The NFL returns for week 6 as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions and try to get their season back on track.
The Chiefs have had a mixed start to the season so far and come into this game with a 2-3 record, while the Lions have had an excellent start with four wins from their opening five games.
Both teams will be desperate for a win in this game to show they’re in the mix for the Super Bowl crown, and we’ll break down the fixture with our best free NFL betting picks to see if we can earn you some extra cash while you enjoy the action on the field.
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Kansas City entered the 2025 season with the hope of bouncing back quickly from the Super Bowl defeat in February, which saw them miss out on an unprecedented three-peat of Championships.
Pre-season didn’t go well, however, as in their three games to warm up for the campaign they fell to defeats against the Arizona Cardinals (17-20), Seattle Seahawks (16-33) and Chicago Bears (27-29).
That poor form carried into the regular season as they opened up their campaign in Sao Paulo, Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers, where they fell to a 27-21 defeat and lost star receiver Xavier Worthy early on with an injury.
Their next game saw them take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch from the Super Bowl, and while Patrick Mahomes was looking for revenge, it was a repeat result as Jalen Hurts and company claimed a rather comfortable 20-17 victory, leaving the Chiefs 0-2 for the first time since 2014.
But Kansas finally got back to winning ways in Week 3 as they took on the New York Giants on the road and registered a comfortable 22-9 victory, with a convincing display at both ends of the field. Week 4 was just as good for them, as they made it back-to-back wins with a dominant 37-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
However, their joy was short-lived as they fell to a disappointing 28-31 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars last time out, despite trying to stage a late comeback.
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Detroit came into the 2025/26 season with the hope of improving their excellent season last year, where they went 15-2 before being eliminated in the divisional playoffs.
But their pre-season campaign didn’t quite go to plan, as they went 1-3 in their four tune-up games. The team fell to a heavy 34-7 in their first loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, before a 17-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in their second game. Their final games saw them suffer big defeats again against the Miami Dolphins (17-24) and Houston Texans (7-26).
Their opening game of the regular season was also disappointing, as the Green Bay Packers once again handed them a big defeat, 13-27, pointing out their offensive issues once more. But since then something has clicked, and the Lions have become a free-scoring unit.
Game 2 saw Detroit host the Chicago Bears and turn in a stunning 52-21 victory, where they scored double-digit points in every quarter. They then turned in another strong offensive display in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, where they scored a touchdown in each quarter before hitting 17 points in the final quarter to win 38-30.
A home game against the Cleveland Browns followed in Week 4 and the team delivered a strong defensive display on this occasion alongside their excellent offense, winning 34-10 and keeping the Browns scoreless in the second and fourth-quarter. Last time out, they made it four consecutive wins with an exciting 37-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, where they survived a late comeback attempt.
The Chiefs have had a really bad start to the season based on their expectations in pre-season, but they’re still a very good football team who are capable of beating anyone on their day.
On Monday night they had a performance that was out of their usual wheelhouse offensively, but it’s their defensive displays that are the most concerning this season. While they allowed only 319 yards, they consistently gave away penalties and they allowed Jacksonville to go 5-4 on third downs and 3-1 between the 20-yard and goal line.
When you consider they are about to go up against the most prolific attack in the NFL this season, that is a big problem. Detroit have been scoring for fun, averaging 40.25 points per game in their last four, and are riding a huge wave of momentum.
They have run those numbers up against some of the defenses that would be on the weaker side, but they’re now coming up against a defense that is underperforming.
The Chiefs are the favorites to win the game because they’re at home, but if you’re basing your bet off this season and current performances, then Detroit have a great chance. They moneyline is tempting, but you can take the +1.5 spread at -105 for extra safety and excellent value too.
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About the Author
Daniel is a football writer who has a great thirst for the Premier League and other major European leagues. A lover of the beautiful game and a firm believer that the eye test is better than statistics. Also an avid MMA fan.
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