After the Chiefs took care of business against the Ravens last week, our writers predict the Chiefs will win big this week against the Lions.
Last week, our writers were split on predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens game. After taking care of business in the home opener, our writer’s confidence has been restored, as they’re predicting a big win for the Chiefs road matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs faced their toughest challenge yet last week against the Ravens, but quickly showed the NFL why they’re considered the league’s top team. Even without starting running back Damien Williams, starting left tackle Eric Fisher, and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs put up 33 points against a solid Ravens defense.
Prior to the game, the Ravens offense had been putting up stellar numbers with quarterback Lamar Jackson, but the Chiefs held them to just 13 points until the 4th quarter. A couple of garbage time touchdowns made the final score 33-28, but in reality, the Chiefs took control in the 2nd quarter by scoring 23 unanswered points and never looked back.
With Williams, Fisher, and Hill all trending towards not playing again this week, the Chiefs will be shorthanded again. But our writers don’t fear this, as they predict that the Chiefs will win big time over the Lions. The average predicted score was: Chiefs 40.2, Lions 20.3. Here are our full writer predictions.
Drew Brooks: Chiefs 42, Lions 31
Despite injuries on offense, I expect Patrick Mahomes to continue being Patrick Mahomes. Last week I thought the Ravens would really test him, but I was wrong. I think the Chiefs will pick apart the Lions and cruise to an easy victory, but garbage time will make the game look closer than it was.
Matt Conner: Chiefs 30, Lions 6
I don’t see any reason for the Lions to be labeled as contenders when they were a basement dweller as recently as last season. The Chiefs need to be careful with Hockenson and reckless getting after Matt Stafford and the rest should take care of itself.
Jalon Dodson: Chiefs 38, Lions 20
Playing inside a dome will not have a major effect on the outcome of this game. The Chiefs will walk out of Ford Field with just as much if not more momentum than they had heading in. Detroit will make some noise, but ultimately be unable to keep up with Mahomes.
Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 41, Lions 20
The Lions don’t have a loss on the season yet and with the game in Detroit I think the Lions may surprise some people and could even upset… oh who am I kidding, the Chiefs offense is going to bury the Lions. It’ll be over by halftime.
Jacob Harris: Chiefs 42, Lions 24
Another easy win for the Chiefs. The Lions are slightly better than expected this year, but still not especially good. Mahomes does throw a garbage time interception, though.
Scott Loring: Chiefs 51, Lions 27
Lions HC Matt Patricia is a disciple of Bill Belichick, and I’m guessing the two have had some conversation this week. Belichick is highly interested in a Chiefs loss, any way it can happen, so his fingerprints are probably all over Detroit’s defensive gameplan. That said, the Lions just don’t have the personnel to carry it out. Detroit will try to shorten the game with their blossoming young back Kerryon Johnson, but the Chiefs offense is clicking on all cylinders, and now they get to play in a dome.
Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 42, Lions 24
The Lions are a quality team, but they’re average at most positions and likely missing some key defenders. The Chiefs offense is special at numerous positions and it’s Mahomes’ first regular season game in a climate-controlled dome. I expect the Chiefs offense to have its best game of the season and the defense to do enough to keep the Lions offense in check.
Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 42, Lions 24
This will be the first time Patrick Mahomes plays in a dome, and I do not envy the Lions for that fact. Mahomes will not have weather conditions to contend with and we have seen the potency of this offense even without Tyreek Hill, Eric Fisher, and Damien Williams. I don’t believe the Lions can hang and I expect even more progress from the defense.
Byron Smith: Chiefs 45, Lions 0
I think I see a blowout in Detroit, especially when the Lions run such large amounts of Cover 1, which opens up the backside of the defense. Plus, K.C.’s defense has been getting better weekly and this is maybe the week it finally clicks. Tyrann seems comfortable with his role which means he can only improve and open up more opportunities for Juan Thornhill, who I expect a big game out of.
Travis Steffen: Chiefs 35, Lions 24
While the Kansas City Chiefs have come out of the gate even more explosive than last season despite injuries to key players on their offense, I don’t feel the Lions will be able to do the same with their defense if some of their key players end up not playing. The Chiefs number of weapons, even without Tyreek Hill, will be too much for Detroit with or without Darius Slay playing. The Lions’ biggest weakness being their linebackers unable to cover running backs out of the backfield is music to Andy Reid‘s ears. Kansas City defense has done well in pass coverage and improved every week. While the Lions have better weapons than the Chiefs have faced so far, the defense will continue to improve and gel.
Rylan Styles: Chiefs 31, Lions 17
Mahomes has his best game of the season and Demarcus Robinson continues to impress.
Grant Tuttle: Chiefs 38, Lions 20
I think the Lions are flying under the radar so far this season. While they don’t seem to have a great offense, they have a very productive defense. The defensive line is stacked and everyone knows that Matt Patricia is a rocket scientist. That being said, Kansas City should come away with a victory in Detroit and should do so fairly easily.
Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 45, Lions 27
I think Kansas City can find a rhythm and play four full quarters. Detroit’s defense isn’t a threat, and it’s offense is one-dimensional. The Chiefs will hand the Lions their first loss and stay undefeated.