The Detroit Lions open their 2024 season by hosting the Los Angeles Rams on NBC Sunday Night Football. After the most successful season in franchise history, the Lions look to open another strong season with a big win.
Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams Matchup History and Quotes
The Detroit Lions have played the Los Angeles Rams twice in the Dan Campbell era. They lost the first matchup in 202,1 but won the second in a historic win for the Lions franchise in 2023. In that game, the Lions hosted their first playoff game in Ford Field and won their first playoff game in over 25 years.
Dan Campbell is getting the players ready for this upcoming matchup and is well aware of what kind of threat to the Lions’ hype train.
“On top of [Matthew] Stafford being who he is and mastering this offense … he’s kind of got everything at his disposal, do what he needs to,” Campbell said. “I expect [the Rams] to be better than they were last year.”
The Rams are a good team, and they got better in a lot of facets, whether it be personnel or player improvement. Campbell knows this won’t be the same team he faced last year.
Meanwhile, former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is excited about returning to Ford Field for the second time.
“I want to hear all of it,” said Stafford regarding the fan reactions.
Stafford is excited for his third matchup versus his former team. Lions fans will surely give him a “warm” welcome, just as they did in last year’s playoff meeting. Ford Field will be loud in his return, and Stafford and the Rams are ready for the challenge.
Key Players for the Lions
From a pure talent perspective, the Lions will have one of the most impressive rosters in franchise history. On the offense, the Lions bring back a significant portion of last year’s team.
Quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and correct tackle Penei Sewell are the pieces that make this offense go. It is complemented by a dominant run game with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who act as the Lions thunder and lightning tandem, and an offensive line that plays bully ball.
The Lions had some key offensive departures in wide receiver Josh Reynolds and guard Jonah Jackson. They replaced Jackson with Kevin Zeitler, hoping the improvement of Jameson Williams would supplement Reynolds’ production.
Defensively, the Lions are much improved. They added physical corners who play well in one-on-one press coverage. Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw all fit the Lions’ defensive plan in the secondary significantly more than last year’s team.
The Lions also added nose tackle D.J. Reader, who is one of the best in the league. However, he has been limited in practice and may not be available for Sunday’s game. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu has also been limited in practice, which may force him to be unavailable. The absence of both would create issues for the Lions, but they have enough depth at the positions to survive the week.
Meanwhile, edge rushers Marcus Davenport and Aidan Hutchinson will be critical pass rushers to make Stafford uncomfortable.
Key Players for the Rams
On offense, the Rams retain their key skill position players. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is going into his fourth year in Sean McVay’s system and had a resurgent season last year. Running back Kyren Williams had a breakout sophomore season and looks to build on that season.
Meanwhile, Puka Nacua and former OPOY Cooper Kupp may be the best wide receiver duo in the league and will give every team issues. The interior offensive line is manned by Steve Avila, the aforementioned Jonah Jackson, and Kevin Dotson; bullies to opposing defensive lines in the run game.
Defensively, the loss of an all-time great in Aaron Donald will surely leave a massive hole on the defense, the locker room, and the franchise. The bright side is that the defensive line is still the best unit on the team.
Rookies Jared Verse and Braden Friske were stars at Florida State and look to be impact players in the NFL. Second-year defensive tackle Kobie Turner shined as a rookie next to Aaron Donald. And while he won’t be able to fill Donald’s shoes, Turner looks to have a breakout season.
Meanwhile, injuries have ravaged the secondary. However, new addition Tre White will bolster the unit. The Rams also added a lot of depth through rookies to the secondary, mainly in the form of undrafted rookies, but will add much-needed depth.
Detroit Lions’ Blueprint for Victory
Strong Performances from The Lions’ Edge Rushers
The Rams could potentially be without their starting right tackle, Rob Havenstein, making the tackle situation lackluster. Starting left tackle Joe Noteboom is already a liability. No Havenstein would force Warren McLendon Jr. to start, who struggled in limited time.
If Havenstein is unable to go, the Lions would have incredibly advantageous matchups for Hutchinson and Davenport. This would create trouble for Stafford, who does not have the same pocket mobility he once had. Making Stafford throw off-platform and forcing him into uncomfortable situations would make the new look secondary’s job significantly easier.
Get Jameson Williams Involved Early
Not only could the Rams be without Havenstein, they had to put cornerback Darius Williams on IR to start the season. With Tre White’s injuries and age finally beginning to hit him, the Rams lack enough depth to defend against the Lions’ passing attack.
Everyone knows what Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown can do, but if the Lions can get good production out of Jameson Williams, the sky is the limit for this offense’s potential. Getting Williams involved early, whether in the run or pass game, could add a new wrinkle to the Lions’ offense they have desperately needed for the past two years. A dominant deep threat will create huge issues for the Rams.
The Rookie Cornerbacks
Detroit spent their first two picks on cornerbacks, addressing by far the weakest unit on the Lions defense. The performance of these two rookies is vital not only for this game but for the entire season to be successful.
While Rakestraw will spend most of his time as the second nickel cornerback or fourth cornerback, Arnold will be the starting boundary cornerback next to Carlton Davis. Arnold’s performance, in particular, will either make or break this defense.
If Arnold and Rakestraw can be good in their designated roles, it could force the Rams passing offense to an abrupt halt. The performance of the rookie cornerbacks is pivotal for a win against the Rams.
