Lions Secure Thrilling Overtime Victory Over Rams Behind Jameson Williams' Breakout Performance.
David Montgomery carried the ball five times during the final drive, helping secure the Lions' victory.
The only way to wrap up the first full Sunday of NFL action was with overtime.
The Detroit Lions kicked off the season on the right foot, pulling off a 26-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams in a dramatic finish.
Detroit won the coin toss in overtime and never gave Los Angeles an opportunity to run an offensive play. The drive began with two running plays that set the tone. Khalif Raymond earned a first down on a jet sweep, followed by David Montgomery sprinting 21 yards into Rams territory.
Jared Goff then connected with Jahmyr Gibbs for a 10-yard completion, bringing the Lions closer to the end zone.
Montgomery took a few more handoffs before eventually reaching the end zone, clinching the win. He finished the game with 91 rushing yards, while Gibbs contributed 40 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Goff completed 18 of 28 passes, totaling 217 yards, with a touchdown and one interception.
Early in the third quarter, the Lions held a commanding lead. Goff threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams with 10:29 left in the quarter, putting Detroit up 17-3.
That was when the Rams had to dig deep and mount a comeback.
Matthew Stafford led the Rams on an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a Kyren Williams touchdown, cutting the deficit to seven points. Rams kicker Joshua Karty added a 26-yard field goal, and later Stafford found Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown.
On Detroit's final drive, Goff managed to get the team into field-goal range, allowing Jake Bates to tie the game with a 32-yard field goal. The score was 20-20 as the game headed into overtime.
Jameson Williams finished with five receptions for 121 yards.
Stafford had a strong performance for the Rams, especially in the second half. He finished with 317 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
The Rams faced an early setback when Puka Nacua left the game with a knee injury and did not return.
Kupp stepped up in his absence, catching 14 passes on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Johnson added five catches for 79 yards.