Chiefs vs. Lions: 5 Questions and Week 1 Prediction

Gathering some intel on Dan Campbell and company in advance of the Chiefs' season opener in front of the home crowd.

At long last, football is officially going to be back. With the 2023 NFL season kicking off on Thursday night, the Kansas City Chiefs will raise their Super Bowl LVII banner as the Detroit Lions come rolling into town.

Since the last meeting between these two clubs in September of 2019, Kansas City and Detroit have taken some interesting turns. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, have appeared in three Super Bowls and won two of them. After multiple consecutive seasons posting a well below .500 record, the Lions rebounded last year by posting a 9-8 record and ending the season with an 8-2 stretch. With both franchises now looking to compete for playoff spots in 2023, this is an ideal meeting to open what should shape up to be a terrific slate of games.

What's important to know about Thursday's Chiefs vs. Lions matchup? How could the action unfold? John Maakaron of All Lions and Detroit Sports Podcast was kind enough to answer five questions for me to cover all of that and more.

1. How is Detroit handling game planning and moving forward without Jameson Williams?

JM: Detroit drafted Antoine Green in the seventh round, but he is still a developing young rookie. For Detroit's offense to succeed, they will be counting heavily on the run game and wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown to move the chains. Detroit's starting offensive line, for now, is healthy. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is now in his second season calling plays, which should bode well for Jared Goff and the quick passing game. 

2. Jared Goff got very comfortable down the stretch last season. Is his improvement legit or a fluke?

JM: His improvement is legit because Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell tailored an offense that fits what Goff does well. He has not tossed an interception in his last 324 attempts. Goff has a solid offensive line and more weapons than he did back in 2021, giving him everything he needs to perform at a high level. 

3. How huge of a pickup was the drafting of Jahmyr Gibbs?

JM: For Detroit, it gives them an explosive playmaker who can break tackles and secure extra yards. While Detroit had a successful rushing attack last season, you could argue they upgraded both running back spots by drafting Gibbs and signing David Montgomery. Gibbs will be utilized in a variety of ways, giving the offense a playmaker who can catch passes out the backfield and use his burst to rack up yards after the catch. General manager Brad Holmes took a lot of heat for drafting a running back early, but the front office is hoping it has the last laugh after Gibbs has a solid rookie campaign. 

4. The Chiefs have made a big deal about the Lions' defense being serious this year. Is that accurate or gamesmanship?

JM: The defense, mostly in the secondary, has been revamped. Detroit signed Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to lead the back end. All throughout training camp, the defensive backs were competing at a high level and were getting their hands on plenty of footballs. Detroit's defensive line depth is drastically improved, as a player like James Houston is battling to get on the field besides on third down. A player with eight sacks in his rookie campaign is just one of the young defenders Detroit is counting on besides Aidan Hutchinson. 

5. How do you see this game playing out and who ends up winning?

JM: Man, the Travis Kelce news has thrown a wrench into everyone's thinking. I initially thought the Chiefs had the edge in several spots, most notably at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes is such a difference-maker that it is still hard to predict the Lions to leave Arrowhead with the victory. Without Kelce (potentially) and Chris Jones, I think Detroit plays a solid game and barely defeats the defending Super Bowl champs in a fairly close game. I see the game being back and forth headed into the fourth quarter. Detroit's rushing attack will eventually wear down the Chiefs' defensive line. Lions 27, Chiefs 24

For additional coverage of Detroit area sports, be sure to follow John and his team on X @DetroitPodcast and check out All Lions for in-depth Lions content.

Read More: Three Important Questions for the Chiefs Entering 2023 Season