The Detroit Lions will open their season in primetime for the second consecutive year, when they host the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on Sunday night in the 89th meeting between the franchises — LA leads the series 45-42-1. Last season, Detroit ended Los Angeles' year with a 24-23 victory in the NFC Wild Card round in the first home playoff game for the Lions since 1994.
Sunday's contest marks the first of Detroit's two-game home stand to begin the year, while Los Angeles starts with a two-game road trip.
Rams report: Like the Lions, the Rams also finished 2-1 in the preseason in games that didn't feature notable starters like quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will make his second trip back to Detroit since being traded to LA in 2021. Head Coach Sean McVay enters his eighth season in charge of the Rams.
Last season Los Angeles finished 10-7 and second in the NFC West behind the eventual NFC Champions, San Francisco, who defeated Detroit in the NFC Championship game. The Rams, who have made the playoffs two of the last three seasons, finished the 2023 season ranked seventh in total offense and 20th in total defense.
Over the offseason Los Angeles signed former Lions guard Jonah Jackson, Detroit's 2020 third-round pick, to a three-year deal. The Rams also signed tight end Colby Parkinson from Seattle, cornerback Tre'Davious White from Buffalo, and promoted Chris Shula to defensive coordinator in other offseason moves.
The Rams will be without left tackle Alaric Jackson Sunday, who is serving the first of a two-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Tight end Tyler Higbee remains on the Reserve/PUP list, recovering from an ACL and MCL tear suffered in the January loss to Detroit. Los Angeles placed projected starting cornerback Darious Williams on Reserve/Injured (hamstring) Thursday, so he will miss at least four games.
Last meeting: In the Lions' first playoff victory in 32 years, Detroit edged out the Rams 24-23 in the NFC Wild Card round in January. Quarterback Jared Goff started the game 14-of-15 for 161 yards, leading to three Detroit touchdowns on 75-yard drives — a Sam LaPorta reception and runs by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs — on their first three possessions.
Los Angeles wide receiver Puka Nacua capped of his record-setting rookie year with nine receptions for a career-high 181 yards and a touchdown, a 50-yard connection with Stafford in the second quarter. Stafford later found wide receiver Tutu Atwell for a 38-yard touchdown as Detroit led 21-17 at halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, the Lions extended their lead to 24-17 courtesy of a 54-yard field goal by Michael Badgley. LA kicker Brett Maher recorded the next two scores with field goals that narrowed the lead to 24-23 midway through the fourth quarter. The Lions managed to milk the final four minutes and seven seconds on the clock with a Goff pass to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to secure a first-down being the nail in the coffin for Los Angeles.
Quick hits:
1. The Rams will be without star defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who retired in March. Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year recipient, was a 10-time Pro Bowler.
2. Similar to Lions kicker Jake Bates, Rams kicker Joshua Karty will make his NFL debut on Sunday. The 22-year old rookie out of Stanford, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, went 5-of-6 in the preseason with a long of 48 yards.
3. McVay, the youngest head coach in the league, is three wins away from becoming the all-time winningest coach in Rams history. He currently has 77 wins.
Data dive:
Stats are based on the 2023 season followed by the rank.
| Team | Total Offense | Total Defense | Rushing Offense | Passing Offense | Rushing Defense | Passing Defense | Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 394.8 (3) | 336.1 (19) | 135.9 (5) | 258.9 (2) | 88.8 (2) | 247.4 (27) | 23 (18) |
| Rams | 359.3 (7) | 337.9 (20) | 120.3 (11) | 239 (10) | 106.8 (12) | 231.1 (20) | 15 (30) |
Next on the schedule:
- Los Angeles: at Arizona, Sept. 15, 4:05 p.m.
- Detroit: vs. Tampa Bay, Sept. 15, 1:00 p.m.
Here are five Rams storylines to follow into Sunday evening's matchup:
1. From the Podium: HC Sean McVay and QB Matthew Stafford discuss Week 1 at Detroit
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford discuss Los Angeles' Week 1 opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. READ MORE
2. Mina Kimes on opening week against Detroit & Rams rookie weapons | Ricky's Ram Jam
Los Angeles Rams talent/content producer Erica Tamposi (Ricky Hollywood) sits down with ESPN's and Rams preseason analyst Mina Kimes, previewing Sunday's matchup and Los Angeles' rookie weapons. WATCH
3. Locker Room Interviews: Jared Verse, Blake Corum, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila on preparation for Week 1 vs. Lions
Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse, running back Blake Corum, offensive lineman Jonah Jackson, and offensive lineman Steve Avila address the media leading up to Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions. WATCH
4. Rams QB Matthew Stafford on his legacy, quarterbacks of the past and future | Featured on Rams Revealed Ep. 117
Current Rams and former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford reflects on his career, playing with Lions Legend Calvin Johnson and shares his thoughts on playing at Ford Field in primetime. READ AND WATCH
5. 'Wherever they need me, I'm ready': Rams set to have Jonah Jackson start at center
With the Rams' offensive line undergoing some reshuffling this week because of injuries and a suspension, former Lions guard Jonah Jackson is set to start at center in his first return to Ford Field since signing with LA. READ MORE
