Saturday 31 October 2015 10:53, UK
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.
"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."
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.
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.
