Initially, it didn’t seem like the NFL schedule makers did the Detroit Lions any favors by choosing them to open up against the Super Bowl defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. For a team that has struggled with the start of seasons for the past two years, going up against the best team—and the NFL’s best player—looked to be a daunting task.
But it turns out Week 1 may be the best time to face the Chiefs this year. With defensive tackle Chris Jones’ holdout continuing and the recent injury to tight end Travis Kelce, it’s entirely possible the Lions will be facing off against a Chiefs team without two of their best three players.