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

3. L'Jarius Sneed vs Amon-Ra St. Brown

Who doesn’t love a good battle between an exciting wide receiver and a top cornerback? Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed will be lining up against Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Sneed is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. His role continues to grow each season. He can follow an opposite team’s top wideout anywhere on the field. St. Brown at 6'0" tall lines up as the outside receiver and also lines up often as a slot receiver. 

St. Brown is the top target for Lions quarterback Jared Goff. In his second season, he made the Pro Bowl for good reason. Last year St. Brown amassed 106 receptions for 1,161 yards and 6 touchdowns. His role should also continue to ascend going into this 3rd season in the NFL. 

Sneed snagged 3 interceptions and batted away 11 passes in 2022. Other aspects of his game that help the Chiefs are his ability to blitz effectively and stop the ball carrier. As a cornerback, he was 2nd on the team in tackles (108 total). Sneed was also credited with 3.5 sacks. He is tasked with the toughest wide receiver assignment and excels more often than not. Last season he proved to be one of the top CBs due to the success covering some of the best wideouts in the league. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown and L’Jarius Sneed both can enter the conversation of being “one of the best'' at their own prospective positions with the football world watching. Which player has the most to gain in this matchup? Will Sneed be able to take away the Lions' best wide receiver in St. Brown?