3 Chiefs players who can be difference-makers vs. Lions

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. It's not long until the NFL Kickoff Game will be on our TV screens. The Chiefs will begin their Super Bowl title defense with a big target on their backs. They'll have their work […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Sep 7, 2023 4:00 PM EDT

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season.

It's not long until the NFL Kickoff Game will be on our TV screens. The Chiefs will begin their Super Bowl title defense with a big target on their backs. They'll have their work cut out in Week 1 against an up-and-coming Lions squad. Despite missing out on a trip to the playoffs last season, Detroit finished the 2022 NFL season strong.

What will it take for Kansas City to start the season 1-0 with a win over the Lions? It'll all start with getting standout performances from some players on the 53-man roster.

Below is a quick look at three players that we believe can be difference-makers in Week 1:

LB Drue Tranquill

RB Jahmyr Gibbs has been touted as a secret weapon of sorts for the Detroit Lions. Specifically, his ability as a receiver in the passing game. Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. did improve enough to rank in the top 15 in the league last season in coverage grade at PFF. However, newcomer Drue Tranquill ranked even higher and is known for his coverage ability. Tranquill also could have a big impact in the blitz game, as Steve Spagnuolo is expected to get a little creative with his pass rush plan for Detroit.

WR Skyy Moore

We’ve heard all offseason how Skyy Moore is expected to take a big step forward after what amounted to a disappointing rookie season. There was some evidence of that shown at training camp, but he really didn’t see much action during the preseason. A coming-out party for Moore could really help this game against Detroit get started the right way. That’s especially true with WR Kadarius Toney coming back from a knee injury and TE Travis Kelce questionable heading into the game with a knee hyperextension.

RB Isiah Pacheco

Even if Travis Kelce plays on Thursday, he won’t be 100%. We already know that Chris Jones won’t suit up and play. Perhaps the biggest boon to both the passing game and the defense in these scenarios would be an effective running game. It brings a bit of balance to the offense and long drives keep the defense off the field. Isiah Pacheco has been chomping at the bit to get out on the field all offseason, but he was limited due to a shoulder injury. He got a single carry in the preseason finale and should get a full helping of work in Week 1. Should he pick up where he left off, he could shift the game in favor of Kansas City.

Click here for info on how to watch the Week 1 tilt between the Chiefs and Lions.