Are you ready for some Chiefs football?
Like the past three seasons, the Chiefs Wire staff will offer its weekly predictions for each Chiefs game. Here are our picks for Kansas City’s Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Charles Goldman’s pick: Chiefs win 42-24
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @goldmctNFL
I locked my pick in ahead of the season and I’m still feeling pretty good about it. The Chiefs have proven to have the most explosive offense in the NFL, despite missing three key starters. The defense has shown signs of improvement each week and this could potentially be the week that the team leaves their offensive tackle on an island against Frank Clark.
Meanwhile, the Lions are a little beat up right now with four key players questionable heading into this matchup, including starting QB Matthew Stafford. It’s reportedly a flair up of the same back injury that hampered Stafford all season last year. It’s definitely worth monitoring and could impact his performance during the game if he plays.
One thing that’s been bothering me heading into this game is that the Lions and Chiefs are both being called undefeated teams. That might technically be true, but their tie against the Cardinals muddy’s the waters a bit. Another thing on my mind lately, the Lions highest point total of the season (27) wouldn’t have beat the Chiefs in any of their first three weeks. I’m expecting a high-scoring affair from the Chiefs with the Lions being unable to keep up.
Wesley Roesch’s pick: Chiefs win 45-26
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @WesleyRoesch
At this point, I feel like a broken record, but every game seems like a case of whether an opposing team can keep up with the Chiefs? As for the Lions, the answer is no. Their offense isn’t particularly great, Matthew Stafford is coming into the game hurt, and their defense has given up the 10th-most yards per game (including the 11th-most passing yards per game). That doesn’t sound like a recipe for success against Kansas City.
I am excited to see how Patrick Mahomes fares in a dome. My gut tells me that the inside climate combined with the Lions’ generous defense will equal the Chiefs’ biggest offensive game this season.
Nicolas Roesch’s pick: Chiefs win 45-20
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @Nicolas_Roesch
The Lions don’t do any one thing particularly well. Their running backs are averaging a terrible 3.3 yards per carry. Matthew Stafford is an average, sometimes above-average quarterback, but doesn’t have any weapons that are going to keep a defensive coordinator awake at night.
The only thing that worries me about Detroit’s defense is Trey Flowers, who will be going up against Cameron Erving. Andy Reid must find a way to scheme something up to help Erving. I have no reason whatsoever to believe the Chiefs’ offense is going to slow down, and this will be Patrick Mahomes’ first NFL game inside a dome stadium. Enjoy, Chiefs fans.
John Dillon’s pick: Chiefs win 43-35
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @TheJohnDillon
There’s usually more intrigue when two undefeated teams square off early in the season, but not so with this week 4 matchup. Detroit, led by long-time Bill Belichick disciple Matt Patricia, has started this season looking relatively pedestrian while Andy Reid and Kansas City have continued their regular season domination of any and all competitors.
The Lions have pieces on both sides of the ball, and their quarterback Matt Stafford has been a regular atop passing leaderboards for the better part of a decade, but Detroit has lacked cohesion through the first part of this season. Even with a decent stable of running backs and a swarming secondary to boot, Detroit has been the embodiment of mediocrity through their first 3 games.
Expect this week to be a stark reminder of what contenders and pretenders look like in a domed vacuum. This matchup is set to be Patrick Mahomes’ first game played indoors in the NFL, and it could be one for the ages. I’m calling this game 43-35 and expect a huge day through the air and at least one interception by a Chiefs safety.
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Vinciane Ngomsi’s pick: Chiefs win 35-10
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @VincianeNgomsi
Detroit might be undefeated, but they’re one of the rare teams whose perfect record isn’t something to be threatened by. The Chiefs still aren’t as dominant as a rushing unit compared to last year, but thankfully Reid and company are able to regroup into a plan that equals points on the board.
Kerryon Johnson isn’t performing to his abilities either, but lining up against a Chiefs defense can give you a boost of confidence. All eyes will be on Steve Spagnuolo’s to repeat the successes they had against the Ravens last week. I expect that we’ll be treated to a few more sacks on crucial third-down or even fourth-down plays.
Patrick Mahomes, of course, is the best quarterback in the NFL and as long as his offensive line can protect him, I see no reason why Kansas City won’t leave Detroit with another win.
Danilo Di Julio’s pick: Chiefs win 44-17
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @ThunderDan88
The Chiefs are on the road again for the third time in four weeks as they take on the Detroit Lions who, at 2-0-1 are also undefeated. The Lions trail the Chiefs in almost every meaningful category so I will focus on three. The Chiefs have converted 18-of-33 attempts on 3rd down while the Lions are woefully low at 16-of-42 which is slightly below 39%.
Detroit’s top running back Kerryon Johnson is averaging 2.6ypc. The team parted ways with their second-leading RB, CJ Anderson, who was averaging 2.7ypc. The Chiefs’ top two currently healthy backs are LeSean McCoy and the surging Darrel Williams who are averaging 5.4 and 6.9 yards per attempt respectively.
The quarterback position will see a pair of Texas boys who can sling it, however, the reigning MVP starts for the Chiefs. I’ll look at the strength of schedule thus far. The Lions have played an Arizona team that’s struggling to find an identity with a #1 draft pick at QB who appears at times capable but, more often lost and two teams in the Chargers and Eagles who are both dealing with a multitude of injuries. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have played arguably two of the best defenses in the NFL in the Jaguars and Ravens as well as the division-rival Raiders. All Kansas City has done is play next man up football, showing their talented depth, on their way to a 3-0 record and setting numerous records along the way.
