What Was the Score of the Lions Game Last Night? Detroit’s Latest Result Explained

If you woke up today wondering what was the score of the lions game last night, you aren't just looking for two numbers separated by a hyphen. You're looking for the pulse of a city. Being a Detroit Lions fan in 2026 is a completely different experience than it was even five years ago. It’s stressful. It’s loud. It’s usually high-stakes.

The Detroit Lions played the Los Angeles Rams yesterday, January 17, 2026, in a Divisional Round playoff matchup that felt more like a heavyweight fight than a football game. The final score was Detroit Lions 31, Los Angeles Rams 24.

Ford Field was vibrating. Honestly, if you’ve never been inside that stadium when the playoff lights are on, it’s hard to describe the sheer wall of sound that hits you. It isn't just noise; it’s decades of pent-up hope. Dan Campbell’s squad didn't just win; they survived a tactical masterclass from Sean McVay to advance to the NFC Championship game. It was gritty. It was messy at times. It was pure Detroit.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Why the Lions Won

The game started fast. Jared Goff looked like a man possessed in the first half, connecting with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 22-yard touchdown that set the tone early. You could see the confidence oozing off the offensive line. Penei Sewell basically turned into a human bulldozer, clearing paths for Jahmyr Gibbs, who finished the night with 94 rushing yards and two scores.

But it wasn't all sunshine.

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The Rams are resilient. Matthew Stafford—who, let’s be real, will always have a complicated, loving relationship with this city—was surgical. He found Cooper Kupp in the seam repeatedly during the third quarter, clawing the Rams back from a ten-point deficit. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the tension in the stands was thick enough to cut with a knife. People were pacing. I saw a guy in Section 120 just staring at his shoes because he couldn't bear to watch the Rams' final drive.

Defensively, the Lions stepped up when it mattered most. Aidan Hutchinson’s sack on third-and-long with four minutes left was the turning point. It forced a punt that allowed Detroit to milk the clock. They didn't just sit on the ball, though. Ben Johnson stayed aggressive, calling a play-action pass to Sam LaPorta that moved the chains and effectively iced the game.

Key Player Stats from Last Night

Goff ended the night 24 of 32 for 285 yards and two touchdowns. No interceptions. That last part is the kicker. In games this close, the turnover battle is everything. Stafford was nearly as good, throwing for 310 yards, but that one red-zone stand by the Lions’ defense late in the second quarter—forcing a field goal instead of a touchdown—turned out to be the difference-glass half full, glass half empty style.

• Jared Goff: 285 Yds, 2 TD, 0 INT
• Jahmyr Gibbs: 18 carries, 94 Yds, 2 TD
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: 8 catches, 112 Yds, 1 TD
• Aidan Hutchinson: 2.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hits

The Emotional Stakes of the 31-24 Victory

It is easy to get bogged down in the X's and O's. But the score of the Lions game last night represents something bigger than a box score. Since the 2024 season, the "Same Old Lions" narrative has been buried six feet under, yet fans still carry that trauma. Every time the opposition scores, there's a collective "here we go again" whisper in the back of everyone's mind.

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Winning this game 31-24 proves that this version of the team knows how to close. They don't panic. Dan Campbell’s coaching style—often criticized by analytics nerds for being too "vibes-based"—showed its worth. The players believe. They play with a level of violence and discipline that reflects the city’s blue-collar identity.

Tactical Nuances You Might Have Missed

While everyone is talking about the touchdowns, the real MVPs were the guys in the trenches. The Lions' offensive line allowed zero sacks. Zero. Against a front that still features some of the shiftiest interior rushers in the league, that is a massive feat. Frank Ragnow was playing through what looked like a significant "stinger" in his shoulder, yet he didn't miss a snap.

On the flip side, the Lions' secondary is still a bit of a concern. Puka Nacua had a field day in the first half. If Detroit wants to win the NFC Championship next week, they have to tighten up those zone exit points. They were giving up ten yards a cushion on some of those slant routes, which is basically a gift for a quarterback of Stafford's caliber.

What Happens Now? The Road to the Super Bowl

Now that you know what was the score of the lions game last night, the logical next question is: who is next?

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By winning this game, the Lions have secured their spot in the NFC Championship. They will face either the Philadelphia Eagles or the San Francisco 49ers, depending on the outcome of today's late game. If it’s San Fran, they’re heading to the West Coast. If the Eagles pull off the upset, the road to the Super Bowl might actually run through Detroit. Can you imagine a conference championship game at Ford Field? The city might actually slide into the Detroit River from the sheer weight of the celebration.

There are concerns, of course. Injuries are piling up. Kalif Raymond left the game early with a knee issue, and his status for next week is "murky" at best. The depth of this roster is being tested in a way we haven't seen all season.

Final Insights for the Week Ahead

The Lions are no longer a "feel-good story." They are a powerhouse. Looking at the film from last night, it’s clear that their identity is firmly rooted in the run game and Goff’s ability to navigate the pocket under pressure.

If you are following the betting lines or just trying to stay ahead of the water cooler talk, keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of Allen Park this Tuesday. The health of the secondary will determine if they can survive the elite receiving corps they're about to face.

Next Steps for Lions Fans:

1. Monitor the Injury Report: Focus specifically on Frank Ragnow and Kalif Raymond. Their availability changes the entire offensive playbook.
2. Check the NFC Playoff Bracket: Wait for the conclusion of today's games to see if the Lions are traveling or staying home.
3. Review the Defensive Tape: Watch how the Lions adjusted their blitz packages in the fourth quarter last night; that "simulated pressure" is likely what they’ll use to disrupt whoever they play next.
4. Secure Your Gear: If you're planning on going to the next round, playoff merchandise is already selling out at local retailers like GameDay Detroit.

The 31-24 win over the Rams isn't just a statistic. It’s a message to the rest of the NFL: Detroit is here to stay.