Matthew Stafford faced another tough defeat at Ford Field.

The Detroit Lions managed to fend off a rally by the Los Angeles Rams, securing a 26-20 overtime victory against their former quarterback for the second consecutive season.

Initially, the game seemed to favor Detroit, but the Rams made a strong comeback, eventually taking the lead in the fourth quarter thanks to Cooper Kupp. However, the Lions’ determination paid off as they tied the game with a field goal, forcing it into overtime where they quickly claimed victory with a decisive drive.

For Stafford, who accumulated 317 yards on Sunday night along with one touchdown and one interception, this marks his second consecutive defeat at his former home field after the Lions previously knocked the Rams out in the wild-card stage last season.

The standout player of the match was Lions receiver Jameson Williams. Although injuries hampered the start of his career, he excelled with five catches for 121 yards, one of which was an impressive 52-yard touchdown showing off his exceptional speed. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions vs. Rams Game Highlights

The Lions pushed past the Rams with a 26-20 victory in overtime, capped by David Montgomery’s game-winning touchdown.

Matthew Stafford’s performance included 317 passing yards and a touchdown, while Rams receiver Cooper Kupp had an outstanding game with 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. For the Lions, Jared Goff passed for 217 yards and a touchdown, while Jameson Williams shone with five receptions for 121 yards and a score.

Rams vs. Lions Score Summary

• Rams: 20
• Lions: 26

First quarter

Rams field goal (4:50) — Joshua Karty, 41 yards

Second quarter

Lions field goal (12:17) — Jake Bates, 25 yards

Lions touchdown (1:57) — Jahmyr Gibbs, 1-yard run (Jake Bates extra point)

Third quarter

Lions touchdown (10:29) — Jameson Williams, 52-yard pass from Jared Goff (Jake Bates extra point)

Rams touchdown (3:33) — Kyren Williams, 2-yard run (Joshua Karty extra point)

Fourth quarter

Rams field goal (12:32) — Joshua Karty, 26 yards

Rams touchdown (4:30) — Cooper Kupp, 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Joshua Karty extra point)

Lions field goal (0:17) — Jake Bates, 32 yards

Overtime

Lions touchdown (5:19) — David Montgomery, 1-yard run

• Game Statistics

Lions 26, Rams 20: Detroit Claims Victory in Overtime

Detroit made their overtime drive look effortless.

The Lions swiftly moved downfield on their opening overtime possession, clinching the win with a drive that left Los Angeles out of contention for a comeback.

In just eight plays over nearly five minutes, Detroit capitalized on the Rams’ defensive struggles, moving close to the goal line where David Montgomery scored on a 1-yard run to secure the win. — Jordan Mendoza

Overtime Starts with Lions on Offense

In an interesting twist, Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff went out for the overtime coin toss, with the Rams calling heads and losing. This meant Goff’s team would have the first possession of overtime, and a touchdown would ensure a Detroit win. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions 20, Rams 20: Late-Game Field Goal Forces Overtime

No pressure for the rookie Lions kicker!

Jake Bates, who joined the Lions after a stint in the UFL, successfully kicked a 32-yard field goal with only 17 seconds remaining to tie the game at 20-20, pushing the match into overtime. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions Regain Possession in the Final Minutes

Detroit managed to get another chance to equalize or take the lead late in the game after forcing the Rams to punt.

Los Angeles couldn’t maintain their drive, which also prevented Detroit from using all of their timeouts before the two-minute warning. Thus, Detroit received the ball with two timeouts and two minutes remaining at their own 28-yard line. — Jordan Mendoza

Rams 20, Lions 17: Cooper Kupp’s Touchdown Puts Rams Ahead

It was truly Cooper Kupp’s moment.

In the fourth quarter, the Rams took the lead over the Lions after Matthew Stafford connected with Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown following an 80-yard drive.

Earlier during the drive, Stafford completed an impressive 20-yard reception to Kupp along the sidelines, which appeared dubious at first glance, but replay confirmed he had both feet in bounds. Stafford was flawless with his throws on this pivotal drive, completing all eight attempts. — Cydney Henderson

Rams Capitalize on Big Interception

Los Angeles seized the opportunity to seize the lead in the fourth quarter thanks to an interception of Jared Goff.

