The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Detroit Lions in Week 4 on Sunday in Detroit in a battle of two undefeated teams. Kansas City is 3-0, coming off a big win over an impressive Baltimore squad. The Lions sit at 2-0-1 after defeating the Eagles last week in Philadelphia 27-24.
Rolling Again
The Chiefs are picking up this season right where they left off last year. The 2018 NFL MVP, Patrick Mahomes, is already on pace to demolish the league record for passing yards in a season and to become the first QB ever to throw over 50 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.
While the Chiefs defense still isn’t blowing anyone’s socks off, they have stepped up as well this year. The additions over the offseason seem to be taking effect as they do not have to win every game this year by putting up over 50 points.
The leaders for the Chiefs so far this season have been Mahomes and Sammy Watkins, who after a slow season last year has hit the ground running in 2019.
Mahomes has 1,195 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. Sammy Watkins has 20 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns. With star wide receiver Tyreke Hill still out with an injury, Watkins should see his numbers continue to rise.
The Lions’ good start to the season should not scare the Chiefs at all. They are still one of the top five teams favored to win the Super Bowl, with just the Patriots seemingly in their way.
The Chiefs are currently posting 493 yards a game while allowing 409. They are also averaging 33.7 points per game and giving up 21.3.
Surprise Start
The Lions have to be happy with their 2-0-1 record, especially after taking down the Eagles on the road last week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has built a reputation over the previous two seasons as a guy who can go out and win the close games, and that was on display once again.
Stafford has led the Lions with 831 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions so far. His top target this year has been former Bengal Marvin Jones Jr. The 29-year-old has 15 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown over their first three games.
Kerryon Johnson is a guy they are happy to have back from injury this season as he leads the team in rushing with 126 yards and a touchdown as well.
If the Lions want to have a fighting chance in this game, Johnson will have to perform well. Luckily for him, the Chiefs have been allowing 137.7 rushing yards per game.
If Johnson can help the Lions establish the run early in this game, it will enable Detroit to control the clock, keep possession, and most importantly, keep Mahomes and the Chiefs’ explosive offense off the field. If the Lions intend to get into an air show against the Chiefs, like most teams, they will come up short.
The Lions have posted 22.3 points per game while allowing 20.3, they have also been putting up an average of 375 yards, but they have allowed 412 per game.
What To Expect
As I said before, if the Lions want a shot in this one, I think they will have to control the tempo with the ground game and keep the Chiefs offense off the field. While that sounds good on paper, Kansas City is a lot to handle for a full four quarters, and I think the Chiefs will keep their undefeated record intact and walk away with an easy win.
