The Detroit Lions are back in the spotlight for “Sunday Night Football” taking on the Kansas City Chiefs.
After a slow start, the Lions are running full steam ahead. Meanwhile, some are saying the mighty Chiefs aren’t what they once were. This, of course, makes for some especially divisive picks from national media analysts and writers.
Here’s a batch of picks and score predictions across a few different sports platforms.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: Chiefs 34-30
“The Chiefs are on a short week off a tough loss to the Jaguars on Monday night. But they face a banged-up Lions team. The Chiefs are in desperation mode, and I think that will show here. The Chiefs will win a high-scoring game, taking advantage of the injured Lions defense. Patrick Mahomes will win it late.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Lions 30-24
“This might be a pick ‘em by kickoff given how well the Lions have played since the Week 1 loss against Green Bay. The Chiefs’ front-loaded schedule continues, and Detroit has taken advantage of a plus-seven turnover ratio the last four games. The Lions beat Kansas City 21-20 in the 2023 season opener – so the confidence is there.”
CBS Sports’ John Breech: Lions 30-27
“The Lions also have a defense that can get after the passer, which is something the Chiefs haven’t really had to deal with over the past few weeks. Since Week 2, the Chiefs haven’t played a single team that ranks in the top-25 in the NFL in sacks. The Lions have 16 sacks on the season, which ranks second in the league this year. That could be trouble for Kansas City. This game feels like it’s going to be a shootout, so I’m going to take the team that has more firepower, and for once, it’s not the team that Patrick Mahomes is playing for.”
Fox Sports’ Geoff Schwartz: Lions win
“In my opinion, the Chiefs are not a good football team right now. The Lions, however, are playing good football on both sides of the ball. Their offense is rolling, and I don’t see the Chiefs pass rush being able to slow them down. The Chiefs offense probably continues to improve, but is it going to avoid the same mistakes that have plagued it recently? I don’t trust the Chiefs in this spot.”
“The Lions have one of the best offenses and defenses in the NFL this year. The Chiefs seem to be coasting by on name value alone.” — Jon Hoefling
“Kansas City’s offense looks a touch off, while Detroit is firing on all cylinders. It’s a huge matchup, and the Chiefs usually get up for these, but I think the Lions should be the favored team here.” — Lorenzo Reyes
“Kansas City may bounce back with a win, but it won’t be easy. The Chiefs take too many penalties and the Lions pounce on mistakes.” — Blake Schuster
Finally, ESPN’s Mike Clay, Dan Graziano, Kalyn Kahler, Eric Moody, and Lindsey Thiry picked Detroit to win, while Jason Reid and Seth Wickersham picked Kansas City.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha listed Lions offensive coordinator John Morton as a coach that won him over so far this season. “In retrospect, it was silly to think about the Lions’ offense taking a significant step back, given all the talent Morton has at his disposal.”
- That’s our favorite scout!
- The artist behind the infamous (and often covered up) humpback whales on the side of downtown’s Broderick Building has painted a new mural — this time in Clawson to honor the Lions. ($)
- “They’ve been on fire. (Jared) Goff and that offense has been amazing.” Tom Brady lists the Lions at the very top of his power rankings.
- So did Stephen A. Smith and Bucky Brooks. It’s a good time to be a Lions fan.
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