The matchup between the Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions match player stats was more than just a regular game—it was a showcase of elite performances, emotional moments, and strategic football. Whether in the 2024 NFC Wild Card Playoff game or the regular season opener, both teams brought intensity, history, and talent to the field.
In their playoff showdown on January 14, 2024, the Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the Rams 24–23 at Ford Field. The game was filled with clutch throws, critical penalties, and a dramatic final drive. On the other hand, the regular season opener on September 8, 2024, went into overtime, with the Lions pulling off another win 26–20, thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery.
What made these games so captivating was not just the final score, but the individual performances that shaped the outcome. Matthew Stafford, returning to Detroit to face his former team, put up huge passing numbers, while Jared Goff played with calm precision. Both defenses had their moments, and the game had the kind of emotional weight you expect from two teams with strong narratives.
| Date | Winner | Final Score | Stadium | Game Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 14, 2024 | Lions | 24–23 | Ford Field | NFC Wild Card |
| Sep 8, 2024 | Lions (OT) | 26–20 | Ford Field | Regular Season |
Key Takeaway:
These close results show how evenly matched the Rams and Lions were, with both games coming down to a single possession. That’s why analyzing the Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions match player stats is essential to understand what really decided each battle.
Table of Contents
Quarterback Performance & Passing Stats
Quarterback play was one of the most important deciding factors in both Rams vs Lions games. Both Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff played high-level football, showing why they are former No. 1 overall draft picks. The passing stats tell a story of two quarterbacks who understand pressure, timing, and how to execute under the spotlight.
In the 2024 Wild Card game, Stafford threw for 367 yards, completing 25 of 36 passes, and tossed 2 touchdowns. He was poised, accurate, and seemed especially motivated facing his former team. Despite the loss, his performance kept the Rams in contention until the very last play. Meanwhile, Jared Goff responded with an efficient 22 of 27 completions for 277 yards and 1 touchdown. Goff made few mistakes, protected the ball, and managed the clock well, especially late in the fourth quarter.
In the September 2024 OT game, Stafford again crossed 300+ passing yards, hitting 34 of 49 attempts for 317 yards, but this time added an interception and was sacked twice. Goff wasn’t as flashy in terms of yardage but stayed efficient and didn’t turn the ball over, which helped Detroit control the game in key moments.
Quarterback Comparison Table
| Player | Game Date | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | Jan 14, 2024 | 25/36 | 367 | 2 | 0 | 120.9 |
| Jared Goff | Jan 14, 2024 | 22/27 | 277 | 1 | 0 | 121.8 |
| Matthew Stafford | Sep 8, 2024 | 34/49 | 317 | 1 | 1 | 85.2 |
| Jared Goff | Sep 8, 2024 | 22/33 | 255 | 1 | 0 | 101.3 |
Key Insight:
Both quarterbacks had excellent completion rates. Goff’s clean, turnover-free play was a key to Detroit’s victories, while Stafford’s ability to throw deep under pressure kept the Rams competitive throughout.
Rushing & Running Back Matchup
The ground game in Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions match player stats was not as explosive as the passing game, but it still played a major role in controlling the pace of both games. Kyren Williams led the way for the Rams with tough runs, while the Lions leaned on a power duo of David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs.
In the January 2024 playoff, Kyren Williams ran for 61 yards on 13 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. He moved the chains and gave Stafford balanced play-action options. The Lions, however, had a more spread-out attack. Montgomery and Gibbs combined for nearly 80 rushing yards and made several key short-yardage conversions, including red-zone runs that helped keep Detroit ahead.
In the OT game in September, Montgomery scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime, driving home the importance of a strong backfield.
Rushing Stats Table
| Team | Leading Rusher | Carries | Yards | Average | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | Kyren Williams | 13 | 61 | 4.7 | 0 |
| Lions | David Montgomery | 14 | 54 | 3.9 | 1 |
| Lions | Jahmyr Gibbs | 8 | 25 | 3.1 | 0 |
Key Point:
While neither team dominated on the ground, the Lions were more effective in critical moments, especially when Montgomery finished drives in the red zone. The Rams, despite solid rushing averages, couldn’t convert those runs into touchdowns.
