Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams, 2024 season opener

In a season full of high expectations, the Lions and Rams faced off in a game that exceeded expectations as Detroit scored nine points in their final two drives, defeating former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles in a 26-20 overtime victory on Sunday night at Ford Field.

Jared Goff and the Lions defeated the Rams for a second straight time in much more dramatic fashion in the last game of Sunday’s Week 1 action, with David Montgomery running for a 1-yard touchdown in overtime. Montgomery was responsible for 45 of Detroit’s 70 yards in the game-winning drive. Montgomery finished as the team’s leading rusher with 91 yards on 11 carries, with Jahmyr Gibbs getting 40 yards on the ground, along with four receptions for 34 yards.

This win wasn’t in the bag, as the Lions took a 17-3 lead early in the third quarter after Jameson Williams’ 52-yard touchdown, with Williams having his first career game with over 100 yards receiving and he finished with 121 yards on five catches. Then the Lions offense got into a costly rut including a run three straight drives ending in three-and-outs or a turnover, allowing the Rams to score 17 straight points and take the lead with less than five minutes remaining. With just over two minutes left, the Lions were able to get close enough for new kicker Jake Bates to nail a 32-yarder with 17 seconds left to tie the game.

While Goff and the offense never truly hit the high that they did last season, the quarterback still finished 18-for-28 for 217 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception. Amon-Ra St. Brown was quiet tonight, catching only three of his six targets for just 13 yards. For the Rams, Stafford showed off his veteran skills with multiple impressive throws on his way to finishing 34-for-49 for 317 yards and a touchdown but threw a crucial interception to Kerby Joseph at the end of the first half. Cooper Kupp starred as Puka Nacua left with an injury, finishing with 110 yards on a career-high 14 catches.

Montgomery carries Lions, one-yard TD gives Detroit 26-20 OT win over Rams

(Start of overtime) Lions won the coin toss and will start this extra period of football with the ball. After the touchback and starting at their own 30, Lions go to Kalif Raymond on the first play of OT on a reverse run for 12 yards. Montgomery gets a first down carry and gives an angry run to the Rams defense, fighting for 21 yards and the first down. Montgomery gets another carry, this time down the middle as he gains a well-earned nine yards. On second-and-1, Goff dumps it off to Gibbs who runs down the sideline before getting tackled out of bounds by Tre’Davious White for nine yards and the first down. Gibbs gets the first down carry down the middle for three yards, then Montgomery gets right to the first down marker but falls short by a yard. It doesn’t matter as Montgomery finishes the job as the Lions pile pushes him forward all the way to the 1-yard line for first-and-goal. Rams call their first of two overtime timeouts to give their defense some rest. With Montgomery in the backfield, he finishes the job as the Lions get the overtime win, thanks to a one-yard rushing touchdown by David Montgomery. What a way to end this Sunday of football, as the Lions yet again beat Stafford and the Rams at home. (End of game)

Rams, Lions head into first overtime of 2024 NFL season

Now with 17 seconds left, Stafford and Rams have the chance to completely break the hearts of Lions fans on opening night. Stafford tries to find Kupp deep near the end zone but overshoots him and Davis almost intercepts the ball, getting injured in the process. Now it’s 10 seconds left, as Stafford tries to find someone but Hutchinson finally gets his sack to send us into overtime. (End of regulation)

Penalty takes Lions into field goal range, Bates hits game-tying field goal with 17 seconds left

Lions have two timeouts and just over two minutes remaining to either tie or win the game. Their last play before the two minute warning is a handoff to Gibbs for five yards. After the stoppage of time, Goff unloads to LaPorta for 18 yards down the middle, and add 15 more to that after Kamren Kitchens gets flagged for unnecessary roughness, and now the Lions are close to field goal range at the Rams 31. Goff finds Gibbs on a screen as he finds space for eight yards on the reception, then Goff tries to find Gibbs but Gibbs slips and the pass falls incomplete. On third-and-2, Gibbs runs outside and falls out of bounds for the first down, but after review it’s determined that Gibbs’ forearm was down right before he fell, as the Lions won’t use a timeout and there’ll be a 10-second runoff. Goff tries to connect with St. Brown but the receiver slips and makes the smart play to bat the ball down so it isn’t intercepted. Williams gets the catch down the middle on second down but is tackled in-bounds as the Lions burn a decent amount of clock before finally calling timeout with 24 seconds remaining. Gibbs yet again slips on the turf and the pass is incomplete, as Bates comes out for a big field goal to tie the game. It’s a little low, but Bates nails the 32-yarder to tie the game. (17 seconds left)

