NFL Sunday Night Football Preview & Predictions: Rams vs. Lions
Is there any better way to cap the first Sunday of the 2024 NFL season with a playoff rematch? Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams will be seeking revenge against his former team, the Detroit Lions, back at Ford Field, the site of Detroit’s 24-23 Wild Card round victory.
That win had quite the butterfly effect. Not only was it Detroit’s first playoff win in three decades, but it marked the beginning of a playoff run that came just shy of a Super Bowl appearance. Conversely, Los Angeles’ loss turned out to be the final game of Aaron Donald’s career. And while the Lions enter the 2024 season with Super Bowl expectations, the Rams will look to stay in contention while replacing their dominant force up the middle.
Can the Rams get their revenge? Or will Detroit secure a second consecutive Week 1 victory in primetime?
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NFL Week 1 Sunday Night Football Preview & Predictions
(Odds & Lines via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-4) | O/U 52.5 (-110/-110)
Can Rams’ Defense Withstand the Loss of Aaron Donald?
The short answer is probably not. You don’t just replace Hall of Fame defensive playmakers overnight. The question is how do the Rams survive Aaron Donald’s absence? It started with having a first-round pick for a change. They used their first-rounder on Florida State defensive end Jared Verse, who has the potential to be a top-line pass rusher.
Los Angeles is also banking on a few additions to the secondary. The Rams added cornerback Darious Williams and injury-plagued cornerback Tre’Davious White, as well as safety Kamren Curl. If those additions pan out, the Rams may still field an effective defense. But it’s fair to wonder about the front seven, particularly the middle of the defense without Donald manning it.
Offensively, Los Angeles should be able to keep up with most teams with good health. And health will be crucial. Matthew Stafford is another year older. Cooper Kupp might have lost a step after his recent injuries. Upstart wideout Puka Nacua missed some time in camp with a knee injury. Tailback Kyren Williams didn’t get through an impressive rookie season unscathed. And an offensive line that took a big step forward was relatively fortunate from an injury perspective.
But in Week 1, all of these pieces are healthy, which means Los Angeles should be able to attack a Lions secondary I’m not quite sold on.
Lions Secondary is Key to Super Bowl Hopes
Detroit is a relatively similar team from last year. Jared Goff is back to run the offense and the Lions managed to keep rising offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery make up a strong backfield tandem. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta give the Lions a dynamic duo over the middle of the field.
But the success of Detroit’s season could come down to the perimeter on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, Detroit attempted to upgrade its secondary by signing veteran Carlton Davis and drafting Terrion Arnold in the first round this spring. Offensively, the team will need Jameson Williams to emerge as a downfield threat on the outside, as opponents could funnel the middle of the field and dare Goff to beat them deep. If Williams emerges, this Lions’ offense will become even more difficult to defend.
Best Bet & Prediction
Two explosively talented offenses meet defenses with some question marks. I don’t see enough value in the line to bet on either side here, as I’m worried about Los Angeles’ defense and don’t want to fade Goff inside Ford Field, where he’s been exceptional. Instead, I’ll bet on some points.
Pick: Over 52.5 Points (-110)
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