Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

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The NFL wasted no time in giving fans a game they want to see.

The 2023 season opens Thursday as the Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) embark on their campaign to defend their Super Bowl title. Their first hurdle is the hungry Detroit Lions (0-0).

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a full offseason, giving the "Riders Up" call at the Kentucky Derby and having fun at the F1 Miami Grand Prix. But it was back to business as training camp heated up along with star tight end Travis Kelce's temper and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones' demands. Kelce hyperextended his knee on Tuesday, putting his status for the season opener in question.

The Lions barely missed the playoffs with a 9-8 finish last year, but return with confidence under quarterback Jared Goff. He was named to his third Pro Bowl after tossing 4,438 yards and 29 touchdowns. Aidan Hutchinson is entering his second season after boosting Detroit's defense with 9.5 sacks as a rookie, but has been battling an ankle injury this month.

Will Hutchinson be healthy enough to rattle Mahomes and hand the Chiefs their first season-opening loss since 2014?

More: Travis Kelce pleads to Chris Jones as Chiefs await contract holdout: 'We need you bad'

Chiefs vs. Lions odds, moneyline, over/under

The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Lions, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. The game is among the best bets for NFL Week 1 games at the top NFL betting apps.

Spread: Chiefs (-4.5)
Moneyline: Chiefs (-225); Lions (+180)
Over/under: 53.5

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Paste BN Sports' 2023 NFL predictions: Who makes playoffs, wins Super Bowl 58, MVP and more?

NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks

Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 27, Lions 23

The Lions, for the first time in forever, have a little bit of hype behind them. I expect they will compete with improved offensive weapons and a culture of expectation, but I have a hard time seeing them take this one, on the road, against the defending champs. I do think Detroit keeps it under a touchdown, however.

Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 26, Lions 18

Defending Super Bowl champions historically have sluggish starts in season openers. And the Chiefs are expected to be without their best defensive player in Chris Jones. But Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, a young receiving corps and a scrappy defense should be enough to defeat the upstart Lions in front of a raucous Arrowhead crowd.

Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 30, Lions 14

The Chiefs are at home starting their campaign to defend their Super Bowl title. With or without Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes will still have the offense roaring louder than the Lions.

Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 31, Lions 21

Kansas City has never lost a season opener with Patrick Mahomes starting, with their last opening loss in 2014. The Detroit Lions are trendy and they’ll stay competitive, but the reigning champions continue their 1-0 streak.

You can view the full list of Paste BN's NFL expert predictions here.

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