Three Detroit Lions who must shine against the Kansas City Chiefs

Detroit GM Brad Holmes did not add a player from outside the organization via waiver claim or free agency following cutdown day. That's a sign he has confidence in his roster as the Lions prepare for their Week 1 opener Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

To pull off an upset, the Lions — a 4.5-point underdog, per OddsChecker — need outstanding performances from these three players:

Offense: QB Jared Goff 

Coming off of his best season in Detroit, Goff must pick up where he left off in 2022, when he threw for 29 TDs and a career-low-tying seven interceptions. The former No. 1 overall pick's touchdown-to-interception ratio was best in the NFL last season.

Detroit's offensive line kept him clean in 2022, giving up only 24 sacks -- the second-best figure in the league, per StatMuse. The Chiefs will be without two of their best defensive linemen -- tackle Chris Jones (holdout) and end Charles Omenihu (suspended), an offseason signing in free agency -- so Goff should have time in the pocket.

Defense: End Aidan Hutchinson 

Hutchinson, the defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up, led all first-year players in sacks with 9.5 last season. He could feast against Kansas City, which lost its starting offensive tackles from 2022 in free agency. Hutchinson will face new offensive tackles Donovan Smith, who struggled in Tampa Bay, and Jawaan Taylor, the former Jaguar.

The most favorable matchup for Hutchinson is against Smith, who had 12 penalties last season, including seven for holding. To become more explosive, Hutchinson has improved his pass-rush techniques and should pressure Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who is impressed with the second-year player from Michigan.