KANSAS CITY, Mo. — If you thought the Detroit Lions' hype wasn't real before the season, how do you feel now?

The defense came up with a big stop late against the defending Super Bowl champions as the Lions beat the Chiefs in the season opener, 21-20, on Thursday night.

Patrick Mahomes was the Chiefs' leading passer (21-for-39 for 226 yards, two touchdowns and an interception) and leading rusher (six carries, 45 yards).

Jared Goff was 22-for-35 for 253 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Brian Branch returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown in his NFL debut. David Montgomery had 21 carries for 74 yards, including the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions make big statement, beat Chiefs in K.C. in opener, 21-20