After the punt, the Rams start at their own 11 as Stafford finds Kupp down the middle as Campbell and Anzalone combine to stop the star of the night. Stafford’s second down pass to Johnson is broken up, and then on third-and-5 Stafford somehow completes the pass to Robinson despite being hit from multiple Lions defensive lineman for six yards and a first down. The Rams try and drain clock by giving it to Williams who loses two yards as the Lions use up their first timeout. The Lions get some help as all of the Rams pre-snap motion bites them as they’re called for a false start. Williams runs outside for a gain of seven yards but is tackled out of bounds to stop the clock. On a critical third-and-10, Stafford tries a jump pass to Kupp but it’s just out of reach as the Lions force a punt. (2:11)

Lions take over with just over four minutes to go, starting at their own 30 as Goff finds St. Brown down the sideline for five yards, as St. Brown has been really silent tonight. Goff gets hit on second down as his pass falls short, then on third down Goff throws a duck to Williams that’s almost intercepted by Cobie Durant but the cornerback drops the ball while falls down, as the Lions go three-and-out for the third straight drive and the offense has gone stagnant at the worst time. (4:10)

Stafford, Kupp combine for big plays and touchdown, Rams take lead late

The Rams start at their own 20 now as Kupp gets another first-down reception and is tackled out of bounds by Anzalone. Stafford has loved the sidelines tonight as Parkinson gets one for just two yards, then on third-and-1 Stafford no-looks it to Johnson for 13 yards to move the chains. Stafford and Kupp connect again for no gain as Arnold makes the stop on first down, then Stafford finds Robinson down the middle for a gain of nine. It’s third-and-1 again and Williams takes it down the middle for two yards and a first down.

The Rams are now in Lions territory and Stafford finds Kupp again down the sideline for a big 20-yard play, and the Rams are picking up the pace with a no-huddle offense as Williams goes up the middle for five yards. Stafford somehow evades the sack and finds Robinson who runs out of bounds for a gain of nine yards. Stafford and Kupp connect again, this time for a 9-yard touchdown as the Rams have scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead late in the fourth. (4:30)

Goff makes big play, then throws interception to stop offensive momentum as Rams look to take the lead

After… you guessed it, another touchback, first down goes for nothing as Gibbs is stopped by a bunch of Rams. Gibbs goes way too early on second down for a false start, but Goff finds LaPorta for nine yards to make it a manageable third-and-6. Goff can’t find anyone on third down, but decides to do it himself and scrambles out of the pocket for a rare first down from the veteran QB. Inspired by Goff’s speed, Williams takes a short pass down the sideline for a big 27-yard reception. Gibbs gains seven yards, but the Lions give five back on a false start. Goff gets time and tries to find St. Brown down the middle, but the pass is intercepted by John Johnson. Replay shows the ball was bobbled and may have hit the ground, but there’s not enough evidence to overturn the call and the turnover stands. (9:15)

Penalties both hurt and help Lions, defense holds strong in red zone again as Rams settle for field goal

(Start of 4th Quarter) Stafford begins the fourth quarter by connecting with Kupp for five yards, then Stafford goes deep to Robinson in the end zone for an incompletion, but there’s a flag as Arnold is yet again called for defensive pass interference, setting the Rams up for first-and-goal at the one-yard line. Barnes and Branch meet Williams at the line of scrimmage for no gain, then the rookie Jordan Whittington takes the end-around handoff for a touchdown, but the Rams are called for offensive holding to set them back 10 yards. Williams gets the carry for three yards, as this is now a critical third-and-goal for both teams. With all the noise from the home crowd, Stafford lobs it deep to Kupp as the pressure from Hutchinson comes in and Branch breaks it up. The Lions decline the offensive holding penalty on the Rams, as Sean McVay calls the field goal unit as Karty hits the 26-yarder to bring the Rams within four. (12:32)

Lions, Rams both score touchdowns in third quarter, Rams looking to score again as we hit fourth quarter

Rams starting deep in their own side of the field, as Williams takes a big hit by Branch for a loss of two yards. Johnson takes a short route on second down as Branch and Davis both miss their tackles and Johnson runs away from the Lions secondary for a big 63-yard play, as that will be the final play of the game with the Rams looking to score again. (End of 3rd Quarter)

