Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preseason Preview
The 2023 NFL season is about to commence, and it's launching with an electrifying interconference showdown in the Midwest. The Detroit Lions hit the road to take on the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in a Thursday night spectacle. Last season, the Lions showed promise with a 9-8 record, marking their first winning season since 2017. Meanwhile, the Chiefs dominated the regular season at 14-3, securing their seventh consecutive AFC West title, culminating in a thrilling Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles.
Head-to-Head History
In regular-season encounters, the Chiefs hold a 9-5 lead over the Lions. Their most recent clash on September 29, 2019, resulted in a 34-30 Chiefs road victory. While history favors Kansas City, the Lions demonstrated significant growth last season, marked by a remarkable 9-8 record, thanks to the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell.
Lions: Building on Progress
The Detroit Lions made substantial strides under Coach Dan Campbell's second year at the helm. Starting the 2022 season at 1-6, the Lions staged a remarkable comeback by winning eight of their last 10 regular-season games. Their season finale victory over Green Bay denied the Packers a postseason berth, showcasing the Lions' potential.
Expectations for the Lions' offense include changes at running back, with Jamaal Williams, D’Andre Swift, and Justin Jackson departing. The Lions invested their first-round pick in Jahmyr Gibbs and added David Montgomery from the Bears in free agency. The acquisition of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater bolsters their roster. Defensive reinforcements in the form of Emmanuel Moseley, Cameron Sutton, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson aim to bolster the secondary.
Last season, the Lions ranked 8th in passing offense, averaging 251.8 yards per game, and 11th in rushing with 128.2 yards per game. Their scoring prowess was evident, ranking 5th by averaging 26.6 points per game. Defensive improvements are essential, as they allowed 25.1 points per game, placing them 28th in scoring defense.
Chiefs: Chasing Excellence
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the new season after claiming their second Super Bowl victory in three years. A dominant 14-3 regular-season record propelled them to their seventh consecutive AFC West title. However, the Chiefs have undergone changes on both offense and defense, including the departure of key players.
Offensively, the Chiefs said goodbye to JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, Orlando Brown Jr., and Andrew Wylie. New tackles, Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith, join a youthful receiver group. On the defensive front, the team lost Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap, and Khalen Saunders. Safety Juan Thornhill signed with the Browns.
In the 2022 season, the Chiefs boasted the league's best passing offense, averaging 297.8 yards per game, while ranking 20th in rushing with 115.9 yards per game. Their explosive offense led them to score an average of 29.2 points per game, topping the league in scoring. Defensively, they allowed 21.7 points per game, positioning 16th in scoring defense.
Prediction
For those placing bets, the over/under of 52 points is a tantalizing option. In the last seven head-to-head meetings between the Lions and the Chiefs, the over has prevailed every time, boasting a perfect 7-0 record. The combined average score in these matchups stands at an impressive 54.4 points.
With both teams possessing potent offenses and potential defensive vulnerabilities, all signs point to a high-scoring contest. This preseason opener promises fireworks, making the over of 52 points a compelling bet for those seeking an action-packed game.
Stay tuned for game day updates, including the latest on player injuries and lineup changes. Notably, Travis Kelce's status is uncertain due to a knee hyperextension during practice, adding another layer of intrigue to this exciting matchup.
