Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 8th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Last season, the Detroit Lions eliminated the Los Angeles Rams from the playoffs. This Sunday, the Rams will make their return to Detroit for the season opener, determined to begin their journey towards another Super Bowl.
For some of the Rams players, this game could be seen as a chance for revenge. However, quarterback Matthew Stafford downplayed the idea of seeking payback against his former team.
"To me, it's a fresh start, something completely new," Stafford stated. "I'm excited to kick off this season. It's definitely a big challenge to face their team in that environment. It'll be a test for us, but also something to look forward to."
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Stafford has a dynamic duo at wide receiver in Puka Nacau and Cooper Kupp. The lead running back from last season, Kyren Williams, will have a strong backup in former University of Michigan standout Blake Corum, who was drafted in the third round.
The Rams' defense will have to fill a major gap left by the retirement of perennial All-Pro lineman Aaron Donald after their loss to the Lions in January.
"You can't replace someone like Aaron Donald and that's not what we're asking of our guys," Rams coach Sean McVay explained. "We were lucky to have such a special player like Aaron Donald. What I thought was great was that he set a great example for the rest of the team."
Despite Donald's absence, Lions coach Dan Campbell believes that the Rams will be an even tougher challenge than last season.
"In my opinion, this is a better team than the one we faced last year, just looking at their personnel," Campbell stated. "Their offensive line is stronger and so is their defensive line. I know they lost Donald, but they have gained youth and as a unit, they are young, hungry, and have a high motor. They will definitely push us."
The Lions have most of their offensive starters returning from last season, with the exception of offensive lineman Jonah Jackson, who signed with the Rams as a free agent.
The Lions rely on the running game of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, although Gibbs missed a significant portion of training camp due to a hamstring injury. He has stated that he is fully recovered and plans to play in the opener.
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Jared Goff has an exceptional No. 1 receiver in All-Pro selection Amon Ra St. Brown, with second-year tight end Sam LaPorta also contributing to the passing game. Third-year receiver Jameson Williams is expected to have a breakout season after scoring two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game against San Francisco.
The Lions made several changes to their defensive line and secondary in an effort to improve their defense, which allowed the sixth-most passing yards (247.4 per game) in the NFL last season.
Cornerbacks Carlton Davis, who was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay, and first-round draft pick Terrion Arnold will face a tough test in their debut with the Lions.
"I know that Stafford has a lot of trust in both of those guys (Nacua and Kupp)," Campbell acknowledged. "I thought Puka had an outstanding game against us last year (nine receptions, 181 yards, TD). He made plays all over the field. It will definitely be a challenge, but our guys are looking forward to it. Arnold is excited, it's his first game. He's ready to go and he's confident."
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Recap SEP 8TH 2024
David Montgomery scored on a 1-yard run in overtime to give the host Detroit Lions a 26-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.
Montgomery carried five times for 45 yards during the winning drive. He finished with 91 yards on 17 carries.
Jared Goff passed for 217 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jameson Williams caught five passes for 121 yards and a touchdown for the Lions, who also defeated the Rams, 24-23, during the wild-card round of last season's playoffs.
Matthew Stafford passed for 317 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Los Angeles. Cooper Kupp caught 14 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua didn't play in the second half due to a knee injury.
Detroit held a 10-3 halftime lead.
The Lions took the lead with two minutes remaining in the half on Jahmyr Gibbs' 1-yard run.
Detroit prevented a Rams score when Kerby Joseph picked off Stafford's pass in the end zone with 15 seconds left in the half.
The Lions made it 17-3 early in the third quarter on Goff's 52-yard strike to Williams, who beat one-on-one coverage along the left side.
The Rams answered with an 11-play, 70-yard drive, capped by Kyren Williams' 2-yard plunge to trim their deficit to 17-10 with 3:33 left in the third quarter. A pass interference penalty near the goal line prolonged the drive.
Tyler Johnson turned a short pass from Stafford into a 63-yard gain on the final play of the third quarter. After a defensive pass interference penalty placed Los Angeles at the 1-yard line, a Rams holding penalty wiped out a Jordan Whittington touchdown run. Los Angeles settled for a 26-yard field goal by Joshua Karty.
John Johnson's interception at the Rams 20 halted Detroit's next possession. The Rams then put together a 10-play drive, finished by Stafford's 9-yard pass to Kupp to take a 20-17 lead with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter.
The Lions forced a punt and got the ball back at their 31 with 2:11 remaining. An 18-yard reception by Sam LaPorta and a Rams personal foul penalty put Detroit in Los Angeles territory. Jake Bates made a 32-yard field goal with 17 seconds left to force overtime.