Chiefs vs. Lions: Top Highlights from NFL Season Opener | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Football is officially back.

And it got off to a hot start Thursday night as the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions faced in the season opener at Arrowhead Stadium.

The defending champions and reining NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes looked to start their title defense off strong despite being without superstar tight end Travis Kelce, who sat out with a knee injury that he suffered in practice earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, the Lions tried to validate their standing as the favorites to win the NFC North for the first time since 1993.

That mix of interesting storylines led to an exciting first night of action on the gridiron,

Here are highlights from the NFL season opener.

1st Quarter

Amon-Ra St. Brown gave the Lions an early 7-0 lead with a nine-yard touchdown from Jared Goff:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Amon-Ra St. Brown with the first TD of the 2023 NFL season 🔥<br><br>(via <a href="">@NFL</a>) <br> <a href="">

2nd Quarter

Patrick Mahomes finds rookie Rashee Rice in the end zone for a one-yard touchdown pass:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Patrick Mahomes TD passes are back. 🏈<br><br>(via <a href="">@NFL</a>) <br> <a href="">

Mahomes throws his second touchdown of the game to backup tight end Blake Bell:

NFL @NFL

The <a href="">@Chiefs</a> take the lead before the end of the half 🔥<br><br>📺: <a href="">#Kickoff2023</a> on NBC<br>📱: Stream on <a href="">#NFLPlus</a> <a href=""> <a href="">

3rd Quarter

Lions' Brian Branch picks off Mahomes and returns the interception for a game-tying touchdown:

NFL @NFL

BRIAN BRANCH PICK-SIX IN HIS FIRST NFL GAME <br><br>📺: <a href="">#Kickoff2023</a> on NBC<br>📱: Stream on <a href="">#NFLPlus</a> <a href=""> <a href="">

4th Quarter

After two Chiefs field goals, David Montgomery gives the Lions the lead with an eight-yard rushing touchdown:

NFL @NFL

DAVID MONTGOMERY PUTS THE LIONS IN THE LEAD<br><br>📺: <a href="">#Kickoff2023</a> on NBC<br>📱: Stream on <a href="">#NFLPlus</a> <a href=""> <a href="">