Patrick Mahomes Leads Chiefs to Statement Win vs Lions

The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off a tough Week 5 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars, turned their attention to the NFC juggernaut Detroit Lions. The Lions came into the game riding a four-game win streak, whereas Kansas City looked to reach a .500 record for the second time this season already.

This was the first time these two teams squared off since 2023, when the Lions took the victory at Arrowhead. That loss has to be on the mind of the Chiefs and could easily be used as motivation pregame. With the Lions getting the ball at kickoff, Week 6 was underway.

Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) practices before the game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

First Quarter

The Lions started strong against the Chiefs, utilizing their run game, an area that Kansas City has struggled in so far this season. Jahymer Gibbs collected seven carries for 32 yards, and the Lions, thinking that they had gotten a touchdown before an Illegal Motion penalty on Jared Goff, added three. 3-0 Lions.

The drive for Detroit lasted 9:39 seconds, leaving the Chiefs 5:21 for their first drive of the game.

Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

5 Minutes Remaining

Patrick Mahomes found veteran tight end Travis Kelce for 15 yards and second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy added 30 the next play. Isiah Pacheco joined the offensive attack, rushing for 11 yards. Mahomes capped off the drive with a touchdown pass to Worthy. Harrison Butker missed his field goal attempt. 6-3 Kansas City.

Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) takes the field against the Detroit Lions before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Second Quarter

The Lions capped off the first quarter with a pass to tight end Sam LaPorta, leaving Detroit to begin the half at the Kansas City 42. David Montgomery rushed for 13 yards, followed by a six-yard run on the next play. Stopping the run game has been an issue for the Kansas City defense this season.

Jameson Williams brought in a touchdown for the Lions, with a successful field goal, Detroit grabbed the lead 10-6.

Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) reacts after a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Mahomes' legs once again played a factor for the Chiefs in their first drive of the second quarter, as the Chiefs got into the Lions' 20-yard line. But going for it on fourth down, the Lions forced an incomplete pass, giving Detroit the ball.

Final 5 Minutes

Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Lions once again ran the football, exposing the Chiefs' weakness on defense, moving themselves into the Kansas City 44. But forcing a fourth down, Kansas City came away with the stop. Putting together an eight-play drive, Mahomes rushed in for the touchdown. With the extra point good, the Chiefs led 13-10.

3rd Quarter

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) celebrates scoring a touchdown against Detroit Lions during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Chiefs got the ball first to start the second half, and immediately scored a touchdown, pushing the lead to 20-10 for Kansas City. While the Chiefs held a comfortable lead, they couldn't let the Lions have any confidence if they wanted to put them away.

5 Minutes Remaining

The Lions had to punt the ball away, giving Kansas City the ball once again, but similar to Detroit, the Chiefs had to punt the ball away as well. Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams began attacking for the Lions, starting to threaten the Chiefs' 10-point lead by inching closer.

Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rushes for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Fourth Quarter

The Lions capped off an eight-play 81-yard drive with a touchdown catch to LaPorta, making the score 20-17 with basically a full quarter left to play. But Kansas City began to respond.

Hollywood Brown capped off a nine-play drive with a touchdown, pushing their lead to 27-17 with 9:30 left in the game. It was time for the defense to make a stop to help secure some confidence, and that's exactly what he did. It also helped that Nikko Remigio returned the ball to Detroit's 49.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs against Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Final 5 Minutes of the Game

The Chiefs added three more with a successful Butker field goal. Going into the two-minute warning, the Chiefs got the ball back and kneeled their way to victory.

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FINAL: Chiefs 30, Lions 17.