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As the Sunday night anthem goes, "We've been waiting all day for Sunday night." For some fans, this phrase holds true, as they believe this interconference clash could be a preview of Super Bowl 60.
NFL fans are in for a treat with the "Sunday Night Football" matchup in Week 6 when the Detroit Lions (4-1) travel to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to battle the Kansas City Chiefs (2-3).
The red-hot Lions are roaring into this prime-time game, winners of four straight. Detroit's lone loss on the season was back in Week 1 on the road against the Green Bay Packers. Detroit's latest victory was a 37-24 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals, where they entered the fourth quarter up 28-3.
The Lions have the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense and Jared Goff leads the charge. With several key weapons at his disposal like running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and pass catchers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta, this offense hasn't skipped a beat in 2025. Some believed Detroit would take a step back with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson out of town but they are shutting down those doubts.
Detroit's defense has held up as well without its former coordinator, but injuries could spell trouble for the unit tonight, especially in the secondary. Both starting cornerbacks are unavailable and the two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes will look to take advantage.
However, Mahomes will be without one of his top weapons for one more week as Rashee Rice's pending return in Week 7 is on the horizon. Second-year receiver Xavier Worthy has battled through injuries thus far but enters tonight's game without an injury designation.
The Chiefs are off to one of their slowest starts in a decade. For the first time since 2014, Kansas City was 0-2 to start the season and finds itself sitting at 2-3 entering Week 6 after blowing a 14-point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The last time they began a season 2-4 was in 2021, but they still managed to reach the AFC championship.
The last meeting between the Chiefs and Lions was the NFL season opener in 2023, where the Lions shocked the defending champions with a 21-20 victory. Will Detroit deliver the same result tonight or can Kansas City flex its muscles and show the dynasty isn't in doubt?
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Week 6 matchup between the Chiefs and Lions on Sunday night below.
Charles Omenihu sack forces Lions into three-and-out
The Lions were unable to answer the Chiefs' most recent score. Detroit got into a third-and-medium situation, and Kansas City got instant pressure on Jared Goff, who was sacked by Omenihu.
Jack Fox came on to punt, and Nikko Remigio had a nice return. Fox actually had to make the tackle beyond midfield, though he nearly forced Remigio into a costly fumble.
But the Chiefs now have the ball across midfield with 7:12 left in regulation.
Chiefs vs. Lions score: Chiefs answer back as Patrick Mahomes hits Hollywood Brown for 3-yard TD
The Chiefs didn't waste much time answering LaPorta's TD. Mahomes helped the Chiefs march down the field on a nine-play, 69-yard drive before Brown caught his second touchdown of the game after breaking open coming across the middle of the field and to the right side of the end zone.
Harrison Butker made his extra point, and the Chiefs are now leading 27-17 with 9:30 left in regulation.
Chiefs 27, Lions 17
Chiefs vs. Lions score: Sam LaPorta makes brilliant, toe-tap TD in traffic to cut Kansas City's lead to 3
The Lions have cut the Chiefs' lead to just one possession thanks to a great catch by LaPorta on the back line of the end zone. Chamarri Conner was in tight coverage against the tight end, but he managed to grab the ball one-handed before securing it and getting both his feet down in bounds.
Jake Bates made the extra point to cut Kansas City's lead to 20-17 with 14:14 left in the fourth quarter.
Chiefs 20, Lions 17
Chiefs leading Lions 20-10 entering fourth quarter, but Detroit is driving
The Chiefs managed to double up on touchdowns before and after halftime to give themselves a 20-10 lead over the Lions. However, Detroit will open the fourth quarter with a first-and-goal after moving the ball 72 yards on six plays over the final 3:34 of the third quarter.
Patrick Mahomes has, per usual, been the catalyst for Kansas City's offense. He is once again leading the team in rushing yards (34) and has three total touchdowns and 210 passing yards through three quarters.
Meanwhile, Jared Goff has spread the ball around en route to a 116.3 passer rating through three quarters. Jameson Williams is leading the team with 66 receiving yards, but Amon-Ra St. Brown, after being slowed down in the early stages of the game, is up to eight catches for 42 yards.
