Stafford and Goff Meet Again in Los Angeles With Rams Able to Clinch Playoff Berth

Overview

• Los Angeles hosts Detroit at SoFi Stadium for the quarterbacks’ fourth meeting since the 2021 swap, with the 10-3 Rams able to secure a playoff spot with a win.
• Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff have posted near-identical passing lines this year, with Stafford at 288-of-432 for 3,354 yards and 35 touchdowns and Goff at 289-of-412 for 3,334 yards and 26 touchdowns.
• Jared Goff said he would rather not revisit the trade narrative, noting the emotions have faded after prior meetings, including Detroit’s playoff win and last season’s opener.
• Sean McVay reiterated regret over how he handled Goff’s departure and praised Goff’s growth in Detroit, while Stafford described their interactions as grounded in mutual respect.
• The 2021 deal sent Goff, two first-rounders and a third-rounder to Detroit for Stafford; the Lions parlayed the picks into core pieces including Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams as both franchises have prospered.