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The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off a loss, got back on track with a dominant home win over the Detroit Lions, 30-17, on “Sunday Night Football.”
The Chiefs returned to .500 with a 3-3 record, while the Lions had their four-game winning streak snapped as they improved to 4-2 on the year.
Both teams were expected to pull out all the stops, as two of the NFL’s best offenses faced off once again in Arrowhead. But there were a few key mistakes from the Lions that ultimately left them behind.
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Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
One of those key moments came on the first drive, as they ran 15 plays down the field, killing nearly 10 full minutes of the first quarter that culminated in fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line. Sure, a Lions team led by Dan Campbell was also getting close to the goal line, but some trickery was involved.
Quarterback Jared Goff, originally under center, moved to the left and running back David Montgomery threw him a pass. Goff initially bounced it, but he was able to regain control and get into the end zone for an impressive touchdown. However, after deliberation, officials determined that Goff was never placed and that this was a report of illegal movement. Jake Bates instead had to score a basket to go up 3-0.
TAYLOR SWIFT WATCHES TRAVIS KELCE AND CHEFS WITH CAITLIN CLARK FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ALBUM RELEASE
Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown defended by Amik Robertson #21 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes, meanwhile, made sure to respond with a touchdown, and he did it much quicker than the Lions’ first drive. He found Xavier Worthy for his first touchdown of the season, although Harrison Butker was wide with his extra point, keeping the score at 6-3.
The Lions were able to find the end zone on the ensuing drive as Jameson Williams, who has been quiet in recent weeks despite the winning streak, fought off several Chiefs tacklers for a catch and a 22-yard run for six scores.
Detroit was able to get the Chiefs to turn the ball over on downs, and they had an opportunity to really get ahead on the road. But Goff’s fourth-and-2 pass from the Kansas City 44-yard line didn’t end up safely in the hands of Amon-Ra St. Brown despite their rock-solid connection. The momentum quickly shifted in favor of the Chiefs and Mahomes used everything to take the lead.
This time, Mahomes rushed for his fourth touchdown of the season, keeping it on a read option and scoring with 37 seconds left.
As the Chiefs got the ball back to start the second half, that touchdown was a tough one to swallow for Campbell’s team, and Detroit found itself in an even bigger hole early in the third quarter.
Mahomes was methodical in restarting the game and found Hollywood Brown for the first of his two touchdowns in the second half to take a 20-10 lead. The Lions were able to cut the lead to three early in the fourth quarter, as tight end Sam LaPorta made a terrific one-handed catch for six points.
But, just when it looked like the Lions were coming back, Mahomes made their defense pay. It was Brown again, who found himself wide open on third-and-short near the goal line.
After Butker added a basket to make it 30-17, the Lions needed a miracle to come back from that deficit with just 2:26 remaining. But, once again, they failed to connect in the fourth, ending their hopes.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs takes the field before kickoff against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
In box scoring, Mahomes performed magnificently with 257 yards and three touchdowns on 22 of 30 through the air, while rushing for 31 yards on 10 carries. Tight end Travis Kelce, with his fiancée Taylor Swift attending his first NFL game of the season tonight, led the way with six catches for 78 yards.
Meanwhile, for the Lions, Goff was 23 of 29 for 203 yards with his two touchdown passes. St. Brown had nine catches, but they only went for 45 yards. The Chiefs defense also did a great job slowing down the running game of Jahmyr Gibbs (17 carries, 65 yards) and David Montgomery (four carries, 24 yards).