A final thought: This is our first chance to watch Patrick Mahomes play a game indoors, on a fast track and unencumbered by the elements. I expect things to get out of hand quickly versus a Lions defense that will struggle to slow the Chiefs’ speedsters down.
Talon Graff’s pick: Chiefs win 38 – 20
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @CoachGraff34
The Chiefs have their third road game in four weeks on Sunday. They travel up to Detroit to take on the undefeated Lions. While they may be coming off two solid wins, it’s not like they blew anyone away. Outside of the Calvin Johnson years, this is the best variety of weapons that Matthew Stafford has had around him since being drafted in 2009. Marvin Johnson, Kenny Golladay, and Danny Amendola are a trio of receivers who each bring a unique skill set to the field. Rookie tight end TJ Hockenson is a pretty good fourth option as well. Running back Kerryon Johnson provides a dual-threat arsenal as well so keep an eye on him. The defense did enough last week to make sure the Chiefs got the win against Baltimore, they need to make some plays this week too.
Detroit’s defense has been hot and cold this season. Really not even that hot honestly. Against the Chargers in week 2, they held the Bolts to 10 points but in reality, the Chargers held themselves to 10 points. The Lions have not faced an offense like this all year. The Chiefs should not have any issues putting points up in this one. I expect Sammy Watkins to eclipse the 100-yard mark and find the end zone at least once. Chiefs should win big, 38-20.
Kevin Scott’s pick: Chiefs win 38-23
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @KevinScottFF
This game has the makings of a high-scoring affair. Not only is it in the dome, on turf, which will accentuate the speed of the Chiefs skill players. But the matchup itself pits the best passing offense in the NFL in the Chiefs against the sixth-best passing offense in the league in the Lions.
While both defenses have been decent against the pass so far, no one has been able to stop Patrick Mahomes and this Andy Reid offense and I do not see the Lions doing it. And if they grab a lead on the Lions, the Lions may be in catch-up mode and may have some success against a defense that is still working to pick up the new Spagnuolo defensive scheme.
Lions top cornerback Darius Slay is hobbled with a hamstring injury, which could mean Justin Coleman or Rashaan Melvin will be matched up with Sammy Watkins. Even if Slay plays, that leaves the rest of Mahomes’ receivers to work on those other corners. And Travis Kelce will not
likely be slowed down by any of the linebackers or even safeties they try to play him with. In short, it is impossible to stop the Chiefs if they play to their potential.
The Lions offense has been a bit hit or miss so far, but I look for them to try to get T.J. Hockenson back rolling this week. The Chiefs linebackers are not very good in coverage and Hockenson should be able to capitalize on this. If the Lions do not fall behind by too many points, they should also look to establish the run with Kerryon Johnson, against the Chiefs’ last-ranked defense against the run. If they get that rolling and control the clock, that seems to be their best chance to stay in this game.
In the end, I think the Chiefs will simply be too much and will overcome the Lions in the second half.
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Ed Easton’s pick: Chiefs win 42-21
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @EdEastonJr
This week’s matchup with the Detroit Lions will shape up to be another highlight reel experience from Patrick Mahomes. The Lions defense has had its troubles pressuring the quarterback over the first three weeks of the season. The hot hand of Mahomes mixed with speedy and confident receivers project another huge game for the reigning MVP.
Mathew Stafford will keep the game competitive in the first half with a few strikes to his talented receiving core. The Chiefs defense will settle things down similar to the victory over the Oakland Raiders in Week 2. Tyrann Mathieu will secure a turnover during this game as Chris Jones will add to his sack total. Another good team victory on the road keeping Kansas City undefeated this season.
Mitch Carney’s pick: Chiefs win 35-20
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @MitchMitchcar11
I’ve got the Chiefs staying undefeated as they beat the Detroit Lions this 35-20. The offense will have a great first half putting up 28 points thanks to Patrick Mahomes playing in a dome for the first time in his NFL career. The offense will then do what it has the first three weeks and coast in the second half to another victory.
The defense will have a similar game with a good start to the game holding the Lions to only a touchdown in the first half. The Lions will crawl their way back, but it will be too much for them as the Chiefs still win by two scores. I believe this will Frank Clarks’ best game yet. He has heard the talk about him being overpaid and he is ready to prove some people wrong. I would be looking for him to have a multiple sack game against the Lions.
Max Ramsey’s pick: Chiefs win 35-17
Season record: 3-0
Twitter: @The_Wild_Chief
The Chiefs play the Detroit Lions this week in their third road game of the year in just four weeks. Detroit is technically undefeated but did put up the first tie of the year in week one against a rebuilding Cardinals team. The storylines around this game are trying to hype it up to be a strong contest, but don’t let the narratives fool you. This Lions team should not pose a threat.
The teams the Lions have faced so far this year have a combined record of 2-6-1 and the defenses they faced are currently ranked 30th, 19th and 16th (tie) overall. In those contests they averaged just over 22 points per game, meanwhile, the Chiefs are averaging just under 34 points per game facing the 20th, 25th and 16th (tie) overall defenses this season. Those defenses all had to play the Chiefs as well which can skew those rankings, an example being Baltimore who was ranked 2nd prior to playing the Chiefs last week.
The Lions themselves rank 23rd overall in defense, one above the Chiefs. If you look at the defensive stat lines the Lions and the Chiefs are very close to each other, and I can only begin to imagine the kind of numbers Mahomes would put up against our own defense. Kansas City should have their most decisive victory of the season Sunday, 35-17.
