This evening the 2023 NFL regular season schedule will be released. However, there will be a bunch of leaks and featured games let out before the official schedule is revealed. Yesterday, the league shared all of the international games this year and they just shared another big one only a few minutes ago.
This year’s first game will be on Thursday, Sept. 7 on NBC between the Detroit Lions and the reigning NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs.
#NFLKickoff is SET! 🗓
It's the Detroit Lions vs. the Kansas City Chiefs to open the season. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/qmX9bQsShZ
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) May 11, 2023
At first glance it’s bizarre to see Detroit featured on such a big stage. However, the Lions are clearly on the rise.
This past season they pushed the Seahawks to the brink and just barely missed out on the playoffs. The influence of head coach Dan Campbell has gotten most of the credit, but Jared Goff’s surprise second-act development has been an even bigger factor. Since coming to Detroit his turnover issues have dissipated a great deal – and he’s thrown a total of 48 touchdowns to go with just 15 interceptions. Fumbles remain an issue, though. He has 16 total over the last two seasons. Nevertheless, this is no longer a team to brush off.
As for the Chiefs, winning another ring after getting rid of Tyreek Hill proves they are in this for the long run, or at least as long as Patrick Mahomes’ arm holds up. We are likely witnessing the early stages of a dynasty that could rival the Patriots’ and it’s silly to consider any other team the favorite going into the 2023 NFL season.