This new kickoff rule is leading to a LOT of touchbacks, but anyway the Lions start at their own 30 as Gibbs takes the first down carry for two yards, then Gibbs goes outside before being tackled out of bounds by Quentin Lake for three yards. Goff does some fake snaps and audibles before finding LaPorta just short of the line to gain, as the Rams get a quick three-and-out and Fox’s punt is downed at the Rams 16. (1:31)

Kupp, Williams take over for the Rams offense, Los Angeles scores on two-yard touchdown to cut deficit

Another touchback on the kickoff as the Rams try and regain some momentum. Stafford goes short to Williams on first down as Anzalone and other defenders meet him for a loss of three. Williams gains three yards on second down, then a screen pass to Kupp gains 13 yards and gets the Rams a first down. Stafford connects on Kupp again for 21 yards against the rookie Arnold to move the chains again. Stafford dumps it down to Johnson for no gain as Arnold makes the tackle, then Anzalone meets Williams to stop him on a six-yard run. It’s third-and-four and Williams is stopped again by Anzalone for a yard gain. Rams go for it on fourth-and-three as Ford Field yet again gets loud, but Stafford finds Demarcus Robinson open for 14 yards and a first down, and Arnold is down on the field as we take a timeout. Arnold walked off the field and is on the sideline, as Kupp runs outside on first down and is met by Rakestraw and Branch for a gain of one yard. Second down is another Williams run for three yards, as Arnold comes back on the field for a big third-and-six for both teams. Stafford goes for a fade to the endzone for Kupp, as the pass sails but a flag is thrown for pass interference on Arnold as the Rams are now set for first-and-goal. Williams gets the carry and takes it in for the two-yard touchdown, as the extra point is good and the Rams are now back within a score. (3:33)

Goff, Williams connect on big 52-yard touchdown, Lions take 17-3 lead

Montgomery takes a run for five yards before being taken down by Young on first down. Goff somehow gets the ball away to Montgomery for a short gain to make it third-and-three. Goff unloads and finds Williams deep down the sideline for the 52-yard touchdown, as the flag is for illegal contact on the Rams as Williams and Goff finally connect on the deep ball. The extra point is good and the Lions take a two touchdown lead. (10:29)

We get news that Nacua will not return to the game with a knee injury. Rams take over from their own 20 as Williams is stopped by a pack of Lions defenders for a loss of a yard, then Arnold makes the tackle on Johnson for a short gain. On third-and-10, Stafford throws a dangerous pass down the middle that’s almost intercepted by Branch, who’s been so close to making some big plays this game. Rams punt it to Kalif Raymond, who returns it to the Lions 41. (12:12)

(Start of 3rd Quarter) After the touchback, Lions will start from their own 30 to begin the second half. Montgomery starts it off with a two-yard run, then gets four yards on second down. Lions go empty again on third-and-four, as the pass to Williams is broken up by the linebacker Troy Reeder. Quick three-and-out for the Lions as Jack Fox punts it and it bounces at the one-yard line, but rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. can’t secure the ball as it rolls out of bounds for a touchback. (13:35)

Rams threaten to score but Joseph comes up with interception to end half, Lions up, 10-3, at halftime

The Lions are passing for some reason with 15 seconds left, as Goff is sacked by Jared Verse to end the half. Lions will start the second half with the ball after winning the coin toss before the game. (End of 1st Half)

Rams get the ball back in what’s basically a two-minute drill for Stafford and the offense. Nacua comes back on first down at the Rams 30, as Williams gets the handoff for a 4-yard gain. The Rams gain five yards on second-and-6 after Davenport is called for encroachment, then Williams runs up the middle for a first down. Stafford’s pass is broken up by another new Lion, Amik Robertson, but Stafford finds Tyler Johnson for a short gain, as Hutchinson is called for roughing the passer, which adds 15 yards to the play as the Rams are now to the Lions’ 40.

