Chiefs drop opener to Lions 21-20

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Kansas City Chiefs began their Super Bowl defense campaign on Thursday with a less-than-stellar opener, dropping a narrow 21-20 loss to the Detroit Lions

The Chiefs were without their main target, tight end Travis Kelce, who was sidelined after hyperextended his knee at practice on Tuesday. His absence became evident after a number of drops, one resulting in a pick-6 for the Lions.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes went 21-for-39 passing with 226 yards, two scores and a pick.

Kansas City entered halftime up 14-7. Detroit tied the game with its defense -- with just under 11 minutes left in the third -- after safety Brian Branch ran back an interception 50 yards for a Lions score.

Detroit trailed 20-14 in the fourth quarter following an eight-play, 47-yard drive by Kansas City that ended with a field goal.

The Lions went on a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive – fueled by five carries and 23 yards by newly acquired running back David Montgomery, who punched in the go-ahead score from eight yards out with with 7 minutes, 6 seconds to go. Quarterback Jared Goff provided the drive with 59 yards on three completions.

Goff finished with 22-of-35 passing with 253 yards and a touchdown. Montgomery had 74 yards on 21 carries and a score. The Lions ended up with 368 total yards to the Chiefs' 316.

The Chiefs head on the road next week to play at Jacksonville at noon Sunday, Sept. 17. The Jaguars open their season this Sunday against the Colts in Indianapolis.