Lions Open as 7-Point Underdogs to Chiefs in Season Opener

The Lions are underdogs to Chiefs in the 2023 season opener.

The Detroit Lions, despite the upgrades to their roster, will begin the season as a seven-point underdog to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The Lions and Chiefs will square off at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 at Arrowhead Stadium. The game will be broadcast on NBC.

Though Detroit finished 9-8 last season, it went 12-5 against the spread. Additionally, the over hit in 10 of its 17 games last season. 

Kansas City, meanwhile, finished 9-11 against the spread, including in its postseason games. The over hit in nine of its games. 

Lions general manager Brad Holmes and the organization have high expectations for the upcoming season. The primetime opening will give them an opportunity to start the season strong.

Kansas City and Detroit both have high-powered offenses, giving the game a potential shootout feel. The Chiefs boast quarterback Patrick Mahomes and an offense full of top-tier talent. 

The Lions, meanwhile, have Jared Goff leading the way, alongside a new-look running backs room and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. 

This game will feature two of the most popular coaches in the league, with Andy Reid facing off against Dan Campbell. 

Kansas City is the NFL's reigning champion, after it knocked off Philadelphia, 38-35, in the Super Bowl. Mahomes and company finished the regular season 14-3. 

The talented signal-caller just won his second MVP award, and is widely viewed as the best at his position in the league. 

The Chiefs have won every season opener since 2014. The Lions, meanwhile, have started every season since 2017 with a loss. 

Detroit played in primetime just once last season, in Week 18, when its matchup against Green Bay was flexed into the Sunday Night Football slot. 

The NFL will officially announce the entire schedule at 8 p.m. Thursday.