On first down, Stafford finds Parkinson for a 20-yard reception and the Rams have a big chance to score before the half. Stafford somehow avoids a sack by Hutchinson and shovels it to Williams for eight yards, and the Rams use up their second timeout. Stafford and Kupp connect for four yards and Kupp goes out of bounds to stop the clock. Stafford’s pass on first-and-goal is incomplete, then on second down he throws an interception to Kerby Joseph in the end zone as the Rams QB was targeting Johnson again. (15 seconds left)

Williams makes big plays, Gibbs finishes with tough runs as Lions score first TD of season, take 10-3 lead

Lions start on their own 23 open up this next drive with a big play as Goff connects with Williams, who shows the speed and gets tackled out of bounds for a big 36-yard play. Goff tries to go deep to Williams on the next play, but he’s double covered and the pass is out of reach. Gibbs takes a second down screen pass for 14 yards for the first down, then Williams gets an end-around carry for 13 yards but is down on the field with an injury after getting his legs caught while being tackled. Injury timeout is taken with 4:53 left in the first half, and Williams was helped to the sideline but is standing and had his ankle taped. After the timeout, it’s first-and-10 for the Lions at the Rams 14, as Goff calls for an audible which turns into an outside run for eight yards. Gibbs gets another carry on the inside but only gets a yard on second down. Now it’s third-and-one and Gibbs stays on the first with Dan Skipper eligible, and Gibbs shows the patience again by going outside before cutting inside for two yards to make it first-and-goal. It’s three yards to the endzone for the Lions and Goff dumps it down to back-up tight end Brock Wright for two yards as we head to the two-minute warning. Now it’s second-and-goal as Gibbs puts his head down on an inside run, as he’s initially ruled short of the goal-line but the clock is stopped for a replay. After review, replay determines the ball crossed the goal-line before Gibbs was downed and we have our first touchdown of the season. The extra point is good as the Lions take their first lead of the game. (1:57)

There’s no touchback on this kickoff, as Bates makes a bouncing kick to Jordan Whittington as the Rams start at their own 22. Stafford and Nacua connect again on first down as he’s tackled out of bounds by Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell for an eight-yard reception. Ronnie Rivers gets his first carry for four yards, enough for another Rams first down. Stafford throws it short on first down but the pass goes incomplete, as Ford Field gets loud on second down but Rivers gets some good blocking on an outside run for 12 yards as the Rams keep on driving in this half. Rams are now at their own 45 on first down, but the play clock almost goes to zero and the Rams have to take their first timeout of the half. After the timeout, Stafford finds Nacua down the middle for seven yards, then Kupp takes the handoff outside to move the chains yet again as the Rams are really zoning in on stopping Aidan Hutchinson tonight. Rams are in Lions territory yet again as Stafford shows his mobility by stepping up and finding Nacua yet again for a six-yard pass. Williams gets the carry on the next play, finding a hole and gaining four yards for the first down. Stafford tries to connect with Kupp again but Branch steps up from deep in the secondary to swat the pass away. Stafford feels the pressure from Davenport and has to throw it away on second down, as the Ford Field crowd yet again gets loud for third down but Stafford finds Kupp short of the sticks, and Stafford is seen nursing his ankle and Nacua is sent to the sideline. The Rams go for it on fourth-and-four, as Kupp can’t catch it against new Lions acquisition Carlton Davis for a big defensive stop. (6:31)

Lions offense converts on fourth down, settle for three to tie the game

(Start of 2nd Quarter) Lions go into the empty formation on third-and-2, but Goff can’t connect with St. Brown on the tight coverage, and you already know Campbell and Lions are going for it. Montgomery puts his head down and gets three yards on the run, just enough for the first down. Goff goes play action again and finds Sam LaPorta for his first catch of the season and a first down. On first-and-goal, St. Brown gets the reception and sheds a tackle before taking a big hit for a gain of four yards. Montgomery finally gets stopped on a run as Michael Hoecht takes him down for a loss of a yard. It’s third-and-goal as Goff tries to hit LaPorta in the back of the endzone but it’s too high for the tight end to catch. Bates hits the 25 yarder as we are now tied in the Motor City. (12:17)

Rams show dominance in the air, Lions dominate on the ground early as Los Angeles takes 3-0 lead after one quarter

The Rams kickoff goes out of bounds for a touchback. Starting at their own 30, Lions give it to Montgomery for a four yard gain on first down, then Gibbs gets his first carry on an outside run to make it third-and-1. Montgomery is met by a Rams defender at the line of scrimmage, but lunges forward for the first down. Lions go play-action on first down as Goff passes it to Montgomery for a short gain, as Young is called for a defensive hands to the face penalty for another Lions first down. Detroit is now in Rams territory as Montgomery gets another touch on an eight-yard run. Montgomery is getting a lot of love in this drive, showing the patience and shiftiness on a tough seven-yard run to move the chains yet again. Just as the Rams kept passing, the Lions keep on running as Montgomery gains another seven yards on first down. We finally get a pass on second down as Jameson Williams tries to make it happen off a screen pass but can’t evade the Rams defense for a yard gain on the last play of a quick first quarter. (End of 1st Quarter)

