NFL Week 1 expert picks, score predictions: Lions vs. Rams on ‘SNF’

Our staff makes their expert picks for the NFL Week 1 battle between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams on “Sunday Night Football.”

The Detroit Lions open up the 2024 season on “Sunday Night Football,” taking on the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. When the schedule dropped back in May, the Lions opened up as three-point favorites, and since then, the betting line has continued to move in Detroit’s favor. As of this moment, according to the folks over at Fan Duel Sportsbook, the betting line currently sits at Lions -4.5 points.

After spending an offseason filling holes and attempting to upgrade their rosters, both teams are beginning their seasons with playoff aspirations. The Lions have invested a lot of money in maintaining their offense and improving their defense, while the Rams have had to fill massive holes in their defense, following the retirement of Aaron Donald and the recent trade of MIKE linebacker Ernest Jones.

On the injury front, the Lions had as many as 15 players dealing with ailments near the end of training camp, but Detroit was strategic with their rehabilitation over the last two weeks and currently only have three players dealing with injuries. Meanwhile, the Rams could have some injury issues of their own. Former Lion Jonah Jackson missed a month of training camp but has been able to practice in full this week, but they may be without both their starting tackles. Left tackle Alaric Jackson has been suspended for this game and right tackle Rob Havenstein has been limited in practices after also missing a month of training camp. Additionally, starting corner Darious Williams was placed on injured reserve on Thursday.

Will the Lions be able to seize their opportunity to start the season off on the right foot? Here’s a look at our expert picks for the Week 1:

• Hamza Baccouche (0-0): Lions 23-21
• Morgan Cannon (0-0): Lions 34-24
• Max Gerber (0-0): Lions 28-10 (3 matchups)
• Al Karsten (0-0): Lions 31-24
• Brandon Knapp (0-0): Lions 28-21 (Scouting report)
• Jerry Mallory (0-0): Lions 27-20
• Ryan Mathews (0-0): Lions 28-17 (5 Questions)
• Jeremy Reisman (0-0): Lions 31-24 (On Paper)
• Alex Reno (0-0): Lions 24-20
• Kellie Rowe (0-0): Lions 34-30
• Ty Schalter (0-0): Lions 29-27
• Erik Schlitt (0-0): Lions 24-20 (Honolulu Blueprint)
• Meko Scott (0-0): Lions 27-20
• Zac Snyder (0-0): Lions 24-23
• John Whiticar (0-0): Lions 30-23

Now let’s hear your picks. Vote in the poll below and share your score predictions in the comment section at the bottom of the page.