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Chiefs vs. Lions: Key matchups to watch for Week 1

Watch for these 3 matchups in the season opener between KC and Detroit.

By Anthony Hatton

Kansas City Chiefs v Detroit Lions
Kansas City Chiefs v Detroit Lions / Leon Halip/GettyImages
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2. Patrick Mahomes vs Aaron Glenn (Defensive Coordinator)

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches warm up during training camp at the Detroit
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches warm up during training camp at the Detroit / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

History is glaring. Patrick Mahomes has consistently performed extraordinarily on season openers throughout his career. In 5 such games, Mahomes has thrown for 1,542 yards, 18 touchdowns (1 rushing), and 0 interceptions. If he is “average Mahomes” we should expect over 300 passing yards and over 3 passing touchdowns in flawless fashion. 

On the contrary, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been leading this Lions defense for 2 seasons. Detroit’s production on that side of the ball has been at the bottom of the league in both. There are extremely talented players under Glenn. Quite a few of those key pieces are young. As a result, the defense has yet to take the leap needed to contend with the top offenses in the NFL. Even if Glenn can get more out of his players, the past tells us that he will not be able to slow down Mahomes and what Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid will scheme up. 

- Does Mahomes finally throw his first season opener interception? 
- Will DC Aaron Glenn be able to draw up the plays needed to slow down Patrick Mahomes? 

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