Los Angeles Rams outlast Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earn opportunity to host NFC Championship Game

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When Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams last winter, he said he wanted to play in big games, an opportunity he never got with the Detroit Lions.

The Rams are one victory away from the biggest game of all time after a dramatic 30-27 win here.

They nearly blew their chance to get to the title game after losing four turnovers and falling behind by 27 points in the third quarter.

Stafford hit All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp for gains of 20 and 44 yards to set up Matt Gay's 30-yard game winner. A date with the San Francisco 49ers next week became an emotional victory after what was nearly an epic collapse. Los Angeles will have the chance to play in the Super Bowl on its home field, just like last season when Tampa Bay did.

Stafford was 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 The Rams' star- studded defense sacked Brady three times and picked him off once, but still allowed three touchdown in the final 16 minutes.

Stafford was not able to win in the playoffs.

He entered the wild-card game with the most regular-season touchdown passes without a playoff victory. He has two of them, including one over the greatest quarterback of all time and the reigning champion in their building.

Stafford had 38 attempts for 366 yards. He threw touchdown passes to two other people. The Rams were up 17-3 early in the second quarter. Stafford's 1-yard rushing score was his second score on a goal-line sneak in as many weeks.

It was going to be another stress-free win until Brady and his veterans fumbled the ball.

In the regular season, the 49ers defeated the Rams twice, including a 27-24 overtime victory in Week 18.

The only other team that has hosted a conference championship game since 1990 has been the 2008 Arizona Cardinals.