L.A. Rams at Detroit Lions SNF Betting Preview

Sunday evening offers a playoff rematch of last season, the Los Angeles Rams returning to Ford Field to oppose the Detroit Lions. Detroit edged the Rams, 24-23, in a ‘3-6’ game.

While both sides certainly have aspirations of getting back to the postseason, Detroit is taken to have more success in that area, coming off its first division title in forever. LA was 10-7 a season ago, Detroit at 12-5.

Detroit coach Dan Campbell has certainly righted a rudderless ship, but needs to avoid any hangover after his team blew a fat lead at Santa Clara against the 49ers in the NFC title game.

LA and coach Sean McVay were titlists at Super Bowl LVI in 2023. It’s a new era in SoCal, one without the monster defensive presence of Aaron Donald.

As was the focus last season, this opener finds former LA quarterback Jared Goof opposing ex-Lion Matthew Stafford. Stafford did help the Rams win it all, but now it’s Goff with more of an arsenal …at least in theory.

Detroit finished fifth in points per game (27.4) last season, LA ninth (23.7).    

Expectations are high in Michigan, with Goff and the Lions among the favorites to win the Super Bowl in New Orleans. That’s down the road, Detroit is a 3½-point fave (total at 52) Sunday nite, according to NFL odds.

It’s the Rams leading the all-time series (including postseason), 45-42-1.

Here’s a look at the season’s first Sunday evening pairing…

Gibbs at 100%

Detroit released running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who injured his hamstring during a night practice last month. That panicked everyone in the sphere of football. However, Gibbs has worked his way back, insisting he’s 98%-100% ahead of the start of the season.

“A little tweak” is how Gibbs explained it. Drafted 12th overall by the Lions last season. Gibbs didn’t get many starts behind David Montgomery. However, his team utilized him quite heavily. (182 carries, 945 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 52 receptions, 316 receiving yards, one touchdown). He lost only one fumble (averaging five-plus yards every time he saw the ball).

Montgomery ended with 219 carries (1,015 yards, 13 touchdowns). Having both backs allowed the Lions to get fresh legs on the field, working to perfection.

Life Without Donald

Surprising some by making it into the playoffs last season, LA shouldn’t have stunned that many folks after winning seven of its last eight.

That was with one of the greatest defensive players in the last generation.

Now, Aaron Donald took his ball and went home, retiring after a decade this past March. Donald’s done at ‘only’ 33, though still productive (53 tackles, eight sacks, first-team All-Pro) in his final season.

We haven’t had the Rams without Donald in nearly a decade, and that’s a concerning sight.

Los Angeles is certainly hoping defensive end Kobie Turner can build off a 2023’s solid second half. He’s no Aaron Donald, but someone who made some excellent plays last season.

Gibbs has said he’s entering his sophomore pro season more confident in his abilities.

What’s the Point(s)?

If you’re a fan/believer, Detroit is 12-1 (+1200) to win the title, LA at 30-1 (+3000), according to Super Bowl LIX odds. Note that the Men of Motown have never, ever been to a Super Bowl.

Something else to keep in mind is that both sides (in LA’s case, even with Aaron Donald) were bottom-half in yards allowed last season. Detroit ended next-to-last (all you, Washington Commanders) is passing yards surrendered, too  

There’s a long-held theory that the defense is ahead of the offense during the early portion of the season, but don’t buy it here. There are too many people who can make plays with the pigskin on both sides of the ball going against defenses that can be exploited.

Sunday won’t be the playoff atmosphere of a season ago, but we expect points to be scored.

Try the over (52) as we see is familiarity does indeed breed contempt in this rematch.