Lions force the first Chiefs punt of the night
Like Detroit, Kansas City was able to pick up one first down but couldn't mount a scoring drive. The Lions stopped Patrick Mahomes just shy of the line to gain on a third-and-8 scramble, so Matt Araiza was called upon to punt for the first time of the evening.
Araiza's kick was fair caught at Detroit's 18-yard line. The Lions will look to cut into the Chiefs' 20-10 lead with 3:34 remaining in the third quarter.
Lions punt after 7-play drive, pin Chiefs inside own 10-yard line
Detroit wasn't able to answer Kansas City's drive-opening touchdown, stalling out after gaining 26 yards across seven plays. Jack Fox came on to punt and delivered a nice one that Chiefs returner Nikko Remigio nearly had trouble fielding.
Remigio managed to corral the ball, but Kansas City is backed up and will start its next drive from the 7-yard line.
Should Travis Kelce's catch have counted?
Kelce had a 13-yard catch on the Chiefs' touchdown drive. Should it have counted? It appeared the ball may have hit the ground as the veteran tight end went to the ground.
Ultimately, the play wasn't reviewed. The Chiefs rushed to the line to get a play off, and Patrick Mahomes scrambled for an 11-yard gain.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay opined the play would have stood, as he believed Kelce had control. Still, the ball hit the ground in some fashion and likely should have been reviewed.
Chiefs vs Lions score: Hollywood Brown scores on 9-yard pop pass from Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs marched down the field to open the second half. They capped it off with a quick pop pass to Brown, which the speedster brought around the left side of the line and into the end zone for a score.
Harrison Butker made the extra point and the Chiefs have extended their lead to 20-10.
Chiefs 20, Lions 10
Travis Kelce briefly exits after being rolled up on, returns
The Chiefs' first offensive play of the second half was a screen pass to Brashard Smith. The play went for 9 yards, but at the end of it, Kelce had his legs rolled on from behind.
Kelce briefly exited the game and was seen speaking to athletic trainers on the Chiefs' sideline. He managed to return just a few plays after exiting the game.
Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff have identical passer ratings at halftime
How good have Mahomes and Goff been in the first half? Both quarterbacks posted identical 124.7 passer ratings across the first 30 minutes.
Patrick Mahomes stats at halftime
- 10 of 14 passing (71.4%)
- 132 passing yards
- 1 passing TD
- 4 carries
- 15 rushing yards
- 1 rushing TD
- 124.7 passer rating
Jared Goff stats at halftime
- 9 of 12 passing (75%)
- 93 passing yards
- 1 passing TD
- 1 carry
- 7 rushing yards
- 124.7 passer rating
Travis Kelce stats at halftime
Kelce enjoyed a strong first half, with his fiancée, Taylor Swift, confirmed to be in attendance. He recorded three catches for 40 yards in the first half and was tackled on the 1-yard line after a 17-yard catch near the end of the half.
Chiefs lead Lions 13-10 after fast-moving first half
The Lions went three-and-out on their final possession of the first half and punted for the first time. The Chiefs decided to take a knee with just 10 seconds remaining as they are set to start the second half with the ball.
Thus far, the Kansas City vs. Detroit game has lived up to the hype. Both Andy Reid and Dan Campbell have coached aggressively, going for it on multiple fourth downs and trusting their quarterbacks to make big plays.
Patrick Mahomes has had a strong showing thus far, completing 10 of 14 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown while adding 15 yards and a score on the ground. He figures to continue attacking a Detroit secondary that is down multiple starting cornerbacks and is dealing with an in-game injury to Kerby Joseph.
Jared Goff has also performed respectably, completing 9 of 12 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. But Detroit's best drives have come when it has leaned on Jahmyr Gibbs (13 carries, 59 yards) and its running game to control the clock.
