The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Detroit Lions in what should be one of the best games of the week.
The Chiefs are looking to stay the course on offense and continue to jell on defense. The Lions, meanwhile, are out to prove that they belong in the conversation as one of the best teams in the NFC.
Let’s take a look at the keys for a Chiefs victory over the Lions.
Sack QB Matthew Stafford
The Chiefs defense ranks in the middle of the league in sacks with seven. It will have their work cut out for them against Detroit’s offensive line, which has only surrendered three sacks this season. The Lions’ Frank Ragnow is Pro Football Focus’ second-highest-graded center.
Just getting pressure may not be good enough. Last week Stafford completed 5 of 8 passes for 81 yards against the blitz and wasn’t sacked. If the Chiefs bring the blitz and don’t take Stafford down, he can pick apart the secondary.
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Keep the running game rolling
After a disappointing rushing performance in Week 2, the Chiefs bounced back with 140 yards and a touchdown on the ground last week. They’ll need to keep it rolling as they go into a hostile Detroit environment to control what is sure to be a rowdy crowd.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is doing a masterful job throwing the ball, but having balance within the offense allows the Chiefs to score more consistently. Running back Darrel Williams had a breakout game last week with 109 total yards, and LeSean McCoy seems to be recovered from his ankle injury.
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Create turnovers
The Chiefs defense has forced four turnovers this season but has also missed quite a few opportunities for more. Last week quarterback Lamar Jackson completed two reckless jump-ball passes that should have been intercepted, and safety Tyrann Mathieu had a couple of balls go through his hands.
The Chiefs have to cash in on those opportunities more consistently. Coach Andy Reid believes they will as the season goes along and the defense settles in. Giving the K.C. offense even more possessions and better field position is a scary thought.
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Take deep shots early
The Lions have a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy on defense, with the focus on eliminating big plays and forcing offenses to score on long drives. The Chiefs have perhaps the most explosive offense in the NFL and will not hesitate to take deep shots down the field.
The Chiefs have had a touchdown of 40 or more yards five times this season. They would be wise to test the Lions on deep shots early in the game and send a message that they won’t hold back. Detroit could worry about it to the point that it doesn’t cover the middle of the field, opening things up for the running backs and tight end Travis Kelce.
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Keep the foot on the gas
The Chiefs have only scored 13 fourth-quarter points this season while surrendering 28 to opponents. This is mostly due to the fact that they have had huge leads entering the fourth quarter, but they let the Baltimore Ravens get back into the game last week. If the Chiefs keep letting up, it could come back to bite them.
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