The Detroit Lions will host the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on Sunday, Sept. 8, in what is a rematch from the 2023 playoffs.
The Lions topped the Rams in that game, 24-23, before making a run to the NFC Championship Game. It was also the first time former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford made his return to Detroit since he was traded to Los Angeles in a deal that netted the Lions Jared Goff.
That trade has worked out pretty well for both sides, as the Rams won a Super Bowl with Stafford while the Lions have seen a resurgence with Goff and now have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations going into 2024.
On top of the Stafford-Goff angle, this is a matchup between two teams that should make some noise in 2024. Let's see how NFL analysts from different media outlets think this game will go.
Lions vs. Rams picks, predictions Week 1
Sporting News
Vinnie Iyer: Lions (27-23)
"The Rams need to return to Detroit with Matthew Stafford for a second consecutive game after losing there in the playoffs," Iyer wrote. "Stafford's been hurting but will be ready to rev up the loaded offense with a healthy Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams along with a mending Puka Nacua. The Lions will roll out a familiar balanced and explosive offense with Jared Goff, getting a little more punch from Aidan Hutchinson and the defense to shut the door late."
Bill Bender: Lions (31-24)
"The Lions are a trendy Super Bowl pick again, and the novelty of facing Matthew Stafford has worn off. How will the Rams’ interior defense hold up without Aaron Donald, who retired this offseason?" Bender wrote. "The Lions will test that early, and the running game will be a difference in the fourth quarter. Campbell elects for field goals to put the game away late, and newcomer Jake Bates is on the mark. Detroit was 6-4 ATS at home last season."
ESPN
Matt Bowen: Lions
Kimberley A. Martin: Lions
Jason Reid: Lions
Lindsey Thiry: Lions
Seth Wickersham: Rams
CBS Sports
Pete Prisco: Lions (28-21)
"This is a rematch of the playoff game from last season won by the Lions," Prisco said. "The return of Matthew Stafford to Detroit will be less of a story now. The bigger story for the Rams is the defense now without the retired Aaron Donald. The Lions are physical up front, which is why I think they will run it right at the Rams to control the game. Lions take it with a big game from Jahmyr Gibbs.
John Breech: Rams (30-27)
"Matthew Stafford is returning to Detroit for the second time in eight months to play a game, and this time, I actually think he's going to win," Breech wrote. "The biggest thing working in the Rams' favor is that everyone seems to be healthy, which wasn't always the case last season. There were only eight games last year where the Rams had Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams on the field at the same time. In those games, the Rams went 6-2 and Stafford threw 18 touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions.
"After losing to the Lions during last year's playoffs, I have to think Stafford would love to finally get a win IN Detroit, which he still hasn't done since being traded from the Motor City to Los Angeles back in 2021."
Number of analysts picking Lions: 7
Number of analysts picking Rams: 2