Game story
In Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season on 2024-09-08, the Detroit Lions took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 26–20 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with +8.50 total EPA, and +0.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.50 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-16.5% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (:11) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at LA 25 for -5 yards (97-A.Hutchinson).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 26 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Stafford · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +8.50 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 2 D. Montgomery · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +6.48 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 3 D. Robinson · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.91 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 4 J. Williams · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +3.89 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 5 C. Parkinson · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.69 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 6 J. Gibbs · Detroit Lions · Rushing · +1.75 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 7 R. Rivers · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +1.46 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 8 T. Johnson · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.39 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Stafford — LA · Passing
M. Stafford posted the highest total EPA (+8.50) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 53 counted snaps, they averaged +0.16 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.22 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (:52) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 18-T.Johnson to DET 23 for 63 yards (44-M.Rodriguez) [97-A.Hutchinson].
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Detroit Lions — J. Gibbs
- Detroit Lions — J. Williams (J. Goff pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — K. Williams
- Los Angeles Rams — C. Kupp (M. Stafford pass)
- Detroit Lions — D. Montgomery
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Karty
- Detroit Lions — J. Bates
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Karty
- Detroit Lions — J. Bates
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DET 23 (Q1 49:54) — (4:54) 16-J.Karty 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans..
The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 10–0. Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the LA 7 (Q2 42:20) — (12:20) 39-J.Bates 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q2 32:00); Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 31:57) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LA 52 (Q3 25:37) — (10:37) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep left to 9-J.Williams for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LA-27-T.White, Illegal Contact, declined.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 25:29) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DET 2 (Q3 18:36) — (3:36) 23-K.Williams right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 18:33) — 16-J.Karty extra point is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 10–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the DET 8 (Q4 12:35) — (12:35) 16-J.Karty 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the DET 9 (Q4 4:35) — (4:35) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 10-C.Kupp for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 4:30) — 16-J.Karty extra point is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the LA 14 (Q4 0:20) — (:20) 39-J.Bates 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox..
Overtime: Detroit Lions won the period 12–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the LA 1 (OT 5:24) — (5:24) 5-D.Montgomery right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions found the end zone (OT 5:19) — END GAME.
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 0:11) — (:11) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford sacked at LA 25 for -5 yards (97-A.Hutchinson).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 15:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 18-T.Johnson to DET 23 for 63 yards (44-M.Rodriguez) [97-A.Hutchinson].
- Detroit Lions (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 87-S.LaPorta to LA 46 for 18 yards (26-K.Kinchens). PENALTY on LA-26-K.Kinchens, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at LA 46.
- Detroit Lions (OT 9:23) — (9:23) 5-D.Montgomery right end to LA 37 for 21 yards (27-T.White).
- Detroit Lions (Q4 0:24) — (:24) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass incomplete short right to 26-J.Gibbs.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 15:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 18-T.Johnson to DET 23 for 63 yards (44-M.Rodriguez) [97-A.Hutchinson].
- Detroit Lions (Q3 25:37) — (10:37) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep left to 9-J.Williams for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LA-27-T.White, Illegal Contact, declined.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 30:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle intended for 18-T.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 31-K.Joseph at DET -7. Touchback.
- Detroit Lions (Q4 9:15) — (9:15) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle intended for 14-A.St. Brown INTERCEPTED by 43-J.Johnson at LA 20. 43-J.Johnson to LA 20 for no gain (14-A.St. Brown).
Quarterback report card
M.Stafford led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) · 53 dropbacks · 64.2% completion · +0.4% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +8.50 total EPA
- J.Goff (Detroit Lions) · 31 dropbacks · 58.1% completion · -7.5% CPOE · -0.10 EPA/play · -3.20 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Rams | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.053 | +0.093 |
| Offensive success rate | 49.5% | 55.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.160 | -0.103 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.104 | +0.322 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.093 | -0.053 |
| Defensive success rate | 44.9% | 50.5% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Los Angeles Rams +0.05, Detroit Lions +0.09) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +7.28 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 10 drives, +4.92 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Detroit Lions leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Goff (DET) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q1 49:54 · DET 23 · Score 3-0
(4:54) 16-J.Karty 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 42:20 · LA 7 · Score 3-3
(12:20) 39-J.Bates 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 32:00 · LA 1 · Score 3-9
(2:00) 26-J.Gibbs left tackle to LA 1 for no gain (3-K.Curl, 51-T.Reeder). The Replay Official reviewed the short of the goal line ruling, and the play was REVE - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 31:57 · LA 15 · Score 3-10
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 25:37 · LA 52 · Score 3-16
(10:37) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep left to 9-J.Williams for 52 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LA-27-T.White, Illegal Contact, declined. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 25:29 · LA 15 · Score 3-17
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 18:36 · DET 2 · Score 9-17
(3:36) 23-K.Williams right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 18:33 · DET 15 · Score 10-17
16-J.Karty extra point is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 12:35 · DET 8 · Score 13-17
(12:35) 16-J.Karty 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 4:35 · DET 9 · Score 19-17
(4:35) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 10-C.Kupp for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 4:30 · DET 15 · Score 20-17
16-J.Karty extra point is GOOD, Center-47-A.Ward, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q4 0:20 · LA 14 · Score 20-20
(:20) 39-J.Bates 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — OT 5:24 · LA 1 · Score 20-26
(5:24) 5-D.Montgomery right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — OT 5:19 · Score 20-26
END GAME
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions?
The Detroit Lions beat the Los Angeles Rams 26-20 in Week 1, 2024 on 2024-09-08.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions?
The final score was Los Angeles Rams 20, Detroit Lions 26 (LA 20-26 DET) in Week 1, 2024 on 2024-09-08.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Los Angeles Rams 3, Detroit Lions 0; Q2: Los Angeles Rams 0, Detroit Lions 10; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 7, Detroit Lions 7; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 10, Detroit Lions 3; Q5: Los Angeles Rams 0, Detroit Lions 12; Final: Los Angeles Rams 20, Detroit Lions 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions?
Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Gibbs (Q2 32:00) Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Williams (J. Goff pass) (Q3 25:37) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — K. Williams (Q3 18:36) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — C. Kupp (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 4:35) Detroit Lions touchdown — D. Montgomery (OT 5:24) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Karty (Q1 49:54, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Bates (Q2 42:20, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Karty (Q4 12:35, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Bates (Q4 0:20, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions?
M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams), 64.2% completion, +0.4% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +8.50 total passing EPA. J. Goff (Detroit Lions), 58.1% completion, -7.5% CPOE, -0.10 EPA per dropback, -3.20 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions?
M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +8.50 on passing plays. across 53 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.22 EPA): (:52) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 18-T.Johnson to DET 23 for 63 yards (44-M.Rodriguez) [97-A.Hutchinson].. The biggest win-probability swing was -16.5%.
Was Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Detroit Lions won 26-20 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Rams
Now 0-1 L
Detroit Lions
Now 1-0 W
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