There’s nothing quite like that initial Sunday Night Football contest of the NFL regular season. Whether it is Carrie Underwood’s famous tune or the fact that the entire nation stops what they’re doing for about three hours, SNF is a beloved American tradition. This Sunday (Sep. 8), we’ll get a booming reunion with the Lions vs. Rams—let’s find the best bets, shall we?
Escape From Motor City
Kickoff from Ford Field is on Sunday, September 8 at 8:20 p.m. ET. NBC and Peacock will serve as the game’s national broadcaster.
As emphasized in last year’s NFC playoffs, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams heading to Michigan brings up countless storylines. Stafford spent a dozen NFL seasons in “Detroit Rock City.” He was a fan favorite for the Lions, but they never won a postseason game under his tenure.
Of course, the new signal-caller in town is and has been Jared Goff. Like Stafford, Goff is a former first-overall pick. Additionally, the two were traded for one another (plus picks) in 2021 after Los Angeles felt they had outgrown Goff at quarterback.
Incidentally, Goff and the Lions hosted Stafford and the Rams over last year’s Wild Card Weekend. Goff and the home side earned the last laugh, narrowly eliminating Los Angeles by a score of 24-23. To spice things up, Stafford’s wife, Kelly, was publicly upset about her husband’s lack of a warm reception that night in Detroit.
Simply, when this Sunday evening rolls around, get your popcorn ready.
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Updated Sunday, Sep. 8 at noon ET. Game lines may shift upon publication.
Lions vs. Rams Prediction
Lions -4.5
In a post-Aaron Donald world, I believe the Rams will have a tough time matching up with Detroit’s offense. That’s much of the reason why I am willing to lay 4.5 points on the Lions in front of their raucous home crowd.
Not only has Goff experienced a career resurgence with the Lions, but he has a strong supporting cast. Pro Football Focus claims the NFL’s best offensive line is in Detroit. From there, receiver Amon Ra St. Brown, halfback Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta make up a dynamic skill group. This unit produced 27.1 PPG in 2023, which was fifth best in the league.
The Rams are a solid bunch. At this current moment, they are harmonizing youth with experience. Stafford is entering his 16th NFL season while wideout Cooper Kupp is heading for Year Eight. Alongside them, Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua are two of the top young players this league has to offer.
With two good offenses going at it, I have more comparative faith in Detroit’s D. the Lions’ defensive front is quite sturdy behind Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell. Also, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold will make for a fabulous addition outside the number. l see Arnold as the X factor for opening night at Ford Field.
For those wondering, Detroit was the top against-the-spread squad in the NFL last season. The Lions went 14-6 ATS, which equated to a 70% cover rate.
Under 52.5
With respect to the offensive talent on hand, my best bets for Lions vs. Rams will wrap up with an under. Ford Field will offer ideal playing conditions, but the 52-point total here is by far the largest of NFL Week 1. Basically, I am daring these two offenses to burn me out of the gate.
Los Angeles operates with a solid offensive line but the Pro-Bowler Hutchinson and Detroit’s front seven will be charged up for SNF at home. If this pack of Lions can harass Stafford — who is certainly not the most mobile of quarterbacks — early and often, the Rams will have a tough time sustaining drives.
Whatever the score ends up being, I think it will be challenging for these sides to reach 53 total points this weekend. Barring an overtime fiasco, I feel confident in the under at Ford Field.
Remaining NFL Week 1 Primetime Schedule
Monday, Sep. 9, 8:20 p.m. ET: New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers (-4)
Total: 43.5
Editor’s note: The advice provided by the author does not represent the views of Playboy. Taking any advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. Always use your own judgment when participating in sports betting. Still, for daily bettors, the best insight anyone ever gave me was to stay away from parlays.