Kansas City Chiefs: Getting to know Detroit Lions before Week 4

Jekel: Outside of Stafford, who’s the most important player on offense right now?

Heyrman: Other than Matt it has to be the offensive line along with Kerryon Johnson.  The run game NEEDS to get going for many reasons.  The Lions need to try and bleed the clock against the high-powered Chiefs, and that starts by running the football.  Like I mentioned before, in this offense the run sets up the pass.  So far Stafford has had to compromise by taking it into his own hands, but this team will be able to finally make some noise if they get the ground game going.

Jekel: The Chiefs head to Detroit this weekend. How do the Lions match up well with them on either side of the ball?

Heyrman: The Lions have done an excellent job over the last two weeks not allowing a single sack against some elite pass rushers in Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, etc.  I expect the pass protection to hold up. 

More from KC Kingdom

• Win $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
• This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
• How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
• The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
• The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule

I don’t think the Lions can win a shootout, but if they can keep the league MVP on the sidelines holding his helmet, and bleed the clock, they may be able to keep the game close.  Andy Reid is an absolute offensive genius, and I’ve seen this KC team score at will, so to say it’s an ideal matchup would be a lie.

Jekel: The NFC North looks packed this season. Where do you think the Lions ultimately end?

Heyrman: The NFC North is exceptionally competitive; I consider it to be the toughest division from top to bottom in football this year.  It’s a division that plays plenty of defense.  I don’t expect the Lions to win the division, but I feel they will be competitive throughout the year.  I think they have the potential to finish second, but more likely they settle in third with a .500 record.

Jekel: Finally, what’s your prediction for Sunday?

Heyrman: I think the Kansas City Chiefs roll into town and take care of business.  I think the Detroit Lions will hang around all afternoon but inevitably lose the football game, something like 35-28.  

Thanks again to Bob Heyrman for taking the time to answer my questions and definitely check out Detroit Jock City for content covering the opposition prior to Sunday’s game!