Lions vs. LA Rams preview: Game # 1 (2024)

[D6]

Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams: Scouting report, prediction for Sunday Night Football

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Matthew Stafford is dangerous even in 3rd and long situations. Yet, Stafford is that much more dangerous if the LA Rams are effective and efficient running the ball. That could negate the Lions crowd noise advantage to a large extent and make the Lions more vulnerable to Stafford's play action fakes. I expect Sean McVay to be patient with the Rams running game, as long as it's feasible to be patient. Huge test for the Lions Defense against the Rams rushing attack!

[D6]

Predictions: Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams, season opener

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With DJ Reader very likely not playing in this game, a key Lions question is whether the Lions will end up keeping the LA Rams running game in check to the point that it doesn't substantially open up the Rams passing game?

[D6]

Detroit Lions predictions vs. Los Angeles Rams: New-look DBs vs. LA passing — who you got?

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I expect that the LA Rams will be more aggressive on Defense beginning on the Lions first or second drive than they were in the first half of the playoff game between the teams this past January. The 2nd half blitzes/ pressure the Rams generated slowed down the Lions Offense substantially.

[D6]

Lions inactives vs. Rams: James Houston among the healthy scratches

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James Houston isn't meeting the expectations of the Lions coaches in practice. Very disappointing.

Derrick Barnes will probably be used heavily as an edge rusher in this game.

[D6]

Rams inactives: Rob Havenstein, Brennan Jackson out vs. Lions

Report: Rams RT Rob Havenstein not expected to play vs. Lions
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When factoring in the LA Rams being without their starting Offensive Tackles and CB Darius Williams, on top of the retirement of DT Aaron Donald, and the trade of LB Ernest Jones, coupled with the Lions being at home, I think the Lions will be able to compensate for the loss of DT DJ Reader.

Prediction: Lions 34, LA Rams 26