Keys to the game for Chiefs’ Week 1 matchup vs. Lions

Our @LazarczykLogan breaks down his keys to a #Chiefs victory over the Detroit #Lions in Week 1 ahead of Thursday night’s game.

The Kansas City Chiefs begin their road to Super Bowl defense today in their season opener against the Detroit Lions. The 2023 Lions are not the same unserious team from seasons past. Detroit possesses a high-powered offense and an improving defense after aggressively making moves to add talent at key positions in the offseason.

Kansas City, on the other hand, may host the reigning MVP but has also been mired in a contract dispute with its best defensive player, Chris Jones, who is set to hold out through the Chiefs’ first week of the new season.

Despite the ongoing drama with Jones, Kansas City remains the favored squad for this matchup. Given that the Week 1 tilt will be played at Arrowhead Stadium, fans can expect something special from Patrick Mahomes when the Chiefs take the field tonight.

Let’s take a look at key factors heading into the contest, and what Kansas City must do to win: