Vegas Odds: KC -4.5
Lions vs Chiefs NFL Week 1 Sharp Money Picks: Kansas City 54%
2023 NFL Week 1 Power Ratings: Chiefs 88.5 Lions 85.5
TV: NBC, NFL+, Fubo
Time: 8:20 ET
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Chiefs, basking in the glory of their Super Bowl victory, prepare to defend their coveted title against the Detroit Lions. These football titans will clash in the 2023 NFL Kickoff Game at the hallowed grounds of Arrowhead Stadium. Rekindling memories of their triumph in Super Bowl LVII, where they conquered the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35, the Chiefs now set their sights on etching their name in history once again as they pursue their second Lombardi Trophy in the span of four years. Reigning MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes and legendary head coach Andy Reid could be thought of as the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick dynasty of their era.
The Lions are at +235 moneyline against the Chiefs at Sportsbettingonline.ag
With the echoes of triumph still ringing in their ears, the Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2023 season as the acclaimed Vegas odds favorites to clinch yet another championship in the forthcoming Super Bowl. Their indomitable spirit and prowess on the gridiron have secured them a position of honor among the league’s elite, instilling a sense of awe and admiration in the hearts of fans and competitors alike.
On the opposing side, we find the emboldened Detroit Lions, yearning for redemption after narrowly missing out on the playoffs with a commendable 9-8 record last season. The winds of change blow fiercely in the NFC North, as the Lions aspire to reclaim their rightful place at the summit, seizing the divisional crown that has eluded them for far too long.
Gazing upon this clash of titans, one question hangs heavy in the air, like an unfinished symphony yearning to be completed – When will the Lions seize their first NFC North title since 1993? The stage is set, the players are poised, and the world watches with bated breath as the curtain rises on a new chapter in NFL history.
Kansas City Offense vs Detroit Defense
Kansas City will be replacing two offensive tackles but the interior of their offensive line is the best in the NFL. The masterful center, Creed Humphrey, accompanied by the stalwart guard, Joe Thuney, has yielded only 26 sacks throughout the last season, placing them among the league’s best. Of note is Thuney, whose divine skills on the field boast a remarkable 98.9% pass block win rate, setting the standard for all other linemen.
Not far behind is Humphrey, securing his place in the rankings with an admirable 98.1%. These protectors of the pocket are the catalysts behind the Chiefs’ passing dominance and shall be instrumental in their forthcoming clash with Detroit’s suspect pass defense. Hard-nosed Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell comprehends the arduous task of containing Mahomes. Nevertheless, the game plan will present ample opportunities for the revitalized defense to apply pressure on the signal-caller and take calculated gambles.
“Force him in reverse and never face the direction where he can sling it back,” Campbell quipped. “That’d be the crux of it. Listen, this fella, he’s gritty. That’s the simple truth of it all. He possesses an intense competitive spirit, remarkable instincts, and heightened awareness. He serves as the powerhouse of this offensive unit, propelling it forward. Alongside him, pivotal pieces like (Travis Kelce) hold immense significance.”
On the ground, the Lions’ inexperienced run-stoppers will face the daunting challenge of containing punishing Chiefs’ running back Isiah Pachecho who averaged 4.9 yards per carry in his rookie campaign. Detroit’s defense ranked dead last in yards allowed but has upgraded personnel on all three levels to grade out as a middle-of-the-pack defensive unit.
Detroit Offense vs Kansas City Defense
The Detroit Lions offense is poised to make its mark. Spearheading this charge is none other than quarterback Jared Goff, whose exceptional performance last season garnered a staggering 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and a mere seven interceptions. The secret behind the Lions’ aerial triumph lies in the guardians who stand before Goff, providing a sanctuary from the marauding defenders. As the Lions take to the field, it is abundantly clear that their offensive prowess knows no bounds. Ranking an impressive 5th in scoring offense in 2022, they boasted an average of 26.8 points per game. Behind an elite offensive line, their offense can provide a veritable onslaught for any opposition.
But let us not overlook the key players who make this offensive machine tick. Enter wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams (who, alas, must serve a suspension for the opening six games due to a violation of the NFL’s gambling rule). Their electrifying presence on the field cannot be understated. St. Brown is a budding star coming off of his first Pro-Bowl selection. Without the presence of dominant Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones (15.5 sacks) the Lions could take advantage of the Chiefs ordinary secondary.
And let us not forget the formidable duo of running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, whose explosive abilities guarantee headaches running behind the bullish lineman up front. Kansas City’s linebacking corps grades out to the bottom half of the NFL which will provide Gibbs and Montogomery with open running lanes to provide balance in the passing game.
Lions vs Chiefs NFL Week 1 Sharp Money Picks Betting Advice
The Chiefs will be missing two of their three stars with TE Travis Kelce and DT Chris Jones out for this one. The impact of these players missing will give the Lions a decided edge ATS. There is a saying amongst NFL sharp bettors, “It’s not who you play but when you play them.”Expect this gambling axiom to hold true in this one with the healthier, underrated Lions rolling to a cover.
Lions vs Chiefs NFL Week 1 Sharp Money Picks: Detroit +6.5 (3 UNITS)
2023 NFL Week 1 Power Ratings
Quarterbacks
Chiefs:5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Lions:4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Running Backs
Chiefs: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Lions: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Wideouts
Chiefs: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Lions: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Offensive Line
Chiefs: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Lions: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Defensive Line
Chiefs: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Lions: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Linebackers
Chiefs: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Lions: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Secondary
Chiefs: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Lions: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Special Teams
Chiefs: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Lions: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Coaching
Chiefs: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Lions: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
The Lions vs Chiefs Over/Under is at 54.5 points at Sportsbettingonline.ag
