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The Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs open the 2023 NFL regular season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Lions vs. Chiefs odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Lions wrapped up the 2022 regular season on a roll, winning 9 games, including a 8-2 straight-up (SU) record and 9-1 against the spread (ATS) mark in the final 10 games. While Detroit just missed out on the postseason, coach Dan Campbell’s team is receiving a lot of hype heading into 2023.
The Chiefs not only made the postseason in 2022, but coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes hoisted another Lombardi Trophy together. Kansas City rejoiced after its team topped the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz.
Against the AFC in 2022, the Lions went 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS, with the Under holding a 3-2 edge.
Against the NFC in 2022, the Chiefs went 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS during the regular season, while also beating and covering against the Eagles in the Super Bowl. The Over was 4-2 in those 6 contests, including the postseason.
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Lions at Chiefs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:45 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lions +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Chiefs -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lions +5 (-110) | Chiefs -5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 53 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Lions at Chiefs key injuries
Lions
- CB Emmanuel Moseley (knee) questionable
Chiefs
- WR Richie James (knee) questionable
- TE Travis Kelce (knee) questionable
- CB L’Jarius Sneed (knee) questionable
- WR Kadarius Toney (knee) questionable
- DT Tershawn Wharton (knee) questionable
Lions at Chiefs picks and predictions
Prediction
Chiefs 29, Lions 26
Moneyline
Backing the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive in Week 1.
While the Lions (+185) might be a bit of a hype machine, things are undoubtedly moving in a positive direction for once in The D. The additions of rookies RB Jahmyr Gibbs and TE Sam LaPorta in the 2023 NFL Draft have strengthened the offense, and this game will be a good measuring stick game for Campbell’s bunch.
PASS.
Against the spread
The LIONS +5 (-110) are worth a look catching the points, although the opening line was +6.5. However, I think the Lions show up on Thursday night and give the Chiefs -5 (-110) a little bit of a scare after all of the pomp and circumstance surrounding opening night, the championship celebration, etc. And the Chiefs’ attack could be slowed with the possible absence of Kelce, who suffered a hyperextended knee in practice on Tuesday.
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Over/Under
OVER 53 (-110) is the lean in this prime-time battle, but play it very, very lightly.
While I believe the side will be in question right up until the clock hits zeroes, the total should be in question right up to the buzzer as well. These are 2 teams with tremendous offensive units, and defenses which will struggle to contain the other side. It’s an exciting Week 1 matchup, and the scoreboard operator better limber up prior to the game. They’ll certainly be busy.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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