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Kansas City Chiefs cannot afford a Wembley slip-up against the Detroit Lions says Alex Smith

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford says his team will benefit from the experience of playing at Wembley last year

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has admitted that Sunday's Wembley clash with the Detroit Lions could be a turning point in the season.

The Chiefs remain at the bottom of the AFC West, despite last Sunday's 23-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Lions are also languishing at the foot of the NFC North.

Smith accepts that Kansas City must string together a run of results and has urged his team-mates to continue their climb up the table with a win over the Lions in London, live on Sky Sports.

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"Every week is big, every game is big and I know that, but as the weeks mount, the season goes on, they're all bigger," Smith told Sky Sports News HQ.

"This one is even bigger and for us to get a W and go into the bye, kind of catch our breath, and kind of re-examine where we're at.

"It is big, I would be lying if I said it wasn't."

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a second quarter pass against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.
Image: Matthew Stafford helped the Lions to a Wembley win last year

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford witnessed the Wembley atmosphere last year when he guided the Lions to a thrilling 21-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

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The 27-year-old has been pleased with his team's preparations as they attempt to put the 28-19 defeat to Minnesota Vikings in week seven behind them.       

"As far as understanding what the game is all about, what the fans are going to do at Wembley - all that kind of stuff - it's nice to have that kind of experience under your belt," said Stafford.

"Good days at practice, guys have been sharp, so that's a positive. That's what you kind of base your feeling off week-to-week in this business and we've had a good week so far." 

Watch the Kansas City Chiefs against the Detroit Lions at Wembley from 2pm on Sky Sports 2.