Chiefs-Lions Thursday Night: NFL betting odds, picks, tips - ESPN

The 2023 NFL season kicks off Thursday with a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs (-4.5, 52.5) and Detroit Lions from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs are coming off their second Super Bowl championship in the past four seasons, while the Lions were the league's most improved team in 2022, finishing 9-8 after going 3-13-1 in 2021.

What can we expect from a betting standpoint for Thursday night's game? How do you factor in Travis Kelce's hyperextended knee and the possibility that he misses the game?

Betting analysts Tyler Fulghum, Anita Marks, Erin Dolan, Eric Moody andSeth Walder are here to provide their thoughts heading into this one.

Note: Lines from Caesars Sportsbook unless otherwise indicated.

Marks: I like the UNDER here at 52.5. The possible loss of Kelce is huge for a Kansas City offense that is already lacking a No. 1 wide receiver. Kelce is a touchdown machine, and without him, it will be more difficult to find the end zone. The Lions' defense has improved this offseason with the addition of Moseley, Sutton and Gardener-Johnson in the secondary, along with drafting Jack Campbell at linebacker. Over their last 10 games of the 2021 season, the Lions held five opponents to fewer than 20 points. Opening games do not typically hit the over.

Fulghum: I still like the OVER in this game despite the potential loss of Kelce. He is still the best pass-catcher in this Chiefs offense, but Mahomes at home is still Mahomes at home and we're now getting a smaller number to clear. Let's not forget this Detroit defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season, and although the Lions have made some upgrades on paper, I need to see it to believe it. Without Jones on the Kansas City defense, Jared Goff and the