The Irish have been installed as fourth favourites to win the championship, behind World Cup finalists France, Wales and England.
"I'm not a regular reader of the odds but I imagine they're tight because it's as tight a championship as there's ever been," said Kidney.
"It comes just after a World Cup year and look what happened to Wales after 2007 - they failed to reach the knockout stages in France but went on to win the 2008 Grand Slam.
"Whoever comes out of the traps running will have a good tournament.
"It will be very hard to win all five matches and if a team does that then all credit to them.
"The championship could be decided by points difference. Each match is like a cup final in its own right."
Irish rugby is buoyant after Leinster, Munster and Ulster all reached the quarter-finals of European competition for the first time and Kidney hopes to tap into the provinces' success.
"If we can win the first match then we'll build a bit of momentum with the lads having done so well with their provinces," said Kidney.
"While the success in the Heineken Cup doesn't score you any points in the Six Nations, it allows you to go to work in good form."
Munster back-row James Coughlan has been called into Ireland's training squad ahead of the Six Nations, with Leinster lock Leo Cullen facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines after being told he needs surgery to repair his damaged Achilles.
Cullen will now miss the entire tournament - although he is hoping to be back in time for the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Cardiff Blues.
Coughlan, 31, joins team-mates Ian Nagle and Peter O'Mahony in looking to win his first cap.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The Barbarians are one of the top invitational rugby sides with a long history and classic rugby jersey.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Lions get ready for their matches with this green training jersey. It's what the players wear. Get in the Gear!
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The Lions are ready to get their Australia tour underway. They arrive in Perth on Monday.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
