jr. on the field before the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff with members of the offense before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on January 14, 2024.

Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders talks with rap artists Eminem, Big Sean and Lions great Calvin Johnson on the field before a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit.

Lions TE Sam LaPorta takes the field before the game.

From left, Joan Smith, mother of Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith, talks with Tay Lautner and her husband, actor Taylor Lautner, at Ford Field before the game.

Detroit Lions fan watches the scoreboard.

Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) celebrates with C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) after a pass break up in the end zone during the fourth quarter.