It's a primetime playoff rematch in Detroit for the Rams as they kick off their 2024 season against the Lions on Sunday Night Football at Ford Field (5:20 p.m. PT, NBC).
In advance of the contest, here are 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams.
1) Keep the pocket clean for Stafford
Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game with an ankle injury. If he doesn't go, the Rams would be without both starting tackles, as Alaric Jackson is serving a two-game suspension to begin the season.
That places added importance on clean games played by Joe Noteboom at left tackle and presumably Warren McClendon Jr. at right tackle, as well as the interior of Los Angeles' offensive line against a Detroit defensive front led by Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchison (11.5 sacks last year).
2) Limit St. Brown's yards after the catch (YAC)
Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had the third-most YAC in the league last season with 685. For the second level of the Rams' defense, but especially its secondary, disciplined tackling and coverage will be crucial to minimizing the impact of that on Sunday night's game.
3) Maximize the run game
The Lions had the No. 2 run defense in the NFL in 2023, allowing just 88.8 rushing yards per game. Part of keeping the pocket clean for Stafford also means having a run game that can take the pressure off of him and keep the Rams offense balanced.
