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LA Rams vs Detroit Lions Predictions, Picks & Odds for Sunday Night Football

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in NFL Football

Updated Sep 7, 2024 · 4:23 PM PDT

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff takes the field for warm up
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) takes the field for warm up before a preseason game against Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
  • Rams vs Lions is featured on the first Sunday Night Football of the 2024 season
  • Oddsmakers favor Jared Goff and company to make a statement in the opener
  • Read below for our Rams vs Lions predictions, picks and odds for SNF

The Detroit Lions host the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field for the first Sunday Night Football game of the 2024 NFL season. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

The Lions enter Week 1 as 4.5-point favorites, with the over/under for total points scored sitting at 52.5. Rams vs Lions odds show Los Angeles at +185 on the moneyline (bet $100 to win $185) while Detroit is -225 chalk.

The Lions are looking to build on last season’s success, while the Rams seek redemption after losing to Detroit in the Wild Card round.

Here’s my SNF football prediction for Rams vs Lions, focusing on Detroit’s team total.

LA Rams vs Detroit Lions Prediction

I’m backing the Lions to exceed their team total of 28.5 points on Sunday Night Football. Detroit’s offense was explosive in 2023, ranking 5th in the NFL with 27.35 points per game. They also averaged an impressive 259.65 passing yards and 134.3 rushing yards per contest.

The Lions have the firepower to light up the scoreboard with weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs at Jared Goff’s disposal. Dan Campbell’s team is a top contender in the Super Bowl odds, and they should make an early statement that they deserve it.

The Lions have been particularly strong as home favorites, going over in six of their last seven games when favored by 3.5 to 10 points at Ford Field. They’ve also gone for 30+ points in two of their last three week 1 affair. I forecast another offensive explosion against a Rams defense that will be without retired star DT Aaron Donald.

Goff will be as motivated as ever facing his former team. He’s got a favorable matchup against a Rams secondary that gave up the second-most yards per attempt (7.8) last season. If Goff connects with his playmakers early, Detroit’s point total should skyrocket.

The game script also points to a potential shootout. Both teams have lethal offenses, and the Rams looking to avenge last season’s playoff loss. I can see this becoming a back-and-forth battle. The total of 52.5 points further indicates that oddsmakers expect a high-scoring thriller.

I expect the Lions to start fast in front of their home fans. With an explosive offensive attack and a favorable matchup, Detroit should get into the 30s in terms of points. Take the over on the Lions’ team total of 28.5 at DraftKings and watch the fireworks at Ford Field.

SNF Pick:

Rams vs Lions Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Los Angeles Rams +4.5 (-110) +180 Over 52.5 (-105)
Detroit Lions -4.5 (-110) -215 Under 52.5 (-115)

The Detroit Lions come into Sunday night’s matchup as 4.5-point favorites against the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit’s moneyline odds of -225 suggest a 69.2% probability of winning the game, while Los Angeles’ +185 moneyline implies a 35.1% chance of pulling off the upset.

Based on the odds, it’s clear that Vegas considers the Lions the superior team on paper. This is likely due to Detroit’s elite offense and the Rams’ recent struggles, including the loss of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

The game’s total is set at 52.5 points, hinting at a possible high-scoring game. The Over has hit in six of Detroit’s last seven home games, showing how effective their offense has been at Ford Field. The Rams have also seen high-scoring games lately, with the Over hitting in six of their last eight.

In their last 10 meetings, the Lions and Rams are tied 5-5, but Detroit has won the last four at home. This, along with Detroit’s rise and the Rams’ defensive struggles, have led to the Lions being favored in the NFL odds.

 

Odds as of September 7, 2024, at ESPN Bet. Browse the top NFL betting apps for Rams vs Lions Sunday Night Football.

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