When Dan Campbell, head coach of Detroit Lions released the Week 6 depth chart on Tuesday, fans got a clear picture of who’s in, who’s out, and what the coaching staff hopes to leverage against the Kansas City Chiefs in Detroit. The announcement came just hours after the Lions clinched a 4‑2 record and sit atop the NFC North, a position the franchise hasn’t enjoyed in over a decade.
During Week 6 showdownFord Field, Detroit, Michigan, the Lions will try to protect their early‑season momentum while the Chiefs, coming off a bye, look to reassert their AFC dominance.
Context: Lions at Midseason
The 2024 campaign has been a roller‑coaster for Detroit. After a shaky start at 2‑2, the team surged to three straight wins, propelled by a balanced offense and a defensive unit that’s now allowing just 18.4 points per game – a franchise‑best in the last 15 years. Jared Goff has thrown for 1,925 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, while rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has injected speed into the backfield, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
But the real headline this season has been the emergence of wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown. The second‑year receiver has logged 93 catches for 1,147 yards and nine scores, positioning himself among the league’s top targets.
Week 6 Depth Chart Breakdown
Below is the Lions’ starting lineup as of the latest release. The list reflects the coaching staff’s belief in a more pass‑heavy approach to counter the Chiefs’ aggressive blitz packages.
- Quarterback: Jared Goff
- Running Backs: D'Andre Swift (RB1), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB2)
- Wide Receivers: Amon‑Ra St. Brown (WR1), Jameson Williams (WR2), Mike Williams (WR3)
- Tight End: Willow Floyd
- Offensive Line: LT P James Miller, LG Taylor Mottershead, C Rod Gilmour, RG Kenny Gordon, RT John Burgess
- Defensive Line: DE Aidan Hughes, DT Bobby Brown III, DE Mike Shoen
- Linebackers: MLB Jarrad Davis, OLB Xavien Howard, OLB Alexander Mack
- Secondary: CB A.J. Terrell, CB Sheldon Sullivan, FS Nick Ford
- Special Teams: K Greg Joseph, P Jack Fox, LS Hogan Hatten
Injury Report and Status Updates
Injuries inevitably shape any depth chart, and Detroit is no exception. Swift is listed as "questionable" with a nagging hamstring strain that surfaced in practice on Monday. If the coaching staff decides to limit his snaps, Gibbs could see a larger share of goal‑line work.
Jameson Williams remains "out" after suffering a high‑ankle sprain in Week 4. His absence forces the Lions to rely more heavily on Mike Williams and the newly signed veteran Quentin Parker for deep‑route threats.
On defense, inside linebacker Jarrad Davis was placed on injured reserve following a concussion in the previous game. Safety Nick Ford is now the starting free safety, a role he’s enjoyed since mid‑season.
"We’ve got players who are ready to step up, and that’s the beauty of this roster," Dan Campbell said after the injury briefing. "It’s a test of depth, not a test of our will to win."
Coaching Strategies and Play‑calling Adjustments
Against a Chiefs defense that ranks third in the league in pass rush (average 4.4 sacks per game), Campbell is expected to keep the offense in the shotgun formation more often than not. The goal: create quick, high‑completion routes for St. Brown and the newly elevated David Mora who will line up as a slot receiver.
Defensively, the Lions will likely employ more nickel packages to counter Patrick Mahomes’ penchant for throwing on the run. Defensive backs like A.J. Terrell and Sheldon Sullivan have been tasked with press coverage on the Chiefs’ marquee receivers, including Marquez Coleman and Skyy Moore.
Analyst Mike Witt of ESPN noted, "If Detroit can force Mahomes into quick throws and keep the ball on the ground for 45‑plus yards per rush, they’ll have a genuine shot at pulling off an upset."
Implications for Playoff Race
A win would push the Lions to 5‑2, widening the gap over the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, who are both hovering around .500. It would also give coach Campbell his first victory against a Patrick Mahomes‑led squad, a morale boost as the playoffs loom.
Conversely, a loss could see the Lions slip back into a tight division race, especially if Swift’s hamstring lingers. The NFC North has already produced three games decided by a field goal or less this season, and the margin for error is razor‑thin.
Looking Ahead
Assuming the Lions defend their home turf, the next challenge comes in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears on the road. That game will test the durability of the Lions’ secondary, which has allowed an average of 191 yards per game – third‑best in the conference.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs will regroup after the bye, hoping to fine‑tune their offensive line to give Mahomes a cleaner pocket. Their next test after Detroit is a Thursday night clash with the New York Giants, a game that could reshape AFC seeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will D'Andre Swift's hamstring injury affect the Lions' ground game?
If Swift is limited, the Lions will lean on Jahmyr Gibbs, who averages 5.3 yards per carry. Gibbs' speed can open up play‑action passes, but the overall rushing yardage may dip by 15‑20 yards per game. Coach Campbell said the team has rehearsed short‑yard scenarios with Gibbs, so the impact should be manageable.
What are the biggest defensive concerns for Detroit against the Chiefs?
Mahomes excels when pressure forces him into throws on the run. Detroit's defensive line, anchored by Bobby Brown III, must generate consistent pressure without over‑committing, leaving the linebackers free to cover the Chiefs' tight ends. Additionally, maintaining discipline in the secondary against deep routes from Marquez Coleman will be crucial.
Which Lions player is most likely to have a breakout performance?
Amon‑Ra St. Brown is already a top target, but rookie slot receiver David Mora has earned praise in practice for his route‑running. Expect him to see a red‑zone look and potentially post his first multi‑touchdown game.
What does a win mean for Detroit’s playoff positioning?
A victory would put the Lions at 5‑2, creating a two‑game cushion over the second‑place Vikings. That margin not only improves seeding odds but also forces rivals to play catch‑up, potentially leading to more favorable match‑ups later in the season.
When is the next major test for the Lions after the Chiefs?
Week 7 pits Detroit against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. That road game will test the Lions’ secondary, which has been solid but faces a Bears offense that has improved its passing efficiency in recent weeks.
