The Detroit Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, while the Rams escaped with a come-from-behind victory against the San Francisco 49ers. Could both teams be in contention for a Super Bowl run this season?
The NFL season is still young, but the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams have both made early statements with impressive performances in Week 3. The Lions stunned the Rams in overtime, 26-20, while the Rams pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind victory over the San Francisco 49ers, 27-24.
Both teams are now 1-2 on the season, but their Week 3 wins have sparked speculation that they could be in contention for the Super Bowl this season.
Rams and Lions: Super Bowl Contenders After Week 3 Thrillers?
The Lions have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL through the first three weeks of the season. After going 3-13-1 last year, the Lions have shown significant improvement under new head coach Dan Campbell.
Led by quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions have an explosive offense that is capable of putting up points in bunches. Goff has thrown for 785 yards and seven touchdowns in three games, and he has a talented group of receivers to work with, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, D.J. Chark, and Jameson Williams.
Rams and Lions: Super Bowl Contenders After Week 3 Thrillers?
The Lions' defense has also shown signs of improvement, particularly in the pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has already recorded four sacks this season, and he is part of a young and talented defensive line.
The Rams, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season in which they went 5-12. The Rams have a lot of talent on paper, including reigning Super Bowl MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Rams and Lions: Super Bowl Contenders After Week 3 Thrillers?
However, the Rams have struggled to live up to expectations this season. They lost their season opener to the Buffalo Bills, 31-10, and they were blown out by the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, 34-11.
The Rams' victory over the 49ers was a much-needed boost, and it showed that they still have the potential to be a contender. Stafford played well, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and the Rams' defense came up with some big plays in the fourth quarter.
It's still too early to say whether the Lions or Rams will be able to maintain their early success throughout the season. However, both teams have shown enough in the first three weeks to suggest that they could be in contention for a playoff berth.
Here is a closer look at the Lions' and Rams' performances in Week 3:
- Lions: The Lions offense was clicking on all cylinders against the Rams, as Goff threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns. St. Brown led the Lions with nine catches for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Chark and Williams each caught a touchdown pass. The Lions' defense also played well, forcing two turnovers and sacking Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford three times.
- Rams: The Rams offense struggled in the first half against the 49ers, but they came alive in the fourth quarter. Stafford led the Rams on a pair of touchdown drives in the final frame, and Karty kicked the game-winning field goal with just seconds remaining. Kupp was Stafford's favorite target, as he caught eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. The Rams' defense also came up with some big plays in the fourth quarter, including a key interception by Jalen Ramsey.
Only time will tell if the Lions and Rams can continue to play at a high level, but both teams have shown enough in the first three weeks to suggest that they could be in contention for a Super Bowl run.
