If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. There is no truer saying for the Detroit Lions in 2023. There might be a lot of hype surrounding the team before the start of the season, but it all means nothing if the Lions can't deliver when it counts.

This is why the Lions got so lucky with the announcement on their first game of the year. Some people may see the Chiefs as a tough draw for Week 1, but it really couldn't be a better situation for Detroit.

The Chiefs are obviously still the best team in the league. Nothing looks primed to change that for a while at this point. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are going to be tough to move for the next decade if they choose to stay together.

However, could there be a better test for a Lions team that wants to be frisky in the playoffs for the first time in decades?

There couldn't be a better combination of upside mixed with a lack of danger. The Chiefs are the obvious favorites in a game like this. What does Detroit have to lose?

If you come out and lose to the defending Super Bowl champions, does that really come as a surprise or hurt anything? Losing, even getting blown out, still hurts little with 16 games to follow it and grow.

On the other hand, a win against the defending champs could be the catalyst to change this franchise in dramatic ways over the next few years.

If the Lions win, great. If they lose, it's what everyone expected. Either way, this game should be a win-win for Detroit if they come into the game with the right mentality.

You have to go for the king if you want to wear the crown. One way or another, the Lions are going to get their chance very early in 2023.