Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs: DJC Staff Predictions

The Detroit Lions return to London for the second year in a row for a week eight game at Wembley Stadium. It was a happy trip last year as they got a win over the Atlanta Falcons, but can they make it 2-0 across the pond with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs?

Here is what the Detroit Jock City staff see for the Detroit Lions this week.

Braden Shackelford (1-6) – I have no confidence in the Lions making the playoffs, but I do hope to see strides of improvement on both sides of the ball in the upcoming weeks, especially on offense with a new offensive coordinator. I had hoped that the Lions win this game because of their experience in London last season, but they haven’t given me a reason to think that will matter with their play so far. Lions lose, 26-23.

Erik Schlitt (3-4) – The Detroit Lions are better than their 1-6 record but they have yet to prove it this season. A coaching change was needed, but with that change comes unpredictability. Will Jim Bob Cooter call more shots down field? Will the offensive line blocking scheme get simplified? Can he get the run game going? Kansas City’s defense is a solid unit but they are susceptible to the pass. Expect Matthew Stafford to get the freedom to cut the ball lose and don’t be surprised if he passes 40 times this game. A rejuvenated Lions team should be able to take advantage of a likely jet lagged Chiefs team. Lions 23, Chiefs 20.

Mike Rizzo (3-4) – The Lions are 1-6, fired Joe Lombardi and named Jim Bob Cooter as their new offensive coordinator. The Lions are in shambles and in London against another disappointing team in the Kansas City Chiefs. I just have a hard time picking the Lions. So I’m picking the Chiefs for no other reason that I dont trust this Lions team. Chiefs 27, Lions 17

Matt Snyder (4-3) – The biggest question facing the Lions this week is whether or not head coach Jim Caldwell survives the trip to London with his his job status intact. I think this week’s offensive coaching changes will light a fire under the team and helps them to win in London for the second consecutive year. Caldwell’s job is safe for now. Lions 31, Chiefs 20

Aaron Huizenga (6-1) – The Detroit Lions finally made some changes to their staff this week and have something to prove. Many times you will see a team respond following these types of moves. The Chiefs come in at 2-5 and are playing without their best offensive player in Jamaal Charles. I think the Lions will come out with some fire and show a number of different looks with a new coordinator calling the shots. I see the Lions taking one in London this weekend 24-21.

More from Detroit Jock City

Zac Snyder (5-2) – Do I believe the changes to the Lions’ offensive coaching staff will make a difference? Yes, I do. However, I don’t expect to see that turn into major results until the team returns from their week nine bye. The problem is that the defense is also underachieving compared to the standard they set a year ago. Perhaps the defense steps up this week to keep this one competitive, but there are just too many unknowns and moving parts with this team to be able to predict a successful trip to London. Chiefs 24, Lions 20

Nate VanNorwick (6-1) – No pick

Next: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings

Those are our predictions, feel free to leave yours in the comments section down below or through twitter or facebook.

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