Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions for Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs
This interconference showdown looked like a gem when the schedule first came out, and although the Lions have done their part to remain a marquee contender, the Chiefs have fallen short. Still, this remains quite the potential barn burner.
With Detroit's offense arguably looking as good or better than under the departed Ben Johnson, and the Chiefs trying to get back to .500, we break down odds and best bets for this primetime clash.
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Lions vs. Chiefs Betting Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
Moneyline: Lions +122 (FanDuel), Chiefs -130 (DraftKings)
Point spread: Lions +2.5 (Caesars), Chiefs -2.5 (DraftKings)
Totals: Over 52.5 points (+100, ESPN Bet), Under 53 points (-110, BetMGM)
The Chiefs have notably been narrow favorites since before Week 5 action, and even after taking a loss to the Jaguars on Monday night, Kansas City has not only maintained that advantage, the number has actually grown. The number was at 1.5 before Week 5, and it's been progressively bet up throughout the week to 2.5 entering the weekend.
The total has also risen, to an even greater degree. The number sat at 48.5 before Week 5 games, and after the two squads combined for 65 points in their respective contests Sunday and Monday night, the number has climbed all the way to 52.5 points. The confirmation WR Xavier Worthy will be available for Kansas City certainly helps the case for an offensive showcase.
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Lions vs. Chiefs Betting Picks
The Chiefs' 0-2 start quickly started to look like a brief early-season hiccup for the perennial Super Bowl contenders when they bounced back to win two straight, but the Jaguars threw a wrench into that resurgence Monday night. Kansas City's 2-3 mark is by no means a death knell to its lofty postseason aspirations, but at the same time, the Chiefs can't take a division crown for granted anymore with both the Broncos and Chargers, warts and all, serious contenders.
There's certainly urgency for Andy Reid and company in this spot, not to mention a bit of extra incentive considering the upset the Lions pulled at Arrowhead back in Week 1 of the 2023 season. QB Patrick Mahomes would normally be relied upon to pull the Chiefs out of any slump, but perhaps even more so in a matchup against a Lions team that's difficult to run on and is dealing with multiple injuries in the secondary.
Detroit is surrendering 10.4 yards per completion and a 70.0 percent completion rate on the road, and the starting CB duo of Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (IR, hamstring) are both out, as is Khalil Dorsey (IR, concussion). Starting safeties Brian Branch (ankle) and Kerby Joseph (knee) are also both questionable, truly setting up what could be a prolific passing day for Mahomes.
The Lions offense will undoubtedly present a hefty challenge in its own right for Kansas City's talented defense, but it's notable the Chiefs are the favorite here and have remained so despite the disparate Week 5 outcomes for each squad. Given all the factors cited, I'm looking to take advantage of FanDuel's Alternate Spread and Alternate Total features to put together a pair of Same-Game Parlays (SGPs), and combine those with just an average passing night for Mahomes, a mark I think he's very likely to outperform.
Lions vs. Chiefs Best Bets
- SGP: Alt. Spread Chiefs +2.5 and Patrick Mahomes 225+ passing yards (-104 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
- SGP: Over Alt. Total 49.5 points and Patrick Mahomes 225+ passing yards (-114 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Lions vs. Chiefs Prediction
The Lions have been undeniably impressive after their Week 1 stumble at Lambeau, but they're in a tricky spot here. The Chiefs are naturally a prideful bunch that also still has plenty of talent, and falling to 2-4 would be almost inconceivable for a team who still has Super Bowl aspirations. Kansas City also has a score to settle from that Week 1 loss a couple of years back, and being in front of the home crowd will help propel the defending AFC champs to a narrow, pass-heavy victory.
Chiefs 30, Lions 28