Stafford starts hot, Lions defensive line pressure forces Rams to take three for first points

Rams are back on offense as Stafford throws it to the sideline to Kupp for a five-yard gain, then finds Kupp again on second down as Brian Branch misses the tackle and the Rams move the chains for the first time today. Stafford passes again on first down, finding Colby Parkinson for another first down. Stafford’s in rhythm with another short pass to Kupp for eight yards, then the Rams finally give it to Williams as he gets enough for another first down. Puka Nacua gets his first catch off another missed tackle from Branch to move the chains yet again. The Lions secondary is getting tested this drive as Kupp is tackled out of bounds by rookie Terrion Arnold for a four-yard gain. Lions send the pressure on second down and force an incomplete pass, then on third-and-6 Stafford finds Parkinson again for a first down. Rams are in the redzone for the first time as Stafford’s pass to Davis Allen is too high for an incompletion. On second down, the pressure finally gets home as Levi Onwuzurike and Marcus Davenport combine for the first sack for the Lions defense. Williams gets the run on third-and-23 and gains nine for Joshua Karty to make the 41-yard field goal as the Rams score the first points tonight. (4:50)

Now here comes the Lions offense for the first time. They give it to David Montgomery on first down as he’s quickly stopped for a gain of two yards. Second-and-8 is a quick pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown as he’s tackled down by Christian Rozeboom for a gain of four. Now it’s third-and-4 and Jared Goff is alone in the backfield, and he’s sacked by Byron Young. As the punt sails out of bounds, there is a flag for holding on the Rams which will be enforced after we come back from our first TV timeout. (11:20)

(Start of 1st Quarter) Matthew Stafford takes the field for the first drive of the game, starting at the Rams 30. Stafford dumps it off to Kyren Williams and Alex Anzalone makes a big tackle on the running back for a loss of a yard. Second-and-11 has Stafford feeling the pressure as he throws an incomplete pass. On third-and-11, Rams go with a screen pass to Cooper Kupp but Anzalone makes another tackle for a loss of two. Rams go three-and-out and punt it to Kalif Raymond as he returns it to the Lions 36. (13:26)

Kickoff

Lions fans have waited all day for Sunday Night Football, and here it is. Lions go with an all-blue combo with their new uniforms, shades of their playoff game against the Rams last season, while the Rams go with the same combination as well with their white uniforms and yellow pants. Lions won the toss and will defer, kicking off to start the first half. Jake Bates kicks it deep into the end zone as the Rams take a touchback.

Preview

With expectations of a Super Bowl higher than ever before, the Lions kick off the 2024 regular season at home against the Los Angeles Rams.

While this doesn’t have the same stakes as last season’s 24-23 wild-card win that served as the Lions’ first playoff victory in more than 30 years, the Sunday night affair will serve as the rubber match between the two teams since the 2021 trade that sent Jared Goff to Detroit and Matthew Stafford to L.A. Each quarterback has beaten his former team once.

Dan Campbell’s squad has kept many of its core pieces on offense from last year, including Goff, All-Pro players Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, and last year’s rookie breakouts, Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. Round it out with a strong offensive line that added veteran Kevin Zeitler and the Lions have one of the best offenses in the NFL going up against a young Rams defense that will have to function without the retired Aaron Donald.

This game is also a perfect test for a revamped Lions defense, as Stafford passed for 367 yards with two touchdowns and Puka Nacua led all receivers with 181 yards and a touchdown for the Rams in last season’s playoff loss. Detroit added rookie corners Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., free agents DJ Reader (inactive) and Amik Robertson, and corner Carlton Davis III in a trade to help out Aidan Hutchinson and the rest of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Kameron Goodwill.

Rams at Lions

▶ Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. Sunday, Ford Field, Detroit

▶ TV/radio: NBC/97.1

▶ Line: Lions by 3½

▶ Series: Los Angeles leads series, 45-40-1 (Last: Jan. 14, 2024, NFC wild-card game — (at) Detroit 24, Los Angeles 23)

Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams, 2024 season opener

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