The Detroit Lions take on the Los Angeles Rams in a rematch from last year’s NFC wild-card playoff game, marking the inaugural “Sunday Night Football” game for the 2024 NFL season.

In that prior matchup, the Lions achieved their first playoff victory in 32 years, ending the longest postseason losing streak in the league. They progressed to the NFC championship game but were ultimately defeated by the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are eager to make a playoff return in this season’s contest.

This game’s highlight features two quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, playing against their previous teams. Stafford stands as the NFL’s 11th all-time passing yardage leader (56,047 yards) and is poised to break into the top 10 by October (Eli Manning holds 57,023 yards). Meanwhile, Goff concluded the 2023 season with his fourth career passing season of over 4,000 yards, achieving a personal best of 30 touchdowns.

Current Score: Rams vs. Lions

• Rams: 3
• Lions: 10

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)

Puka Nacua’s Injury Update

The Rams indicated that emerging star receiver Puka Nacua was questionable to continue playing due to a knee injury. However, he returned to the field after the Lions’ touchdown in the final moments of the first half.

During the previous Rams drive, Nacua made a sliding catch on a critical third down but limped off to the sideline afterward to get checked by the medical staff. He was seen attempting to run while the Lions were on offense. — Jordan Mendoza

Rams Fail to Convert on Fourth Down

While the Lions are known for taking risks on fourth down, the Rams couldn’t find success in a similar attempt.

Los Angeles made substantial progress down the field and entered Lions territory, but a third down pass from Stafford to Nacua fell short of the required distance. The Rams decided to stay on the field for a fourth-and-four play, but Stafford’s throw to Cooper Kupp was juggled and fell to the ground, foiling their scoring attempt. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions Tie the Game with Field Goal

The Lions have put points on the board. Lions running back David Montgomery successfully converted a crucial fourth down, maintaining Detroit’s offensive move, but they struggled in the red zone, resulting in a 25-yard field goal from Jake Bates to even the score at 3-3 early in the second quarter.

So far, the majority of the Lions’ offensive yardage has been gained on the ground. Quarterback Goff has only completed six passes for 23 yards, while Montgomery has carried the ball nine times for 35 yards. — Cydney Henderson

Rams Take Early Lead with a Field Goal

Rookie kicker Joshua Karty scored the first points of his career, hitting a 41-yard field goal to give the Rams an early advantage of 3-0.

Following a lackluster initial drive, the Rams gained momentum down the field, with Stafford connecting with Kupp four times during the drive. They advanced into Lions territory and were close to the red zone, but a sack followed by a false start pushed them backward on third down. Coach Sean McVay decided to play it cautiously, opting for a run that set up Karty’s field goal attempt. — Jordan Mendoza

Cooper Kupp’s Impact Early in the Game

Despite a challenging previous season, Cooper Kupp is demonstrating early on that he’s ready to reclaim his position as one of the league’s top receivers.

Within just 10 minutes of play, he has already recorded five receptions for 26 yards, with Stafford frequently targeting the Super Bowl 56 MVP during the Rams’ second drive. Kupp’s performance last season saw only 59 catches for 737 yards, marking his lowest numbers since 2018. — Jordan Mendoza

Mixed Reception for Matthew Stafford in Detroit

Matthew Stafford had predicted he would be met with boos in Detroit, and he was right.

Lions fans expressed their disapproval as Stafford entered the field ahead of the game against the Rams, and the boos continued throughout the Rams’ opening drive. This was reminiscent of their previous playoff encounter, where Stafford faced audible disapproval during the contest. Stafford played the first 12 seasons of his career with the Lions before being traded to the Rams in March 2021, an exchange that also involved Jared Goff moving to Detroit. — Cydney Henderson

Rams Defense Shines Early

Though Los Angeles is without star player Aaron Donald, their defense came out strong.

The Rams forced the Lions into a three-and-out situation after the offense was quickly eliminated from the field. Detroit managed some short gains on their first couple of plays, but the Rams’ defensive line made a significant play as Byron Young sacked Goff for a 9-yard loss, stopping their offensive momentum effectively.

Both defensive units are putting up a solid front early on, as both teams combined for just minus-6 yards over the first six plays. — Jordan Mendoza

Rams Start with a Three-and-Out

Matthew Stafford made his highly-anticipated return to Ford Field, the game didn’t begin well for the Rams.

On the first play, a pass aimed at Kyren Williams was met with a hard hit from Alex Anzalone, resulting in a one-yard loss. After a failed attempt, a screen pass to Cooper Kupp was quickly tackled by the Detroit defense, losing two yards and forcing Los Angeles into an immediate three-and-out. — Jordan Mendoza

What time does Rams vs. Lions start?

The matchup between the Rams and Lions is set to begin at 8:20 p.m. ET at Ford Field in Detroit.

Rams vs. Lions TV broadcast

• Broadcast channel: NBC

NBC will air the “Sunday Night Football” game featuring the Rams and Lions, with Mike Tirico providing play-by-play commentary, and Cris Collinsworth offering analysis. Melissa Stark will deliver updates from the sidelines.

Where to watch Rams vs. Lions online

• Streaming options: Peacock and Fubo TV

If you’re looking to stream the game, Fubo TV is a great choice as it includes NBC, CBS, FOX, NFL Network, and ESPN channels, allowing you to catch NFL games for the rest of the season.

Rams vs. Lions: Odds and predictions

The Lions are favored to win against the Rams according to the BetMGM NFL odds. If you’re interested in betting, check out the top mobile sports betting apps that offer NFL promos in 2024.

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

Here are the predictions from YSL News Sports experts for the game:

• 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: Rams vs. Lions

Rob Havenstein, the offensive lineman with 130 career starts over nine seasons with the Rams, will not play in the team’s first game against the Lions due to an ankle injury.

For the Lions, new addition DJ Reader will also be unavailable.

Inactive Rams players:

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

Inactive Lions players:

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

Matthew Stafford’s career milestones

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft, is entering his 16th season and is on track to break into the top ten for both all-time passing yards and touchdowns.

He aims to surpass Eli Manning.

As of the start of the 2024 season, Stafford sits at 11th with 56,047 passing yards, just 976 yards shy of Manning’s total of 57,023, and has recorded 357 passing touchdowns, needing nine more to match Manning’s 366.

All-time passing yard leaders:

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

All-time passing touchdown leaders:

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 leading passer in the history of the Detroit Lions. Currently, Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, is fifth on the franchise’s list but is expected to move up to second place by the end of this season. — Jim Reineking

• Passing yard leaders for each NFL team

Rams vs. Lions: Historical Overview

The Rams and Lions are set to compete for the 89th time in a rivalry that began in 1948.

The Rams have a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 45-42-1 (45-40-1 in regular-season matches).

Last season, the two teams faced each other in the wild-card playoffs, marking only the second postseason encounter, the first being in 1952 when the Lions defeated the Rams during their championship run. — Jim Reineking

The impact of Aaron Donald on Rams defense

After the departure of Aaron Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and guaranteed Hall of Fame inductee, the Rams’ defense has undergone significant adjustments leading up to their opening game against the Lions. — Tyler Dragon

Who holds the title of the highest-paid NFL player?

According to OverTheCap.com, all of the NFL’s top 18 players in terms of average annual salary are quarterbacks. Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, became the highest-paid player after signing a four-year, $240 million contract on Sunday. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the first non-quarterback on the highest-paid list, having secured a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason.

Highest paid players at each NFL position

We have compiled a thorough list of the highest earners at each position:

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