NFL Week 6 features a blockbuster primetime matchup between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is set for 8:20 p.m. ET. SNF will broadcast live on NBC.
The Chiefs are 2.5-point favorites over the Lions on the spread (Chiefs -2.5), with the over/under set at 52 total points. Kansas City is a -140 favorite to win outright on the moneyline; Detroit is +120 to pull off the upset.
Below, you can find our Lions vs Chiefs picks for Sunday Night Football, which include predictions for the spread, moneyline, game total and two player props of the anytime touchdown variety.
Lions vs Chiefs Picks & Predictions
| Game | Time (ET) | Best Bet |
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  | 8:20 p.m. | |
| 8:20 p.m. | |
| 8:20 p.m. | |
| 8:20 p.m. | |
| 8:20 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NFL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Sunday Night Football Odds
- Lions vs Chiefs Moneyline: Lions +120, Chiefs -140
- Lions vs Chiefs Spread: Lions +2.5 (-105), Chiefs -2.5 (-115)
- Lions vs Chiefs Total: 52
Lions vs Chiefs odds via bet365
Lions vs Chiefs Spread Prediction
The Chiefs offense is starting to hit their stride, reminding fans and experts alike of the 2022 version of this passing attack.
The Chiefs' performance against the Jaguars on Monday was an even more impressive outing than their dismantling of the Ravens the week prior. Jacksonville had the third-best defense (according to DVOA) heading into that Monday night game, yet the Chiefs torched them for 7.6 yards per play and 26 first downs.
The Lions finds themselves as one of the highest-ranked defensive units in the league, but they have the 31st-ranked schedule rating in terms of DVOA, meaning they have faced one of the easiest slates of offenses thus far.
When Detroit can't generate pressure, it allows 7.7 yards per pass attempt, ranking 23rd in the league. This is significant because the Chiefs' offensive line ranks third in pressure rate allowed, which has unlocked Patrick Mahomes' downfield passing attack.
The Lions will be without corners DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold, while both safeties, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, are banged up, according to Dan Campbell, and may be game-time decisions.
All signs lead me to believe we will see an offensive explosion from the Chiefs in a game they badly need to win.
I am not discounting Jared Goff and the Lions’ ability to answer offensively, but the Chiefs defense will make the play or two they failed to make a week ago en route to securing a victory in the fourth quarter.
I’d lay up to a field goal with the home favorites.
Pick: Chiefs -2.5 (-105); Bet to -3
Lions vs Chiefs Over/Under Pick
By Billy Ward
The Lions have the best scoring differential in the NFC, trailing only the Colts for the NFL lead. They’re taking on a 2-3 team that ranks well behind them in both offensive and defensive DVOA, yet for some reason they’re also the underdog in that matchup.
That reason is the name recognition for their Sunday Night Football opponents: the Chiefs.
The Chiefs' reputation exceeds their ability right now as they’re searching for their offensive identity. Their 25 points per game ranks middle of the pack in the NFL, which probably isn’t good enough when their defense is more solid than great – and suffers from some effort issues as we saw last week against the Jaguars.
All of which initially pointed me to the Lions spread – until I saw the injury report over the weekend. There’s a strong possibility the Lions will be without a single starting defensive back this week, with corners D.J. Reed and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on IR, fellow corner Terrion Arnold ruled out, and both of their star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on the doubtful side of questionable having both missed Friday’s practice.
If the Lions win this game, or cover the spread, it’s likely because they kept pace in a shootout. It’s hard to see their defense getting too many stops given the health situation, so the better way to bet on the Lions' success is by taking the over.
ESPNBet is still slightly off the market at 51.5 points, so jump on that if you can – but I’d also take the 52.5s available elsewhere down to -110.
Pick: Over 51.5 (-110); bet to 52.5
Lions vs Chiefs Moneyline Prediction
By Nick Galaida
Detroit’s secondary unit could be in major trouble on Sunday Night Football.
CB D.J. Reed was placed on injured reserve prior to last week’s game against the Bengals. Tonight, CB Terrion Arnold has been ruled out. Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are listed as questionable after not practicing on Friday.
The Lions will also be down to their third-string left tackle and facing a Kansas City pass rush that has generated a 34.3%+ pass rush in each of their last four games.
I also like the Chiefs to cover the spread at -2.5 if you prefer that route.
Pick: Chiefs Moneyline (-135)
Lions vs Chiefs Player Props: Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy hasn't scored in his two full games this season, but this is a good spot against the Lions on SNF.
The Lions have a good defense, but they are much better against the run and are a big pass funnel. The Chiefs pass the ball at one of the highest rates in the league, and Patrick Mahomes will likely have to throw even more in this game.
The game total is high (53), and the spread is less than a field goal so the Chiefs should be throwing all game long.
Worthy is the go-to guy in the Chiefs offense and generally is given a few designed runs per game.
I have the true odds here around +125.
Pick: Xavier Worthy Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+150)
Lions vs Chiefs Player Props: Amon-Ra St. Brown
By Grant Neiffer
I have no idea why Amon-Ra St. Brown is priced this high, but I'm not going to argue.
He has been targeted in the red zone at a massive rate this season, leading the league with 10 targets. He's scored six touchdowns this season, and with this game having a close spread and a high total, there's going to be a lot of scoring.
I have St. Brown close to 50/50 to score, making this a great bet.
Pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown Anytime Touchdown (+145)
