The Detroit Lions will face the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time since the 2023 season opener. The Lions defeated the Chiefs 21-20 in that matchup to kick off the 2023 season. Heading into this matchup, there is much on the line for both teams.
The Lions are looking to improve to 5-1 on the season as quarterback Jared Goff looks to keep his undefeated streak against Patrick Mahomes alive. The Chiefs enter an unfamiliar situation, as they are 2-3 after a gut-wrenching 31-28 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night. Kansas City is in a must-win scenario in Sunday night's game against the Lions
Many players on the Lions roster will look to have an impact against the Chiefs on Sunday night. We know that Mahomes is a player that the Lions will need to play well against, but who are some of the other players on the Chiefs roster that Detroit will need to plan for?
Tyquan Thornton, WR
The Chiefs' offense has struggled with the absence of wide receiver Rashee Rice, who is serving a suspension for the first six games of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. In his absence, the Chiefs have lacked a true first option at wide receiver, which is one of the many factors contributing to their 2-3 start.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has led the Chiefs in receiving during Rice's absence, collecting 13 catches for 272 yards and three touchdowns. With the Lions dealing with injuries in the secondary with Terrion Arnold, Khalil Dorsey, and D.J. Reed all out, Thornton is a wide receiver who the Chiefs have a strong performance on Sunday night.
Thornton is looking to build off a season-best performance in the loss to the Jaguars, where he recorded three catches for 90 yards.
George Karlaftis, Defensive End
The Lions' offensive line streak of three straight games without allowing a sack ended as the group allowed four sacks in the 37-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The loss of left tackle Taylor Decker left a hole in the offensive line, but heading into the matchup against the Chiefs, the protection up front for Goff needs to be better.
A player on the Chiefs' defense that the Lions will need to look out for is defensive end George Karlaftis, who leads Kansas City in sacks this season with 3.5, along with 20 total tackles.
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Karlaftis has recorded 0.5 or more sacks in the Chiefs' last three games, including recording one each in Kansas City's two wins against the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens. The Lions' offensive line must have a good game plan for Karlaftis on Sunday night against the Chiefs.
Nick Bolton, LB
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton is another player that the Lions will need to look out for on Kansas City's defense. Botlton has been the leader for the Chiefs' defense through five games this season. The 2021 second-round draft pick out of Missouri has made 504 total tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and four interceptions.
This season for the Chiefs, Bolton has made 46 total tackles and one forced fumble. Bolton's ability to force turnovers in games will be crucial in Sunday night's game against the Lions.