What they're saying: Fans, analysts react to Lions' victory over the Chiefs

All aboard the Detroit Lions hype train.

The Lions appeared to serve notice Thursday night that they’ll be a team to be reckoned with, knocking off the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, 21-20, in the NFL season opener at Arrowhead Stadium.

Sure, the Chiefs were missing a couple of key pieces in defensive lineman Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce, but the Lions pulled out an impressive victory nonetheless in a hostile environment, behind an assortment of gutsy calls and big plays.

Lions fans, understandably, are giddy. And pundits and analysts seem to be impressed. Here’s a sampling:

The Lions went from no primetime games and constantly being disrespected, to a win over the REIGNING SUPER BOWL CHAMPS IN A PRIMETIME SEASON OPENER. Celebrate this Detroit Fans, YOU DESERVE IT. Dan Campbell and the Lions answered the bell and SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 8, 2023

The @Lions just dropped the curtain on Aaron Rodgers career in Green Bay and ruined the Chiefs banner raising night by handing Patrick Mahomes the first-season opening loss of his life in back-to-back games. pic.twitter.com/JaGrDzaqCD

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) September 8, 2023

I don’t care that the Chiefs were without Travis Kelce and Chris Jones.

To go on the road and beat a team with Patrick Mahomes at QB is incredibly impressive.

Helluva performance by the @Lions, who lived up to their hype.

They earned that W 🫡

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 8, 2023

I have actually just shed a tear…..

We’ve been through so much these last few years. We’ve been ridiculed, we’ve been laughed at, We’ve gone through every hardship a football team can face….

Days like these are what make it all worth it!

I’m so damn proud of you Lions

— Roar of the Lions UK (@ROTL_UK) September 8, 2023