The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams will play Sunday Night Football in 2024 at Ford Field, the same location as the previous campaign.
After winning the NFC Wildcard round by the narrowest of margins, Detroit came perilously close to defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. They have spent the season retooling for another run, and this year they plan to compete with the best in the NFL.
We know that the Rams upgraded their defensive line to include two young guys, Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. They also added a couple veterans to the roster in Tre White, Darious Williams, and Kamren Curl, who will strengthen the secondary and provide experience.
What, though, has changed with the Lions since these teams’ previous meeting? Do Detroit’s current levels of danger compare to those of 2023?
Quarterback
Jared Goff, a former Ram, is still leading the Detroit offence, but in 2024, he will have a new backup. Following an outstanding preseason, Hendon Hooker—a former Tennessee Titan selected in the third round of the 2023 draft—overcame Nate Sudfeld. Although Goff recently inked a contract extension with the Lions, Hooker may serve as the team’s long-term backup and potential successor.
Running back
Running back hasn’t altered all that much. Craig Reynolds, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery continue to occupy the top three spots on the depth chart. Sione Vaki, a rookie fourth-round pick from Utah, is a fresh face. Despite the fact that Gibbs is an expert at it as well, he caught a lot of passes throughout the preseason and could be someone to watch in that area.
Pass-catchers
Lions supporters might be more concerned about Detroit’s receiving group than anything else. Josh Reynolds was chased out of town and found himself wearing a Denver Broncos shirt after he dropped multiple passes in crucial moments during the playoffs against the 49ers. Jameson Williams had a sluggish start to his career and is now in his third year. After missing the beginning of the previous season because of a suspension for breaking the NFL’s gambling rules, he spent the majority of his rookie season recovering from a knee injury sustained in college.
Can Williams replace Amon-Ra St. Brown as a dependable backup? As teams in the NFL trim down to their 53-man roster, Detroit recently hedged their bets by adding veterans Allen Robinson and Tim Patrick to the practice squad.
Offensive line
Jonah Jackson will start at center for the opponents, meaning the Lions will be without their starting left guard from the wildcard game. The Lions signed Kevin Zeitler to start at right guard, while Graham Glasgow will start at left guard. Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow (C), and Taylor Decker (LT) are all reliable in their roles.
Line of defense
Last year, Detroit’s pass rush improved, and in 2024, they added even more quality. Marcus Davenport, who signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Minnesota Vikings last year and then missed the majority of the season, is a low risk, high return addition. As a valued free agent addition, the Lions also added outstanding defensive tackle DJ Reader from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Linebacker
The Lions’ linebacker position is unaffected, however the starting lineup from the majority of the previous campaign has undergone alterations at the top of the depth chart. Jack Campbell, the first-round choice of the previous season, was primarily positioned behind Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone on the field. However, he ought to be the center of the Lions defense in 2024. One of the more intriguing names in the NFL if you’re searching for breakout performers on the defensive end of the ball is Campbell.
Corner
Detroit made changes to their cornerback room and added a few new players. After being acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers through trade, Carlton Davis is expected to start on the outside. Terrion Arnold, a rookie first-round pick, ought to be sitting across from him. After spending four years with the Las Vegas Raiders, Amik Robertson was cut, and he now plays nickel cornerback for Detroit.
It’s also important to note that the Lions selected two cornerbacks in the first and second rounds of the spring draft this year: Arnold and Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw. Although Rakestraw is expected to begin the season as a backup player, he may be able to secure defensive snaps in the slot or outside.
Security
Really nothing has changed here. Brian Branch hopes to improve upon a successful debut campaign. One of the more notorious NFL players is Kerby Joseph. Even though Ifeatu Melifonwu seems to be far down the depth chart, he should find a place on this team.
Unique groups
This season, Jack Fox, a reliable punter, is back with the Lions.
Jake Bates earned his NFL opportunity with the Lions as a top performer in the UFL. The kicking competition was abruptly halted last season when Michael Badgley, the team’s kicker, sustained an injury during training camp that ended his season.
Hogan Hatten is another rookie long snapper for Detroit. Is he going to make a costly mistake in his NFL debut, or will his first game lead to a peaceful and enjoyable evening?