The Rams opened their 2024 campaign with a 26-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. The final score, however, doesn’t tell half the story.

The Rams, despite being missing two starters on the offensive line going into the game, along with starting corner Darious Williams, had a realistic chance to beat the Lions in Week 1. Additionally, the Rams lost wide receiver Puka Nacua, left guard Steve Avila and Joe Noteboom to injuries in the first half of the game.

Down 17-3 in the third quarter, the Rams fought back to take a 20-17 lead late in the fourth quarter of the prime-time game against the Lions. Cooper Kupp returned to triple-crown form with a huge 14-reception game, totaling 110 yards receiving and a touchdown.

The Lions tied the game at 20-20 and sent it to overtime, leading to Detroit winning the coin toss and the eventual game-winning touchdown by Lions running back David Montgomery. The result left the Rams with an 0-1 record.

That said, the Rams have nothing to get excited about. Ultimately, the Lions are seen as a Super Bowl contender in the NFC. The Lions were fully fit, with only defensive tackle DJ Reader missing for the opener. However, the Rams finished the game missing a total of five starters, with key players like Nacua and Avila missing much of the game’s key action. There’s nothing for the Rams to be discouraged about.

They began the game with two starting offensive linemen in Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein. During the game, Avila and Noteboom were injured and missed the remainder of the game. Avila’s injury led to Jonah Jackson being moved to left guard and rookie Beaux Limmer coming in at center. Both Limmer and Jackson played well in the final period, but Noteboom’s replacement did not. AJ Arcuri, who was just called up from the practice squad, looked overwhelmed and outplayed in a majority of his snaps, which ultimately limited the play calling variance that Sean McVay could employ on the offensive side of the ball.

Despite the setback, the Rams had a real chance to win the football game. So much so that if the Rams win the overtime coin toss, we could have a conversation about how the Rams came away with an incredible victory in Detroit instead of a loss.

This loss is disappointing, but it also shows that the Rams are serious contenders for the playoffs, as they faced the Lions, who are considered one of the top two teams in the NFC this season.

If the Rams are fully fit, there’s no reason to believe they aren’t among the best teams in the league and therefore have a shot at the Super Bowl.