Lions score thrilling overtime win against Rams thanks to breakout play by Jameson Williams

There was only one way to end the first full Sunday of NFL games – in overtime.

The Detroit Lions had a perfect start to the season: they beat the Los Angeles Rams in a thrilling final 26:20.

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Detroit had the ball first in overtime and didn't allow Los Angeles to make any offensive plays. Two running plays set the tone for the offense. Khalif Raymond got a first down on the first jet sweep carry. Then David Montgomery took the ball 21 yards into Rams territory.

Jared Goff then threw a pass to Jahmyr Gibbs for a 10-yard gain. At this point, the Lions could smell the end zone.

Montgomery had a few more runs and finally reached the end zone to score, finishing the game with 91 rushing yards. Gibbs added 40 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

Goff was 18 for 28 with 217 passing yards, one touchdown pass and one interception.

The Lions had a pretty convincing lead at the start of the third quarter. With 10:29 left in the quarter, Goff threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams to give Detroit a 17-3 lead.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) fails to catch a pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

At this moment, the Rams had to give it their all and get back into the game.

Stafford led the Rams on an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a Kyren Williams touchdown, cutting the deficit to seven points. Rams kicker Joshua Karty made a 26-yard field goal and then Stafford found Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown.

On the Lions' final drive, Goff brought Detroit back within field goal range and Jake Bates tied it with a 32-yard pass. When the game went into overtime, the score was 20-20.

Williams finished with five catches for 121 yards.

Stafford played an excellent game for the Rams. He was better in the second half for Los Angeles than he was in the first, finishing the game with 317 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and one interception.

The Rams' offense suffered damage early in the game when Puka Nacua left the game with a knee injury and did not return.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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Kupp had to step in during his absence. He caught 14 of 21 balls for 110 yards and scored a touchdown. Tyler Johnson caught five balls for 79 yards.

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