Chiefs vs. Lions Preview & Daily Fantasy Sports Projections

September 5, 2023

September 5, 2023

Kansas City Chiefs football at Arrowhead Stadium

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions Preview

The NFL returns this Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO so we’re helping you stay on top of all the developments and hot daily fantasy picks and projections for the season opener.

Patrick Mahomes leads his defending super bowl champions as they host the resurgent Detroit Lions led by coach Dan Campbell. There’s nothing more exciting than a new season of NFL football and we’re ready to cover all the stories and angels to get you ready for another exciting year of NFL daily fantasy sports.

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Chiefs vs. Lions Storylines

Chiefs Super Bowl High or Hangover?

Mahomes and coach Andy Reid have dominated the league in recent years, reaching the super bowl 3 out of the last 4 years and winning 2. But will they be able to maintain that high level in 2023? 

Despite their dominance, they’ve actually started slow in recent years before heating up for a late season run. Going back-to-back in any sport is tough, but in the NFL, we haven’t seen it happen in almost 20 years. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes will need their whole team to step up to follow the last coach-QB duo to go back-to-back. You may have heard of them- Bill Bilichick and Tom Brady.

Detroit Lions Breakout Year

Since taking over control of the Lions 2 years ago, Dan Campbell has all but turned around the franchise with his passionate leadership style. It seems the whole city is on board and letting Campbell lead the charge to playoff appearances.

The Lions fell just short of the playoffs last year but knocked their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, out of playoff contention in the last week of the season which may have been a reason for Aaron Rodgers’ departure from the NFC North.

Campbell and crew will need more than just a competitive spirit if they want to open the season right against the super bowl champs and 2-time MVP.

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Chiefs vs. Lions DFS Projections and Picks

With former pro-bowlers and super bowl champs on both sides, it’s safe to say that this 2023 NFL season opener is STACKED with hot DFS projections and picks. Let’s take a look at a few before you head over to the board to lock in your entries.

Pass Yards

Patrick Mahomes - QB, KC

The 2-time MVP and 2-time super bowl champion is looking to continue his unbelievable NFL career with a bang this Thursday night as he hosts the Detroit Lions. With months of preparation to study the Lions’ defense, he’s sure to put up another highlight reel for us in Arrowhead.

He’s projected at 299.5 passing yards, almost 10 yards below his season average in 2022 and 60 below his season opener last year against the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions will be looking to make a statement in their 2023 debut, but it’s never wise to fade Mahomes.

To view all NFL Week One DFS projections on the board, click here.

Jared Goff - QB, DET

Goff impressed doubters around the league last season after stepping up in Detroit to lead the inexperienced squad. The former super bowl runner-up threw for an incredible 4,438 yards and 29 TDs in 2022 with a new offensive system.

Jared Goff is projected to throw for 260.5 yards on Thursday against the Chiefs. That’s about equal to his season average last year and actually about 50 yards more than his season opener last year. Will another year in the Detroit locker room be enough for Goff to take the Lions over the edge?

To view all NFL Week One DFS projections on the board, click here.

Rush + Rec Yards Combo

Combo squares are a great way to add some extra excitement to PrizePicks DFS and give you an added level of insurance on your picks. This week the board has some great options to take your experience to the next level.

Travis Kelce + Jahmyr Gibbs - TE, KC + RB, DET

It’s no surprise that Travis Kelce is one of the hottest DFS picks for this week one matchup. As Mahomes’s favorite target throughout KC’s historic run, Kelce has continued to cement his legacy as a top TE in the NFL.

Last year, Kelce averaged almost 80 yards receiving per game and had a season high of 121 yards in his season opener last year..

On the Detroit side, Gibbs is set to make his NFL debut as a rookie RB. The 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft is already getting mentioned on the list of Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates. The former Alabama running back can attack defenses on the ground and through the air so he poses a serious threat to the Chiefs this week.

To view all NFL Week One DFS projections on the board, click here.

Tackles + Asts

Alex Anzalone - LB, DET

The Detroit LB made waves last year, delivering 125 total tackles between 77 solos and 48 assists. This high-powered KC offense will bring a new challenge to Anzalone and the rest of Campbell’s defensive unit. They’ll need top performances from their leaders to have a chance on the road against the reigning champs.

He’s currently projected at 7.0 Tackles+Asts, about .35 short of his season average in 2022.

To view all NFL Week One DFS projections on the board, click here.

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports with PrizePicks

The 2023 NFL season is here. Follow along PrizePicks everyday to stay up to date on all of the storylines, news, scores, preview, and of course, the top NFL daily fantasy sports action.

This season is sure to bring more highlights, hot picks, and drama than ever before and we’re right here to help you follow along. Don’t miss any of the NFL action with PrizePicks daily fantasy sports.

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