The Lions were advancing into Rams territory when Goff attempted to pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, but John Johnson intervened to secure the interception. Although replays suggested the ball might have brushed the surface before full control was regained, the interception was upheld, gifting the Rams possession and halting the Lions’ momentum. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions 17, Rams 13: Rams Settle for a Field Goal

Another red zone opportunity slipped away for the Rams.

Despite reaching the Lions’ 1-yard line with new set of downs, they could not convert for a touchdown. Back-to-back offensive holding penalties against offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri pushed the Rams further back, resulting in a missed scoring chance.

11-yard line. The drive appeared promising after Matthew Stafford completed a 62-yard pass to Tyler Johnson, who eluded a defender to gain significant yards. Ultimately, the Rams had to settle for a field goal, narrowing the gap to four points against the Lions, making the score 17-13. — Cydney Henderson

Lions 17, Rams 10: Rams score critical touchdown

Facing a two-touchdown deficit, Los Angeles urgently needed a touchdown, and they delivered just that.

The Rams executed an 11-play, 70-yard drive, cutting the Lions’ lead to 17-10 when it seemed like Detroit might pull ahead. Cooper Kupp played a pivotal role in this drive, earning a pass interference penalty in the end zone that positioned his team at the 1-yard line. Kyren Williams then rushed in to secure Los Angeles’ first touchdown of the season. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions 17, Rams 3: Jameson Williams increases Detroit’s lead with big score

The Lions began the second half with a three-and-out, but only required three plays to score on their next drive. Jared Goff threw a deep 52-yard pass to receiver Jameson Williams, extending their lead to 17-3 against the Rams. An illegal contact penalty was called on Rams cornerback Tre’Davious White during the play, but it was declined. Williams has now caught three passes totaling 89 yards in this game. — Cydney Henderson

Puka Nacua sidelined with knee injury

If the Rams hope to rally in Detroit, they will have to do so without Puka Nacua.

The receiver is out for the rest of the game due to a knee injury sustained in the second quarter. He briefly returned to the game after the injury but was later seen on the sideline for the remainder of the first half and was carted to the locker room at halftime.

Nacua had previously dealt with a knee injury during training camp, but he entered the season opener without any injury designation. — Jordan Mendoza

Matthew Stafford throws interception in end zone

As the Rams aimed to even the score before halftime, a crucial mistake occurred. Matthew Stafford threw an interception to Lions safety Kerby Joseph with just 17 seconds left in the half. This interception, Stafford’s first of the season, was intended for receiver Tyler Johnson.

At halftime, the Lions led 10-3 over the Rams in a rematch of the NFC wild-card playoff game. In the first half, Stafford completed 16 of 26 passes for 119 yards, while Lions QB Jared Goff finished 7 of 10 for 75 yards. — Cydney Henderson

Lions 10, Rams 3: Jahmyr Gibbs scores a touchdown

Jahmyr Gibbs made just enough effort to reach the end zone.

The Lions moved quickly down the field and, when they reached the Rams’ one-yard line, it seemed Gibbs had been stopped short. However, officials decided to review the play, and it was confirmed that Gibbs crossed the goal line before his arm touched down, giving Detroit their first touchdown of the season and a 10-7 lead. — Jordan Mendoza

Puka Nacua exits game, briefly returns

The Rams announced that emerging receiver Puka Nacua was questionable to return after sustaining a knee injury during the game. Yet, he briefly returned to the field following the Lions’ touchdown after the two-minute warning.

On the Rams’ prior drive, Nacua made a sliding catch on a crucial third down. He got up slowly and limped to the sideline, where the training staff examined him. Subsequently, the broadcast showed him attempting to run while the Lions were on offense. — Jordan Mendoza

Rams unsuccessful on fourth down conversion

While the Lions have had success going for it on fourth down, it did not work out for Los Angeles.

