This is a rematch of last year's playoff encounter in which the Rams played the Lions to a standstill before coming up short by a play or two. Both teams are widely expected to take another step forward, and there's a high possibility of the outcome again falling on a short key number.

Love this spot for Cooper Kupp who is fully healthy entering the season. All of the offseason reports have been absolutely glowing regarding Kupp and I believe he is poised for a massive target share in one of the most prolific passing offenses in the league. We are getting a significant discount on this line as well and my model has a substantial edge on this number.

Monty scored in 15/19 games last year including the playoffs….including v the Rams. Let’s stick with the gameplan in a game projected to be a shootout. Plus most other books have this at -140 or higher

You see how teams falter with bad o lines….and the Rams may be down both tackles. The lions can score and the Ram D is a question.

This would normally be a spot in which I would take the points with the Rams, but the Lions are a juggernaught at home. They are also healthier and upgraded compared to a Rams team that is dealing with ailments and a notable loss of Aaron Donald this offseason. This should be a fun game for a half or three quarters, but Detroit should pull away in the latter minutes and flex their muscle again as one of the best teams in the NFC.

Laporta should be targeted early and often in this NFC playoff rematch. Laporta had a modest stat line in last year's postseason battle, but he was off of a knee injury and limited. In the following two playoff games, Laporta exploded for 65 and 97 yards. Laporta went for 50+ yards in 10 games last season. With the departure of WR Josh Reynolds, the Lions WR room is fairly thin after Amon-Ra St. Brown. Laporta will be a reliable target in Week 1.

It's a lot of juice, but it's a good spot for Matthew Stafford to chuck it around the yard. The Lions defense was great against the run last year and also made some significant improvements in that area in the off-season (i.e. - adding DJ Reader). The path to touchdowns is via the pass for the Rams, particularly in what is likely a negative game script, as the Lions shouldn't have much trouble scoring.

Brian Branch played nickel back last season and thus his snap share suffered when the Lions faced run-heavy offenses. Thanks to Detroit's offseason moves to upgrade the secondary, Branch will start at strong safety. Most likely he'll be an every-down player. Look for him to make tackles in coverage as well as in run support.

The Lions have gotten better since they edged the Rams in the playoffs last season, while LA has gotten worse. The Rams don't have their starting left tackle due to suspension; corner Darious Williams' absence will be significant versus Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Jared Goff is 7-0 ATS in season openers and I like that to continue Sunday night at Ford Field, where the Lions averaged 30.5 points last season.

The Lions beat the Rams 24-23 in the playoffs failing to cover the three-point spread. We're looking at the same situation here except the Lions have a lot more to prove. They were the team knocking on the doors of the Super Bowl and somehow failed and that sticking point is going to be a positive motivational tool to carry them through the first half of the season. I think they're going to be that team that starts 7-0 and goes on to much bigger things. The Lions will be the IT team. The Lions have too much talent offensively to mess around. Lions cover.

Stafford already dealt with his return to Motown in the playoffs to the run of 367 passing yards. I expect this to be a high-paced game with lots of big play potential. Stafford averaged 283/G from Week 10 on and he has already thrown for 300+ yards 8 times on Week 1. Sean McVay will have it dialed up and they have personnel to stress any defense. Even more emphasis on scoring with no Aaron Donald. McVay taking foot off gas gives me pause but I don't think he can do that in this spot vs this opponent.

These two produced 47 points in the playoffs, despite all the key skill guys shining. Games are called different in postseason, more tension, a different feel. This rematch will have more points just like BAL/KC did. Matt Stafford has already dealt with this crowd and Rams score 29 PPG with their top WR/RB healthy. Lions can roll up 30 at home on anyone, and no Aaron Donald should make Jared Goff even more comfortable. Both these QBs tend to shine in Week 1 and these offensive play callers will have it dialed up with so much time to prepare.

These teams played a tight game in the wild-card round last year, but it was one the Lions led throughout. Their defense has gotten better this year, with DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport added to the defensive front and Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold part of an upgraded secondary. The Rams on the other hand lost one of the best defenders in history and appear weaker on all three levels of the defense. With their left tackle suspended, Matthew Stafford could struggle to keep the pass rush at bay as well. The gap between these teams is much wider than the market suggests, and I'd make this line Lions -7.

It's a rebuild for the Rams' defense, with the incomparable D-lineman Aaron Donald retiring. The Lions, behind a stellar showing from motivated ex-L.A. QB Jared Goff, tagged the Rams for 24 points in a narrow wild-card win in January. Detroit figures to increase that amount. Three Rams starting O-linemen have missed plenty of preseason time, while QB Matthew Stafford has been hampered by an ailing hamstring. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games, so Stafford might be compelled to play at less than tip-top shape -- if he plays at all.

The Rams have been hammered by injuries to their offensive line and secondary (CB Derion Kendrick is done for the year) and stellar WR Puka Nacua went down injured Sunday. He should be ready for Week 1 but not ideal to potentially miss a bunch of practices and perhaps the entire preseason. LA's defense is going to take a step back without the retired Aaron Donald. Also keep in mind that if something happens between now and Week 1 to Matthew Stafford, backup Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended the first two games for PED use. Aren't you supposed to get better at sports once on the juice? Jimmy G didn't get the memo apparently in 2023. I'm extremely high on the Lions this year.