Receiving & Key Pass-Catchers
Wide receivers were front and center in this matchup. The Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions match player stats show impressive numbers for top pass-catchers on both sides. Puka Nacua, the Rams’ rookie sensation, delivered record-setting performances, while Cooper Kupp remained a steady target. On the Lions side, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams stood out.
In the Wild Card game, Nacua had over 180 receiving yards, including a 50-yard touchdown grab. His yards-after-catch ability gave Stafford a reliable outlet against the Lions’ secondary. Cooper Kupp added consistent receptions in clutch moments. For the Lions, St. Brown caught 7 passes for 110 yards and 1 TD, while tight end Sam LaPorta was critical on third downs.
In the September OT match, both Kupp and Jameson Williams crossed the 100-yard mark. Williams especially stepped up with big plays that changed field position.
Receiving Leaders Table
| Player | Team | Catches | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puka Nacua | Rams | 9 | 181 | 1 |
| Cooper Kupp | Rams | 6 | 105 | 0 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | Lions | 7 | 110 | 1 |
| Jameson Williams | Lions | 5 | 116 | 0 |
Key Takeaway:
Nacua and St. Brown were game-changers. Their ability to create separation and gain yards after the catch made them the most dangerous players on the field.
Defensive & Team Stats Summary
The defensive stats from the Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions matchups reveal two different styles: the Rams focused on pressure and backfield disruption, while the Lions emphasized coverage and red zone defense.
In both games, each team had key third-down stops and limited penalties, which helped maintain rhythm. Aaron Donald led the Rams with tackles for loss and quarterback pressures. For the Lions, Aidan Hutchinson recorded sacks and disrupted Stafford’s pocket presence.
Turnovers were rare but impactful. In the September OT game, Stafford’s lone interception shifted momentum, while in the playoff, the Rams missed key opportunities due to a holding penalty on the final drive.
Key Team Stats Table
| Category | Rams | Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 425 | 334 |
| Turnovers | 1 (Sept) | 0 |
| 3rd Down % | 33% | 33% |
| Sacks For | 2 | 3 |
| Penalties | 4 for 38 yds | 5 for 42 yds |
Key Insight:
Although both defenses had moments, Lions’ red zone stops and fewer mistakes in key drives were crucial in securing wins.
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Special Teams & Kickers Contributions
In close matchups like these, special teams often tip the balance, and that was true for both Rams vs Lions games. Field position, accurate kicking, and coverage mattered more than most fans realize.
In the Wild Card game, Brett Maher was perfect, scoring 11 points for the Rams, including three field goals. However, Michael Badgley nailed a 54-yard field goal for Detroit that turned out to be a game-winner.
Punt return coverage and net yards helped the Lions pin Stafford deep on several possessions. Their special teams unit didn’t make flashy plays but avoided critical errors, which helped the overall effort.
Special Teams Summary
| Player | Team | FG Made | Longest | Extra Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brett Maher | Rams | 3/3 | 29 | 2/2 |
| Michael Badgley | Lions | 1/1 | 54 | 3/3 |
Key Point:
In playoff football, every point counts. Badgley’s deep field goal and flawless execution gave the Lions just enough of an edge.
Game-Changing Plays & Turning Points
In both games, a handful of plays changed everything. The most notable was in the Wild Card match where a holding penalty on the Rams’ final drive pushed them out of field goal range, ending their playoff hopes.
In the September game, Montgomery’s overtime touchdown sealed the deal. Before that, a massive catch by Jameson Williams shifted momentum just when it looked like the Rams would win.
Defensive stands, like the Lions forcing a 3-and-out in the fourth quarter or Aaron Donald breaking through on a third down, also altered momentum.
Top Turning Points
- Rams’ holding penalty in final 2 minutes (Jan 2024)
- Williams’ 40+ yard catch in OT (Sept 2024)
- Montgomery 1-yard TD to end OT
- Badgley’s 54-yard field goal to take the lead
Lesson:
Games like these are won by inches. Small moments made the biggest difference, especially late in the game.
FAQs
Q1: Who had the most passing yards in the Rams vs Lions game?
Matthew Stafford with 367 yards.
Q2: Who scored the winning touchdown?
David Montgomery in OT.
Q3: Which receiver had the most yards?
Puka Nacua with 181 yards.
Q4: Were there any turnovers?
Only one: Stafford’s INT in the regular season.
Q5: What was the final playoff score?
Lions 24 – Rams 23.