NFL World Stunned by Lions’ Season-Opening Win Over Chiefs

Dan Campbell and the Lions put the NFL world on notice with their Week 1 win in Kansas City.

The Lions pulled off a stunning road upset of the Chiefs in their season opener on Thursday night, taking down Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium, 21–20.

The performance from Dan Campbell’s side wasn’t what fans had anticipated. While many expected a high-scoring shootout between two offensive juggernauts, that’s not how things played out on Thursday.

Detroit’s defense, which was among the worst in the league last year, managed to shut down Patrick Mahomes throughout the game, limiting the superstar quarterback to 226 passing yards and two touchdowns, and even forcing a rare pick-six.

• Orr: Campbell’s Belief in Lions on Display in Win Over Chiefs

The Lions made a statement in their first game of the new campaign by handing Mahomes his first-ever season-opening loss. 

The NFL world was impressed with the Lions’ performance in Week 1, and there were a slew of strong reactions on social media in the aftermath.

The Lions went from no primetime games and constantly being disrespected, to a win over the REIGNING SUPER BOWL CHAMPS IN A PRIMETIME SEASON OPENER. Celebrate this Detroit Fans, YOU DESERVE IT. Dan Campbell and the Lions answered the bell and SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 8, 2023

I don't care that the Chiefs were without Travis Kelce and Chris Jones.

To go on the road and beat a team with Patrick Mahomes at QB is incredibly impressive.

Helluva performance by the @Lions, who lived up to their hype.

They earned that W 🫡

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 8, 2023

The @Lions just dropped the curtain on Aaron Rodgers career in Green Bay and ruined the Chiefs banner raising night by handing Patrick Mahomes the first-season opening loss of his life in back-to-back games. pic.twitter.com/JaGrDzaqCD

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 8, 2023

The Detroit Lions just beat the defending Super Bowl champions at THEIR stadium on PRIME TIME. HYPE WAS REAL. BRAND. NEW. LIONS!!!!

— Kellie Rowe (@kellierowe) September 8, 2023

Good for the @Lions

Good for Dan Campbell

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 8, 2023

The Detroit Lions just went into Kansas City on Banner Night and got the Win

What a start to the season for MCDC and the boys

— Football (@BostonConnr) September 8, 2023

The @NFL is back, baby. Congrats @Lions !!! https://t.co/Y2fkO2jZU1

— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) September 8, 2023

Give Dan Campbell that lion he requested.

— 🦫✨America Is Musty✨🦫 (@DragonflyJonez) September 8, 2023

These Lions fans might never leave Arrowhead pic.twitter.com/J4wbkbS69a

— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) September 8, 2023