The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Detroit Lions in the opening game of the 2023 NFL season this Thursday night. Considering the offensive prowess of each team, there are few better matchups to kick off the campaign. Here are our top NFL betting picks for Thursday Night Football.
Lions @ Chiefs moneyline pick: Detroit +6.5
In this battle between two prolific offenses, we like the Lions to keep it close and cover the +6.5 spread. Detroit are coming off an impressive 9-8 season where they won eight of their last 10 games. While we don’t expect them to win this game, they should be able to move the ball with ease on a Chiefs defense that will likely be without its best pass-rusher, Chris Jones. Without Jones there, the Lions should give quarterback Jared Goff plenty of time to do his thing.
Detroit Lions +6.5
Lions @ Chiefs over/under receptions: Jahmyr Gibbs
Detroit selected Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the last NFL draft. While that pick was considered a reach, the Lions clearly have plans to utilize the running back extensively this season. Gibbs is a highly skilled receiver, and his versatility makes him an enticing prospect. The Lions are likely to pass frequently in this battle, and Gibbs should be targeted for numerous checkdowns.
Jahmyr Gibbs over 3.5 receptions
Lions @ Chiefs anytime TD pick: Sam Laporta
Sam Laporta is another rookie who will have a big role in Detroit’s offense. He will be the starting tight end and should immediately factor into the team’s red-zone offense. The Lions do not have a bevy of receiving options, and all the camp reports say Laporta is poised to step up. At $3.90 with top NFL betting sites, Laporta to get a touchdown is very solid value.
Sam Laporta anytime touchdown
Lions @ Chiefs anytime TD pick: Jerick McKinnon
The Chiefs found a reliable red-zone target last year in Jerick McKinnon, and he should be back scoring touchdowns in this battle. The running back had nine touchdowns over his final six regular-season games and became one of Patrick Mahomes’ favorite options in that area. In this game, the Chiefs should have ample scoring chances against a Detroit defense that struggled last season.
