For the second year in a row, the Detroit Lions will begin their season with a primetime game on NBC. This Sunday, the Lions host the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in another highly anticipated showdown between the two teams.

The Lions and Rams have been closely linked since 2021, with the trade of Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford being the biggest storyline connecting them.

RELATED TOPICS: Lions-Rams preview: Lots of new faces around Matthew Stafford this season

Since then, they have faced each other twice, with both teams winning on their home turf. The last time they met was in the wild-card round last season, where the Lions escaped with a 24-23 victory, earning their first-ever playoff win at Ford Field.

Now, as they prepare for their third meeting in four seasons, the Lions are the clear favorites among sportswriters across the country. But the Rams are not written off just yet.

Here’s a look at the predictions from media outlets across the country ahead of the Lions’ game against the Rams in Week 1:

MLive

Kyle Meinke: Lions

“I have concerns, especially with Matthew Stafford going up against a completely revamped secondary. The Lions will be much better against the pass this season, you can be sure of that. But they also have new starters at four of the five defensive back positions, one of whom is a rookie (Terrion Arnold) making his first NFL appearance. And he’ll be doing it in prime time, in front of a frenzied crowd, against one of the trickiest quarterbacks in the league. But if the Lions can mitigate that, they should win this game. Detroit is well-positioned on offense, will never have to see Aaron Donald again, and Ford Field will be a stunning spectacle.”

Benjamin Raven: Lions

“My ears are already spinning just thinking about the atmosphere that awaits us at Ford Field this Sunday night. The NFL world outside the league may be underestimating the Rams this season. They’ve changed their approach with a downhill running scheme to take pressure off the still supremely talented Matthew Stafford, with Kyren Williams and third-round rookie Blake Corum forming a tantalizing one-two punch. And while we all know about the retirement of globetrotting prospect Aaron Donald, LA has second-year pro Kobie Turner and wisely spent back-to-back picks on Florida State stars Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. Still, I’m tipping these Lions to open the season at home against the team they sent home in the wild-card round last year. Detroit’s defense should be much better than last season, and if they can shut down the rushing attack, they’ll have a better chance of stopping the pass.”

NFL.com

Selection: Lions (unanimous)

“You probably have at least one player from this game on your fantasy football team, because we already know what these two teams bring to the table offensively: fireworks. The Lions retained offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — perhaps their biggest (non) move of the offseason — and should be back to being among the top five offensive players they were a year ago. The same goes for Sean McVay’s group, which should continue to grow after breakout campaigns from Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams. Defense is the biggest question for both teams, as the Lions have overhauled the secondary and the Rams are without future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald for the first time in a decade. The defense that makes the most plays will likely win, and I’m giving the home team that edge. Detroit is ready to prove itself.”

ESPN

Selection: Lions (unanimous)

“Lions quarterback Jared Goff. His connection to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is undeniable, and he also throws to a breakout candidate, receiver Jameson Williams. Goff is going up against a Rams defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks last season. Additionally, Goff has averaged 25.2 fantasy points per game at home over the past two seasons.”

CBS Sports

Selection: Lions

“This is a rematch of last season’s playoff game, which the Lions won. Matthew Stafford’s return to Detroit will be less important now. The bigger story for the Rams is the defense, now without the retired Aaron Donald. The Lions are physical up front, so I think they will go right at the Rams to control the game. The Lions win with a strong game from Jahmyr Gibbs.”

The Bleacher Report

Selection: Rams (majority)

“The Los Angeles Rams’ 2023 season ended with a 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions in the playoffs. Without a doubt, the Rams are ready to exact revenge on a team they may have to face again in the postseason. With the Lions entering the season with Super Bowl aspirations following their loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, the Rams will find out how their veteran-led offense and young defense fare against one of the conference’s top teams. Michelino foresees a high-scoring matchup with the Rams coming out on top this time, and most of our panelists agree. “We’ll be looking forward to SNSF to a new edition of the exciting NFC Wild Card Game 2023 and I expect a lot of offensive fireworks.

“These teams are forever linked by their infamous QB swap, and both Goff and Stafford have excelled seamlessly, with each franchise reaching new heights. They also boast an impressive young core of elite receivers and talented RBs, so it’s no wonder this game has the highest total of Week 1 (set at 51). “Yes, the Lions have the edge defensively, but I’m a fan of narratives and think McVay’s adjustments and Stafford’s grit on his old home turf combine to create another top-notch performance.”

NBC Sports | Pro football talk

Selection: Lions (unanimous)

“No Aaron Donald. No Raheem Morris. Lots of injury problems in the preseason. Advantage, Lions.”

The athlete

Selection: Lions (majority)

“As long as QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and TE Sam LaPorta are on the field, Detroit is a favorite to win the division again. Much of the offseason was spent bolstering the defense, which features three new starters and plenty of additional depth. That’s welcome after Detroit allowed 23.1 points per game in 2023, in the bottom third of the league.”

• BETS: Read our guide to best sports betting sites in Michiganwhere our team of sports betting experts have reviewed the experience, payout speed, combination options and quality of odds for several sports betting providers. And don’t miss our best bets for the NFC North this season and how Defense is the key for the Lions season.