The Detroit Lions, riding a four-game winning streak, face a formidable challenge as they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs on Sunday. The Chiefs, at 2-3, are off to their worst start since 2021 but remain a dangerous opponent, favored by 2.5 points at home.
Despite the Lions’ recent success, several factors contribute to their underdog status. Most notably, they’ll play at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs benefit from a raucous crowd and a standard three-point home-field advantage in betting lines. The last time Detroit visited Kansas City during the regular season, they edged out a thrilling 21-20 victory in 2023, though the Chiefs were without All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce.
The Chiefs are coming off a tough loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where a late touchdown sealed their fate. Meanwhile, the Lions are brimming with momentum, but injuries to their secondary raise concerns. Cornerback D.J. Reed was placed on injured reserve last week, and rookie Terrion Arnold suffered a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the season. Kansas City’s deep-threat receivers, Xavier Worthy and Tyquon Thornton, could exploit these weaknesses, with Worthy averaging 15.2 yards per catch and Thornton scoring three touchdowns this season.
Statistically, the teams are evenly matched. The Lions boast the NFL’s eighth-best total defense, allowing 325.4 yards per game, and rank 10th in pass defense, surrendering 210.7 yards per game. The Chiefs rank eighth in total offense, averaging 378.2 yards, and fifth in passing offense with 265.3 yards per game. The difference-maker? Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, second in MVP odds, remains a game-changer despite a less potent offense this season. Mahomes has adapted his game, becoming a more dynamic runner, on pace for a career-high 646 rushing yards, surpassing his previous best of 389, while throwing for 1,236 yards and eight touchdowns.
Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, showcased his prowess last week, stifling Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson to 35 rushing yards and seven sacks. The Lions could get another boost with the potential return of standout defensive lineman Alim McNeill, who has been a force against the run and in pressuring quarterbacks.
To upset the Chiefs, the Lions must execute in three key areas:
1. Contain Mahomes’ Scrambling: Mahomes burned the Jaguars last week with two critical third-down runs, keeping drives alive. Detroit could counter with designated spies like linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes, but timing is critical—Mahomes’ passing prowess demands respect.
2. Unleash the Pass Rush: The Lions tormented Jackson with relentless pressure, led by Aidan Hutchinson, who has five sacks in his last four games. Al-Quadin Muhammad, with 3.5 sacks, ranks 14th in the NFL. A dominant performance from this duo could disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm.
3. Protect Jared Goff: When given time, Goff can dissect defenses with playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Left tackle Taylor Decker missed last week’s game, and replacement Giovanni Manu struggled. Decker, 32, has yet to practice this week but may be rested for Sunday.
The Lions won’t dominate Kansas City—they’ll need grit and determination to outlast the Chiefs. Expect a nail-biter that comes down to the wire.
Prediction: Lions 31, Chiefs 27.