The Los Angeles Rams quarterback has delivered a Super Bowl title, helped the team make the playoffs several times, and remains a reliable leader on a roster that’s undergone notable changes on the offensive side.

Though Stafford never reached those same heights while with Detroit, he remains a cherished figure in Lions history. He embodied the heart and grit of Detroit sports, and his legacy won’t be erased just because of his departure to Los Angeles.

Still, a recent prediction from Pro Football Network is bound to stir emotions among Lions supporters who would hate to witness such a scenario. A group of PFN writers shared their playoff outlooks for all 32 NFL teams. Unsurprisingly, the Lions are included and projected as the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

The twist? PFN predicts the Lions fall short in the Divisional Round — and the loss comes at the hands of the No. 3 seed: the Rams. This would mean Stafford returns to Detroit and once again crushes the Lions’ postseason hopes.

PFN’s projection has Detroit falling to a Rams team now powered by a new-look offense featuring Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams.

“In the last two years, the Lions have ranked among the NFL’s best. But in 2025, changes in the coaching ranks and the losses of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler weaken their line. The Rams capitalize. Sean McVay’s team added Davante Adams and boasts a maturing defense, making them a formidable playoff threat,” wrote PFN about Detroit’s possible early exit.

Losing Ragnow is definitely significant — that much is clear. However, Detroit has a reputation for developing offensive line talent from within. The team signed experienced lineman Trystan Colon and already has Graham Glasgow, who’s played center, on the roster.

Ragnow was one of the league’s premier centers, no doubt. But Detroit’s offensive line still holds strength. And one player’s absence shouldn’t define how far this team can go — regular season or playoffs.