The Rams were building momentum and entered Lions territory, but a third-down pass from Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua fell short of the first down. Los Angeles opted to keep their offense on the field for a fourth and four. Stafford’s pass to Cooper Kupp along the sideline was juggled and subsequently dropped, ending a promising scoring chance. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions 3, Rams 3: Jake Bates field goal ties the game

The Lions have scored. Running back David Montgomery converted an important fourth down to keep the Detroit drive alive, but they faced challenges in the red zone when Jared Goff overthrew tight end Sam LaPorta in the end zone. The Lions settled for a 25-yard field goal from Jake Bates, evening the score at 3-3 in the second quarter.

Most of the Lions’ yardage thus far has come from their running game, as Goff has only attempted six passes, accumulating just 23 yards, while Montgomery has rushed nine times for 35 yards. — Cydney Henderson

Rams 3, Lions 0: Rookie kicker Joshua Karty scores first points

Rookie kicker Joshua Karty made his career debut, scoring with a 41-yard field goal to put Los Angeles ahead 3-0.

After a rough start, the Rams began progressing down the field with ease, largely thanks to Matthew Stafford targeting Cooper Kupp four times during the drive. Los Angeles reached Lions territory and seemed poised to score in the red zone, but a sack and a false start set the Rams back on third down. Coach Sean McVay opted for caution, choosing to run the ball to prepare for the kick from the former Stanford kicker. — Jordan Mendoza

Matthew Stafford focuses on Cooper Kupp early in the game

Despite last season not being his best, Cooper Kupp is showing that he’s ready to reclaim his status as one of the league’s elite receivers.

Just ten minutes into the game, Kupp already had five receptions for 26 yards, as Matthew Stafford consistently looked for the Super Bowl 56 MVP during the second drive of the game. In 2023, Kupp recorded only 59 catches for 737 yards, his lowest output since 2018. — Jordan Mendoza

Matthew Stafford receives boos upon his return to Ford Field

Matthew Stafford accurately predicted that the crowd in Detroit would boo him. It happened just as he expected.

Lions fans at Ford Field expressed their discontent, booing Stafford as he ran out onto the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams, and the jeers continued throughout the game.

The opening drive felt familiar, reminiscent of last year’s NFC wild-card playoff match where Matthew Stafford faced jeers from Lions fans as Detroit managed to scrape past the Rams, winning 24-23.

Stafford began his career in Detroit, playing for 12 seasons before being traded to the Rams in March 2021, which saw Jared Goff head to the Lions. — Cydney Henderson

Quick Defensive Stand by the Lions

Even without Aaron Donald, Los Angeles jumped right into action.

After the Rams’ offense couldn’t get going, their defense stepped in, forcing the Lions into a quick three-and-out. The Lions initially gained a few yards, but on a crucial third down, the Rams’ defensive line overwhelmed the protection, leading to a 9-yard sack of Jared Goff by Byron Young.

Both defenses are exhibiting strong performances early. Over the six plays taken, both teams have collectively lost six yards. — Jordan Mendoza

Rams Start with a Three-and-Out

Matthew Stafford made his way back to Ford Field but had limited time on the field during the opening moments.

The opening play saw him complete a pass to Kyren Williams, which resulted in a 1-yard loss after a tough tackle from Alex Anzalone. An incomplete throw followed, and a screen pass aimed at Cooper Kupp was quickly thwarted by Detroit’s defense, forcing a fast three-and-out for Los Angeles. — Jordan Mendoza

Rams vs. Lions Game Details

The matchup between the Rams and Lions kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET at Ford Field in Detroit.

Where to Watch Rams vs. Lions

• Broadcast Channel: NBC

Live Streaming Options for Rams vs. Lions

• Streaming Services: Peacock and Fubo TV

If you’re looking to stream the game instead of watching on cable, Fubo TV is a great choice as it offers NBC coverage along with CBS, FOX, NFL Network, and ESPN networks for all your NFL viewing needs this season.

Predictions and Betting Odds for Rams vs. Lions

The Lions are favored to win against the Rams according to BetMGM’s NFL betting odds. Interested in placing a bet? Explore the best mobile sports betting apps that are providing NFL betting promotions in 2024.

