The Detroit Lions are set to kick off their highly anticipated 2024 season with a rematch against the Los Angeles Rams, the team they defeated in last year's playoffs. The much-anticipated game will be the first "Sunday Night Football" matchup of the season, promising an exciting start to the campaign.

One of the key matchups to keep an eye on will be the battle between former teammates Alim McNeill and Jonah Jackson. McNeill, a rising star on the Lions' defensive line, will go head-to-head with Jackson, who recently joined the Rams as their starting center. The two players had practiced against each other for three seasons, adding an intriguing element to their on-field competition.

Jackson, a former Lions third-round pick, made the transition to center after mainly playing guard during his time in Detroit. While he has experience at the position from his college days at Rutgers, he has had limited opportunities at center in the NFL. Moreover, Jackson's recent shoulder injury has further added to the uncertainty surrounding his performance in this crucial matchup. In his four seasons with the Lions, he allowed his quarterbacks to be sacked 11 times, making his performance against a formidable Lions defense crucial for the Rams' success.

On the defensive front, McNeill has been making steady progress and is expected to start at defensive tackle for the Lions in this game. Originally drafted as a true nose tackle, he has adapted his game and now provides versatility along Detroit's defensive line. With his improved physique and the ability to rush the passer from the interior, McNeill poses a significant threat to Jackson's reintegration into the center position.

In addition to the McNeill-Jackson showdown, another exciting matchup to watch will be the Lions' revamped cornerback duo facing off against Puka Nacua, the Rams' 2023 rookie sensation. In their previous playoff meeting, Nacua had an impressive performance, amassing 181 yards and a touchdown. However, this time he will face the challenge of Detroit's new outside cornerbacks, Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold, who were acquired through a trade and the first-round draft respectively. With the upgraded cornerback tandem, Detroit aims to shut down Nacua's explosive playmaking abilities and limit his impact on the game.

As the Lions and Rams prepare to collide once again on the football field, the stage is set for a thrilling season opener. Football fans can expect a fiercely contested battle between former teammates and an intriguing clash between the Lions' revamped cornerback duo and the explosive Puka Nacua. With both teams looking to make a strong statement from the get-go, this Sunday Night Football showdown is not to be missed.