Predictions: Lions-Chiefs

The All Lions staff provides its predictions for Detroit's season-opening contest with Kansas City.

Christian Booher 

At last, an offseason full of optimism comes to its anticipated end. When the Detroit Lions kick off their season Thursday, it will be the start of something that fans hope is remarkable. 

Their season-opener is no easy matchup. Not only are the Kansas City Chiefs the reigning Super Bowl champions, they've also been historically good in season-opening games since Patrick Mahomes took over as quarterback. 

So what makes this year different? For starters, the Lions present a balanced offensive attack that is difficult to plan for, because of the physicality with which they play. 

Additionally, the defense boasts plenty of playmakers in the secondary and game-wreckers on the front line. It won't be easy to go into Arrowhead Stadium and steal a win on opening night, but this Lions team has the physical and mental makeup necessary to do so. 

Dan Campbell is notorious for motivating his team to the highest level. Even when the team was bad, it was known for competing and playing close with the best. 

This year, the Lions use opening night as a spring board to prove that they are capable of reaching the top of the NFL mountain. 

Lions 31, Chiefs 27

Vito Chirco 

The much-anticipated start to the Lions' 2023 season is finally here. And, it kicks off on the national stage, with Detroit taking on the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs in primetime Thursday. 

The Chiefs, led by two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, return the No. 1-ranked offense. Meanwhile, the Lions enter the season with the No. 28-ranked defense from a year ago. 

Looks like a total mismatch, right? 

Well, to steal a line from ESPN's Lee Corso: "Not so fast, my friend."

Detroit revamped its secondary over the offseason, acquiring multiple impactful defensive backs. It inked Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley (ruled out for Thursday) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to contracts in free agency. Plus, the organization selected versatile defensive back Brian Branch in the second round of this past April's draft.

Subsequently, the Lions will now have a much better shot of limiting -- at least somewhat -- the productivity of Mahomes and Kansas City's air attack. Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions' pass-rushing unit will also be key in those efforts.

From Detroit's standpoint, it also doesn't hurt that Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who amassed 15.5 sacks in 2022, will be sitting out Thursday due to a contract holdout.

Yet, I don't think Detroit's defense will be able to keep Mahomes & Co. in check all night long, especially if All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce suits up for the contest. Kelce is presently a game-time decision for the season-opening matchup.

I think the Lions will make it competitive, especially for the first three quarters. But, in the end, Mahomes and the Chiefs will prove to be too much and prevail victorious.

The #Chiefs plan to put star TE Travis Kelce through a workout this morning to test his injured knee, per source.

Just two days after hyperextending the knee and suffering a bone bruise in practice, Kelce is a true game-day decision for tonight’s opener vs. the #Lions.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 7, 2023

Chiefs 31, Lions 24 

Camren Clouthier 

Week 1 of the NFL season is finally here, and I am looking forward to this big opening game between the Lions and Chiefs on Thursday night.

Facing the Chiefs in the opener is a tall order for Dan Campbell and company, so I think the Lions are already at a slight disadvantage coming into this one. However, the potential absence of Travis Kelce, due to a knee injury, will certainly aid in the Lions' favor.

The offense, led by QB Jared Goff must be near-perfect, and the defense must step up, as well. I will specifically be keeping an eye on the play of Aidan Hutchinson, who absolutely must contribute if Detroit has any hope of winning this one.

This one will be as close as it gets, but I think the Lions will "shock the world" and get the job done.

Lions 28, Chiefs 24

John Maakaron 

The time is now for the Detroit Lions to showcase they are ready to compete against the top teams in the NFL. 

With Travis Kelce potentially missing the contest or playing banged up, Detroit's defense may have caught its first break of the season. Also, defensive lineman Chris Jones will likely not be on the field menacing Jared Goff. 

With an improved defense and complementary running backs, Detroit is ready to perform at a high level in primetime. 

Dan Campbell's squad forces key turnovers in the second half and leave Arrowhead with the three-point victory. 

Lions 27, Chiefs 24