The Detroit Lions kicked off their 2024 NFL season with a nail-biting 26-20 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams.
Let’s get into the key player stats and game-changing moments that defined this thrilling matchup.
Los Angeles Rams
Offense
Passing
| Player | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
| M. Stafford | 34/49 | 317 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
Rushing
| Player | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
| K. Williams | 18 | 50 | 1 | 9 | 14 |
| R. Rivers | 2 | 16 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| C. Kupp | 2 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 3 |
| P. Nacua | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | – |
Receiving
| Player | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
| C. Kupp | 21 | 14 | 110 | 1 | 21 | 32 |
| T. Johnson | 7 | 5 | 79 | 0 | 63 | 12 |
| C. Parkinson | 5 | 4 | 47 | 0 | 20 | 8 |
| D. Robinson | 7 | 4 | 42 | 0 | 14 | 8 |
| P. Nacua | 4 | 4 | 35 | 0 | 16 | 7 |
| K. Williams | 3 | 3 | 40 | 0 | 8 | 14 |
| D. Allen | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Detroit Lions
Offense
Passing
| Player | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
| J. Goff | 18/28 | 217 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
Rushing
| Player | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
| D. Montgomery | 17 | 91 | 1 | 21 | 16 |
| J. Gibbs | 11 | 40 | 1 | 8 | 17 |
| J. Williams | 1 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 24 |
| K. Raymond | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| J. Goff | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 12 |
Receiving
| Player | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
| J. Williams | 9 | 5 | 121 | 1 | 52 | 24 |
| S. LaPorta | 5 | 4 | 45 | 0 | 18 | 8 |
| J. Gibbs | 6 | 4 | 34 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
| A. St. Brown | 6 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 5 | 4 |
| B. Wright | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| D. Montgomery | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 16 |
Quarterbacks: A Tale of Two Signal-Callers
Jared Goff (Lions):
- 18/28 completions
- 217 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
Matthew Stafford (Rams):
- 34/49 completions
- 317 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
Stafford outpaced his former teammate in yardage, but Goff’s efficiency helped secure the win for Detroit.
Ground Game: Montgomery Steals the Show
The Lions’ running attack proved crucial in their victory:
- David Montgomery: 17 carries, 91 yards, 1 touchdown (game-winning in OT)
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 11 carries, 40 yards, 1 touchdown
Aerial Assault: Williams and Kupp Shine
Jameson Williams (Lions):
- 5 receptions
- 121 yards
- 1 touchdown (52-yard bomb)
Cooper Kupp (Rams):
- 14 receptions (tied career-high)
- 110 yards
- 1 touchdown
Williams’ big-play ability and Kupp’s consistency were displayed throughout the game.
Defense Makes Its Mark
Both defenses had their moments:
- John Johnson (Rams): Key interception in the 4th quarter
- Kerby Joseph (Lions): Crucial interception in the end zone
Game-Changing Moments
1. Williams’ 52-yard TD catch gave the Lions a 17-3 lead in the 3rd quarter
2. Johnson’s interception swung momentum back to the Rams in the 4th
3. Stafford-to-Kupp TD put the Rams ahead late in the 4th
4. Jake Bates’ 32-yard FG sent the game to overtime
5. Montgomery’s 1-yard TD run sealed the win for Detroit
Injury Report
The Rams faced several key injuries:
- Puka Nacua (knee) – left the game in the first half
- Joe Noteboom (ankle) – carted off in the second quarter
- Steve Avila (knee) – went down later in the game
Looking Ahead
Both teams showed promise and areas for improvement in this season opener.
The Lions demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower, while the Rams proved they can compete despite injuries to key players.
As week one concludes, both squads will look to build on this performance. The Lions host Tampa Bay next week, while the Rams travel to face Arizona.
This overtime thriller sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting NFL season for both Detroit and Los Angeles.
