The Detroit Lions open the 2024 season on Sunday Night Football, taking on the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. When the schedule was rolled back in May, the Lions entered the race as three-point favorites, and since then the odds have continued to move in Detroit’s favor. At this point, according to the people at Fan Duel Sportsbookthe betting odds are currently Lions -4.5 points.
After spending the offseason filling holes and improving their rosters, both teams enter their season with playoff aspirations. The Lions have invested heavily in maintaining their offense and improving their defense, while the Rams had to fill massive holes in their defense following the retirement of Aaron Donald and the recent transfer of MIKE linebacker Ernest Jones.
As for the injury situation, the Lions had as many as 15 players dealing with ailments toward the end of training camp, but Detroit was strategic about rehabilitation over the past two weeks and currently has only three players dealing with injuries. Meanwhile, the Rams could have some injury issues as well. Former Lion Jonah Jackson missed a month of training camp but was able to practice fully this week, but they may be without their two starting tackles. Left tackle Alaric Jackson was suspended for this game and right tackle Rob Havenstein was only able to practice on a limited basis after also missing a month of training camp. In addition, starting corner Darious Williams was placed on the injured list on Thursday.
Will the Lions be able to capitalize on their chance to start the season off right? Here’s a look at our expert picks for Week 1:
- Hamza Baccouche (0-0): Lions 23-21
- Morgan Cannon (0-0): Lions 34-24
- Max Gerber (0-0): Lions 28-10 (3 matches)
- Al Karsten (0-0): Lions 31-24
- Brandon Knapp (0-0): Lions 28-21 (scouting report)
- Jerry Mallory (0-0): Lions 27-20
- Ryan Mathews (0-0): Lions 28-17 (5 questions)
- Jeremy Reisman (0-0): Lions 31-24 (on paper)
- Alex Reno (0-0): Lions 24-20
- Kellie Rowe (0-0): Lions 34-30
- Type switch (0-0): Lions 29-27
- Erik Schlitt (0-0): Lions 24-20 (Honolulu Blueprint)
- Meko Scott (0-0): Lions 27-20
- Zac Snyder (0-0): Lions 24-23
- John Whittaker (0-0): Lions 30-23
Now we’re listening to your tips. Vote in the poll below and share your outcome predictions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
