NFL Exec Questions Jared Goff Playing in 'Wintertime' if Lions on Road in Playoffs

Concerns exist surrounding Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff's ability to remain effective in a cold playoff environment on the road.

"I don't want Goff in Philly or some place like that in the wintertime," an NFL executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic. "I'd rather have him home in the dome, which is why this last game is so critical."

The Minnesota Vikings currently own the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a 14-2 record, but the Lions could hold an identical record if they're able to defeat the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.

If Detroit wins, it sets up a matchup between the two NFC North teams in Week 18 that'll decide which squad earns the top spot in the conference to go along with a first-round bye. The loser will sit at No. 5 in the NFC standings entering the postseason.

The No. 1 seed also ensures home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, meaning that the Lions won't have to leave dome-covered Ford Field unless they reach the Super Bowl.

Detroit is coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance last season, hosting two playoff contests at Ford Field before traveling to Levi's Stadium to face the 49ers in the conference title game.

Goff's last road playoff contest in a cold atmosphere occurred when he was a member of the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, suffering a 32-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in the divisional round. He finished 21-of-27 for 174 yards and a touchdown in the defeat.

The 30-year-old is currently putting together another impressive year in Detroit, completing a career-high 71.4 percent of his throws for 4,095 yards and 33 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions.

Goff has looked particularly sharp as of late, passing for 830 yards and eight touchdowns without getting picked off over his past two appearances.

He'll look to close out the regular season on a high note and attempt to help Detroit clinch the No. 1 seed, starting with the 49ers on Monday. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET.