The wait for professional football is no more, as the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs are ready to get things started.
Detroit begins the year as the NFC North favorites after finishing 9-8-0 last season. The Lions haven’t earned a division title since 1993, so their fans have waited long enough for a team of this caliber. All that’s left is actually delivering, and the first opportunity is tonight.
As for Kansas City, they need no introduction. The defending champions have been the NFL’s premier team for a few years running. Some key players are uncertain for this game, but the man under center always gives the Chiefs a chance.
Everyone was waiting for this battle, and it’s finally here. How will Lions vs. Chiefs unfold tonight?
Match Details
Fixture: Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs
Date and Time: Thursday, September 7, 8:20 p.m. EST
Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
Lions vs. Chiefs Bettings Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Lions | +4.5 (-110) | Over 53.5 (-110) | +180 |
| Chiefs | -4.5 (-110) | Under 53.5 (-110) | -218 |
Lions vs. Chiefs Key Stats
The 2023 Lions will try to build upon an offense that finished fifth in points per game last season. Detroit was 11th in rushing and seventh in passing in 2022. Only one team allowed fewer sacks than the Lions’ offensive line last year, as that unit is proving to be one of the NFL’s best.
Defensive growth is what this team desperately needs in 2023. The Lions allowed more yards and more yards per play than every other team last season. Overall, Detroit finished 28th in scoring defense. They invested a lot into the defense during the offseason, so let’s see if it pays off.
Kansas City’s defense ended 2022 16th in scoring. The Chiefs had the second-most sacks, but Chris Jones led them in that department, and he’s not suiting up tonight. That will be a big blow to an otherwise decent unit.
Offensively, the Chiefs are the toast of the league. They led the NFL in points per game and passing yards a year ago. Kansas City doesn’t kill many teams on the ground, but it doesn’t need to.
Lions vs. Chiefs Prediction
On one sideline is an offense that lit up the scoreboard only for their defense to give it right back. That team is going up against the NFL’s top offense, led by the reigning MVP. Kansas City’s defense is better at full strength, but without Chris Jones, that statement doesn’t ring true. What does ring true is that these offenses can trade scores all night and probably will.
