There was only one way to end the first full Sunday of NFL games: overtime.

The Detroit Lions started the season well with a 26-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, setting up a thrilling finale.

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates his 52-yard touchdown reception with quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP photo/David Dermer)

Detroit got the ball first in the extra period and didn’t let Los Angeles run an offensive play. Two run plays set the tone for the drive. Khalif Raymond picked up a first down on the first jet sweep carry. Then David Montgomery took the ball 21 yards and into Rams territory.

Jared Goff then threw a pass to Jahmyr Gibbs for a 10-yard gain. At this point, the Lions could smell the end zone.

Montgomery had a few more carries and eventually found the end zone for the score. He finished with 91 rushing yards. Gibbs added 40 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

Goff was 18 of 28 with 217 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception.

The Lions had a sizable lead early in the third quarter. Goff threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams with 10:29 left in the quarter to put Detroit up 17-3.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) fails to hold up a pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) defends him during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP photo/David Dermer)

At that point, the Rams had to go all out and get back into the game.

Stafford led the Rams on an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a Kyren Williams touchdown to cut the deficit to seven points. Rams kicker Joshua Karty added a 26-yard field goal and then Stafford found Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown.

On the Lions’ final drive, Goff pulled Detroit back within range of a field goal and Jake Bates hit a 32-yarder to tie the game. It was 20-20 going into overtime.

Williams finished with five catches for 121 yards.

Stafford had a great game for the Rams. He showed more for Los Angeles in the second half than he did in the first half. He finished the game with 317 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception.

The Rams offense was hurt early in the game when Puka Nacua was forced off the field with a knee injury and did not return.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP photo/Duane Burleson)

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Kupp had to step up in his absence. He had 14 catches on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Johnson had five catches for 79 yards.

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