There was only one way the first NFL game Sunday could end: overtime.
The Detroit Lions started their season on a high note with a thrilling win over the Los Angeles Rams, 26-20.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates with quarterback Jared Goff (16) after a 52-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/David Dahmer)
Detroit got the ball first in overtime and denied Los Angeles any offense. Two rushing plays set the tone for the drive. Kalif Raymond picked up a first down on his first jet sweep carry, then David Montgomery carried the ball 21 yards into Rams territory.
Jared Goff then threw a pass to Jameer Gibbs for a 10-yard gain, and at this point the Lions had a sniff of the end zone.
Montgomery carried the ball a few more times before finally reaching the end zone and scoring, he finished the game with 91 yards rushing, while Gibbs added 40 yards on the ground and scored a touchdown.
Goff completed 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown pass and one interception.
The Lions jumped out to a commanding lead early in the third quarter, when Goff threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams with 10:29 left in the quarter to put Detroit up 17-3.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) is prevented from catching a pass by Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23)'s defense during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/David Dahmer)
That's when the Rams needed to do their best to get back in the game.
Stafford led the Rams on an 11-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a Kyren Williams touchdown to cut the deficit to seven. Rams kicker Joshua Carty added a 26-yard field goal, and then Stafford caught a pass to Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown.
On the Lions' final possession, Goff put Detroit back within field goal range and Jake Bates tied the score with a 32-yard shot. The game was tied at 20-20 heading into overtime.
Williams had five catches for 121 yards.
Stafford had a great game for the Rams. He was better for Los Angeles in the second half than he was in the first. He finished with 317 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception.
The Rams' offense was dealt a blow early in the game when Puka Nacua left the game with a knee injury and did not return.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
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Kupp had to step up in his absence, catching 14 of 21 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Johnson had five catches for 79 yards.
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