• Point Spread: Lions (-4.5)
• Moneyline: Lions (-225); Rams (+180)
• Over/Under: 53.5

Here are the expert picks from YSL News Sports:

• Jarrett Bell: Lions, 28-24
• Chris Bumbaca: Lions, 28-24
• Nate Davis: Lions, 30-27
• Tyler Dragon: Lions, 28-23
• Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Lions, 31-21
• Lorenzo Reyes: Lions, 32-22

Injury Report for Rams vs. Lions: Rob Havenstein Out

Rams offensive lineman Rob Havenstein is inactive for the season opener against the Lions due to an ankle injury. He has been a starter in 130 career games over his nine seasons with the team.

DJ Reader, a new addition to the Lions, will also not be playing in this game.

Rams’ Inactive Players:

• RB Cody Schrader
• LB Brennan Jackson
• LB Elias Neal
• OL Rob Havenstein
• DE Desjean Johnson

Lions’ Inactive Players:

• S Ifeatu Melifonwu
• S Loren Strickland
• LB James Houston
• LB Trevor Nowaske
• OL Giovanni Manu
• OL Colby Sorsdal
• DL DJ Reader

Matthew Stafford Moving Up the Ranks

Matthew Stafford, the number one overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, is entering his 16th season and has a chance to break into the top 10 for both passing yards and touchdowns in history.

His upcoming target is Eli Manning.

This season, Stafford ranks 11th with 56,047 passing yards — just 976 yards shy of Manning’s 57,023 — and 357 passing touchdowns, which is nine less than Manning’s record of 366.

Top Career Passing Yardage:

1. Tom Brady (2000-2022): 89,214
2. Drew Brees (2001-2020): 80,358
3. Peyton Manning (1998-2015): 71,940
4. Brett Favre (1991-2010): 71,838
5. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021): 64,088
6. Philip Rivers (2004-2020): 63,440
7. Matt Ryan (2008-2022): 62,792
8. Dan Marino (1983-1999): 61,361
9. Aaron Rodgers (2005-present): 59,055
10. Eli Manning (2004-2019): 57,023
11. Matthew Stafford (2009-present): 56,047

Top Career Passing Touchdowns:

1. Tom Brady (2000-2022): 649
2. Drew Brees (2001-2020): 571
3. Peyton Manning (1998-2015): 539
4. Brett Favre (1991-2010): 508
5. Aaron Rodgers (2005-present): 475
6. Philip Rivers (2004-2020): 421
7. Dan Marino (1983-1999): 420
8. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021): 418
9. Matt Ryan (2008-2022): 381
10. Eli Manning (2004-2019): 366
11. Matthew Stafford (2009-present): 357

Stafford is the all-time leading passer for the Detroit Lions, while the current quarterback for the Lions, Jared Goff, is fifth in franchise history but is expected to rise to second place by season’s end. — Jim Reineking

• NFL Career Passing Leaders by Team

Rams vs. Lions: A Background Check

This matchup marks the 89th meeting between the Rams and Lions, which began back in 1948.

The Rams have a slight historical edge, leading the series 45-42-1, including a regular-season record of 45-40-1.

Last season’s playoff encounter was only the second occurrence of these teams clashing in the playoffs, the first being in 1952 when the Lions emerged victorious en route to winning the NFL championship. — Jim Reineking

Aaron Donald’s Impact on the Rams

Despite Aaron Donald’s departure, a formidable three-time defensive player of the year and future Hall of Famer, his absence has certainly been felt within the Rams’ defensive lineup, and the team is adjusting to this change leading up to their season opener against the Lions. — Tyler Dragon

Current Highest-Paid NFL Players

According to OverTheCap.com, all 18 of the NFL’s top players in terms of average annual salary are quarterbacks. Recently, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott secured his spot as the highest-paid player in the league with a four-year, $240 million contract. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Vikings has made history as the first non-quarterback to appear on this exclusive list following his recent four-year, $140 million contract extension.

Highest Paid NFL Players by Position

Here’s the comprehensive list of top earners at every NFL position:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs
• Wide receivers
• Tight ends
• Offensive tackles
• Offensive guards
• Centers
• Edge rushers
• Interior defensive linemen
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties
• Kickers
• Punters