Lions prediction would add heartbreaking chapter to Matthew Stafford era

Matthew Stafford has long moved on from his days as the Detroit Lions' QB1.

The Los Angeles Rams signal caller has won them a championship, led them to multiple postseason berths, and continues to be a steady force on a squad that has seen some big change on their offense recently.

Stafford may not have ever been able to get Detroit to the same heights he has gotten to with the Rams, but he's still a beloved former Lion in the history of the franchise. He was an embodiment of everything Detroit sports represents, and that won't be forgotten because of a trade.

However, a prediction from Pro Football Network should really evoke some emotion from Lions fans who'd hate to see something like this unfold. A team of writers on the site made predictions for all 32 NFL teams - specifically, their playoff chances. The Lions, of course, make the cut. They're the 2 seed in this bracket scenario.

However, PFN's writers predict that the Lions not only lose in the Divisional Round of the postseason, but specifically to the predicted 3 seed in the NFC - the Rams. That would mean Stafford is coming into Ford Field and once again ending Detroit's playoff dreams early.

Lions predicted to be early postseason exit (again)

Detroit is predicted to be ousted by the Rams by PFN, all thanks to a revamped offense led by an attack of Stafford and Davante Adams.

"Over the past two years, the Lions have been one of the best teams in the league. However, their coaching staff looks different in 2025, and losing Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler weakens the offensive line. In the end, the Rams pull off the upset. 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," penned PFN on the Lions' hypothetical elimination.

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Losing Ragnow is a huge blow - there's no doubting that. But, the Lions are a team you don't bet against being able to find comparable production from within the depths of their offensive line room. They made the right move by signing veteran Trystan Colon, and they have a previous center in Graham Glasgow already on the roster.

Ragnow was a top center in the NFL, that's for sure. But their line isn't totally decimated. And, that shouldn't be the be all, end all of their season - or their postseason.