Detroit Lions (1-0) – Los Angeles Rams (0-1): 26-20 (ap)
The Lions weren't as efficient as last year, but when it came to overtime, they didn't give the Rams a chance. Detroit won the extra-period coin toss and never turned the ball over.
David Montgomery (17 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD) participated in the march forward with five carries and 45 yards, including the conclusion of the game on a touchdown of a small length. A logical conclusion on the whole game, even if Detroit gave itself a scare.
The Lions led 17-3 in the third quarter, but Matthew Stafford (34/49, 317 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) and the Rams scored 17 points to get back in front on a touchdown by Cooper Kupp (14 rec, 110 yards, 1 TD) with just over 4 minutes left.
Jared Goff (18/28, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) and his teammates finally snatched a field goal with 17 seconds left to go into overtime.
Lions in testing, Jameson Williams already hot
While the Lions and Rams claim to be among the league's best offenses, Sunday was clearly a warm-up. No one really played well, and a few mistakes marred the picture.
In the second quarter, Matthew Stafford was intercepted in the opponent's end zone while looking for the equalizer. In the final period, Jared Goff suffered the same fate, giving the ball back to a Los Angeles team in full comeback.
The Rams struggled with injuries on their offensive line, and Puka Nacua (4 rec, 35 yards) was also out. Detroit ultimately won thanks to a more balanced game. The running game was a driving force with 163 cumulative yards, 2 touchdowns and 5.3 yards gained on average per carry.
If Amon-Ra St. Brown (3 rec, 13 yards) was rather discreet, the Lions come out with enormous satisfaction: the big game of Jameson Williams, author of 5 receptions for 121 yards and the touchdown which allowed his team to lead 17-3 in the third quarter.
The Lions haven't been brilliant, but they're now one of those teams that can win even without playing perfectly. That's good news in itself.
