The 2024 NFL regular season has officially arrived, and fans are in for a thrilling Sunday night opener between the Los Angeles Rams and the Detroit Lions. The Lions, fresh off a historic season, will be hosting the Rams in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 wild card playoffs. The stage is set for an exciting showdown at Ford Field in Detroit, with both teams eager to make a statement in Week 1. This prime-time clash, airing on NBC, is not one to miss.
Game Details: Rams vs Lions
- Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
- Venue: Ford Field, Detroit
- Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock, FanFanatics
Whether you’re a die-hard Rams fan or rooting for the Lions, this Sunday night game promises to be a nail-biter.
How to Watch the Rams vs Lions Without Cable
If you don’t have cable, don’t worry—you can still catch the action. The game will be broadcast on NBC, which you can stream live on Peacock. Additionally, platforms like FanFanatics provide streaming options. Outside of local markets, the game can also be viewed on NFL+, or you can subscribe to NFL’s Sunday Ticket, now available as an add-on to YouTube TV.
For those in the Tampa and Washington markets, local channels may broadcast the game, but it’s always wise to check listings and consider streaming options if you’re outside those areas.
A Look Back at the Lions’ Breakthrough Season
The Detroit Lions had a remarkable 2023 season, clinching their first division title in two decades. This achievement marked a major turnaround for the franchise and elevated expectations for the 2024 campaign. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled a gritty, hard-nosed mentality in his players, which led them to a playoff victory against the Rams last season. Now, the Lions are looking to build on that success and kick off the new season with a strong showing in front of their home crowd.
Rams Seeking Redemption
For the Los Angeles Rams, this Week 1 matchup represents a chance for redemption. Their narrow 24-23 loss to the Lions in last season’s wild card round still lingers, and the team is determined to flip the script this time around. Led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 367 yards and two touchdowns in that January game, the Rams are hungry to return to their winning ways. Wide receiver Puka Nacua will also be a player to watch, following his standout performance in the wild card game where he hauled in nine receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown.
Key Matchup: Rams vs Lions
This Sunday Night Football matchup has all the makings of an early season classic. The Rams will be aiming to exploit Detroit’s secondary with their potent passing attack, led by Stafford and his array of talented receivers. However, the Lions have bolstered their defense during the offseason, and they’ll be looking to pressure Stafford into mistakes. The battle in the trenches will be pivotal, with both teams featuring strong offensive and defensive lines.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff, a former Ram, will also be eager to make a statement against his former team. Goff’s efficiency and ability to manage the game will be crucial for the Lions’ success, especially if they can establish the run early and control the clock.
Full Week 1 NFL Schedule for the 2024 Season
Here’s a look at the full slate of Week 1 games in the 2024 NFL season:
Thursday, September 5
- Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Friday, September 6
- Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (in São Paulo, Brazil), 8:15 p.m. ET (Peacock)
Sunday, September 8
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Monday, September 9
- New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)
What to Expect in Week 1
The first week of the NFL season is always full of surprises, and this year should be no different. As teams shake off the rust and work out any early-season kinks, fans can expect a mix of high-scoring games, close contests, and standout individual performances. The Rams vs. Lions game is one of the marquee matchups of the week, with playoff implications and storylines galore.
Tune in on Sunday night to see if the Lions can pick up where they left off last season or if the Rams will exact their revenge. No matter the outcome, it’s sure to be an exciting start to the 2024 NFL season.