Detroit wasted no time making an impact in Los Angeles, with its biggest playmakers delivering right away.

On the Rams’ opening drive, Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson made a rare highlight-reel play by picking off quarterback Matthew Stafford and racing 58 yards downfield, immediately putting Detroit deep in scoring territory.

One snap later, quarterback Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a touchdown, giving the Lions an early 7–0 advantage.

Detroit’s opening possession had shown promise as well, but head coach Dan Campbell made an uncharacteristically cautious call on fourth-and-4, opting for a field goal attempt rather than keeping the offense on the field. Kicker Jake Bates missed the try, a surprising decision from a coach known for aggressive fourth-down choices and one that ran counter to analytical recommendations.

Any early concerns were quickly erased, though, as Hutchinson’s takeaway and St. Brown’s score swung momentum sharply in the Lions’ favor.