Detroit Lions fans celebrate first playoff win in 32 years
Detroit Lions fans cheer after the team won its first playoff game at Ford Field against the Los Angeles Rams 24-23 on January 14, 2024.
Detroit Free Press
The Free Press sportswriters are back to give their Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams game predictions for Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m., NBC and Peacock) in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.
Dave Birkett
The Lions have one of the best rosters in the NFL and an incredible home-field advantage that they should put on full display on Sunday, but it’s still a tricky draw. The Rams pressured the Lions to the max last year and have a dangerous offense that will challenge a secondary that hasn’t played many snaps together, even in practice.
Matthew Stafford will be out for blood after losing to his old team last year, so it’s imperative that the Lions get off the field when they get the chance on the third try. They should be able to generate pressure against LA’s undermanned offensive line, and they should be able to score points with all of their playmakers healthy on offense. I think this will be another exciting game, but I expect St. Brown to have a big day and the Lions to start the season off right. The selection: Lions 28, Rams 23.
RECOGNIZE THE GAME: No more Aaron Donald in the middle
Carlos Monarrez
The Lions were supposed to win this game, but Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay have had eight months to plan their revenge against a revamped but unproven Lions defense. No Aaron Donald on the Rams will be offset by the absence of Kelly Stafford. Let’s see how much Dan Campbell trusts the big leg of rookie Jake Bates. The selection: Rams 28, Lions 26.
Jeff Seidel
Welcome back, Matthew Staf — “YES-RED GOFF!” OK, come on, guys. The game hasn’t even started yet and all you hear is – “YES-RED GOFF!” Yes, this game is going to be wild. Insanely loud. Super intense. With this obvious storyline: Did you know that Stafford was childhood friends with Clayton? “YES-RED GOFF!” Yes, it’s finally here. The start of a season that everyone has been looking forward to since that ugly loss in San Francisco. The Lions have more talent than last year, more experience, so get ready for a wild ride. “YES-RED GOFF!” The selection: Lions 31, Rams 27.
Watch Lions vs. Rams live on Peacock
Michael Windsor
Matthew Stafford gets his revenge on opening night in Detroit. Although he would never call it “revenge” and he will never admit that he wanted it, If he called it. Los Angeles is a low-profile Super Bowl contender. The Lions are the favorites to win the Super Bowl for many experts. It will take a game or two for the Lions to find their footing in this new spotlight. The selection: Rams 29, Lions 27.
