Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit as the Rams take on the Lions in the first Sunday Night Football game of the year. Here is how to bet on the game at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rams (+3.5) vs. Lions o/u 52
The Lions defeated the Rams in a thrilling postseason battle last season. There is so much history between these two sides. They famously traded quarterbacks, which led Matt Stafford to win a Super Bowl with the Rams, and the Lions to find great success with Jared Goff. The two do battle again to start the 2024 season in Detroit.
Rams Team Breakdown
This Rams offense should be fantastic again this season. Sean McVay is an elite offensive coach and Matt Stafford continues to produce every year. They also have an elite wide receiver duo with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Last season was a breakout year for RB Kyren Williams and the Rams drafted Michigan RB Blake Corum to complement Williams in the backfield this offseason.
Defensively is where the Rams could struggle this season. The Rams traded their LB Ernest Jones IV, who was fantastic last season. 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald retired this offseason. This defense already ranked 22nd in defensive DVOA last season and could be trending even further down after losing those key pieces. They did invest in the defensive line through the NFL Draft, but it is hard to rely on those pieces until you see production at the NFL level.
Lions Team Breakdown
The Lions had a top-five offense in the NFL last season. Jared Goff has thrived the last couple of seasons in Detroit and Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the best wide receivers in football. The Lions also have a great running back duo with David Montgomery as the every-down back and Jahmyr Gibbs as a threat in the passing game and as a big-play back. This offense should be elite once again with the best offensive line in the NFL leading the way.
The Lions had the second-best total run defense in the NFL last season and added nose tackle DJ Reader to that elite unit. It is almost impossible to run on this team but they can be attacked in the secondary. The Lions used their first-round pick on CB Terrion Arnold but overall this is a very young secondary.
Pick and Prediction
Both teams have uncertainty on the defensive side of the ball. However, both offenses are loaded with talent and very good quarterbacks. This game could quickly turn into a shootout the way both offenses want to play, especially since the Rams will be afraid to run the ball against this loaded Detroit front.
If I had to pick a side, the Lions probably win the game. But this could easily be a field goal so I don’t want to bet the spread on either side. I am much more confident in the over since both offenses should be able to move the ball through the air.
Best Bet: Rams-Lions o52
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