By EDUARDO PAZ-MARTINEZ
McALLEN, Texas | The hunt for the coveted Lombardi Trophy begins tonight. That would be the National Football League and its weekly roll to next year's Super Bowl. Thursday Night Football brings you a clash between the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and the said-to-be-rising Detroit Lions.
We're picking the Chiefs.
The Lions finished 9-8 last season, good enough for 2nd place in the NFC North division.
Kansas City is a 4 1/2-point favorite going into the game - but that dropped from 6 1/2 points almost immediately after touted receiver Travis Kelce hyperextended his knee to close out the week’s final practice session. It appears Kelce will be a game-time decision tonight.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes should do well. A year ago, the Lions had the second-worst passing defense in football by yards per play.
Oh, and it’s a pretty good matchup for the running game too - the Lions allowed 5.22 yards per carry last season. On the other side of the ball, the Lions finished fourth in total yards last season.
It's not quite the marquee game, but it is the season's kick-off contest.
The Vegas line: Chiefs 4.5
The Sun pick: Chiefs 31, Lions 20
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Chiefs are too good in this game. Detroit may be on the upswing but not against the Super Bowl champs!
ReplyDeleteChiefs 28 Lions 21
ReplyDeleteI have it Chiefs 21 Lions 20. Close one. It's the first game and both teams will be sloppy.
ReplyDeleteLions are improved. I see a tight game most of the way but Chiefs should win.
ReplyDelete