Chiefs vs Lions score: Patrick Mahomes punches in 1-yard TD with 37 seconds left before halftime
The Chiefs managed to get into the end zone again after operating an effective two-minute drill. After Travis Kelce caught a 17-yard pass to get the Chiefs to the 1-yard line, the Chiefs ran an option play on first-and-goal. The Lions jumped offside, but Mahomes was able to scramble into the end zone untouched regardless.
Harrison Butker made the extra point to put the Chiefs up 13-10 with 37 seconds left until halftime. The Lions have one timeout remaining.
Chiefs 13, Lions 10
Amon-Ra St. Brown drops fourth-down wobbler from Jared Goff
Dan Campbell stayed true to his roots, allowing his team to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Kansas City 44-yard line. Goff delivered a wobbly pass in St. Brown's direction, but the receiver could not bring it in.
The Chiefs will have a chance to mount a scoring drive with 2:42 left in the first half.
Kerby Joseph injury update
Joseph, a starting safety for the Lions, limped off the field because of a knee injury in the second quarter. Detroit's medical staff was checking the stability of his knee, per the NBC broadcast, and the team deemed him "questionable" to return to the game.
Lions come up with fourth-and-1 stop thanks to Thomas Harper pass breakup
Patrick Mahomes rolled out to the right to pass on a fourth-and-1 from Detroit's 20-yard line. The 30-year-old quarterback couldn't find anyone open and didn't have a running lane with linebacker Alex Anzalone bearing down on him.
Mahomes eventually tried to fit in a pass to Xavier Worthy, but Harper, a backup safety playing in place of the injured Kerby Joseph, managed to get a hand on the ball. It fell harmlessly to the ground and created a turnover on downs.
Kareem Hunt converts fourth-and-1 on short carry
The Chiefs had a fourth-and-1 on Detroit's 41-yard line and decided to go for it. Patrick Mahomes handed it to Hunt, who was lined up as a fullback, and the veteran bulldozed ahead for a couple of yards to keep the drive going.
Chiefs vs Lions score: Lions get first TD courtesy of Jameson Williams
After Jared Goff's TD reception was wiped out because of a penalty, Williams caught the Lions' first score on Sunday night. Goff found him over the middle of the field, and the speedster managed to find a way through Kansas City's defense for the score.
Jake Bates made the extra point to put Detroit ahead 10-6 early in the second quarter.
Lions 10, Chiefs 6
End of first quarter: Chiefs lead by three
The first quarter was dominated by a long, methodical 15-play drive by Detroit, which took over nine minutes off the clock. The Chiefs responded with a touchdown and lead Detroit 6-3 entering the second quarter. The Lions have the ball and are driving into Chiefs territory after a 26-yard reception by tight end Sam LaPorta.
Chiefs vs Lions score: Xavier Worthy TD on Chiefs opening drive
Like the Lions, the Chiefs drive down the field on their opening possession and put points on the board. Except Kansas City finds the endzone and did so in just over four minutes. The second-year speedster, Xavier Worthy ran into the flat and sprinted into the end zone to score the Chiefs' first touchdown of the game. Harrison Butker missed the extra point, so the Lions get the ball trailing by three points.
Chiefs 6, Lions 3
Chiefs vs Lions score: Jake Bates puts Lions on the board first
The Lions opening drive went 61 yards on 15 plays while taking over nine minutes off the clock. Dan Campbell opted for a field goal after the touchdown was overturned and Jake Bates kicked through a 28-yard kick to put the Lions ahead.
Lions 3, Chiefs 0
Jared Goff 1-yard TD catch wiped out by illegal formation call
The Lions get on the board first with a gutsy call from Dan Campbell. Detroit motioned Goff out of the backfield on fourth-and-goal from inside the 1-yard line. David Montgomery threw the ball to Goff, who bobbled it briefly but reeled it in for what looked like a touchdown.
However, Goff never paused as he went into motion, which resulted in an illegal motion penalty. That wiped out the score and made it fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line.
Lions run hook-and-ladder play on opening drive vs. Chiefs
Dan Campbell appears ready to empty his bag Sunday night. The Lions broke out a trick play on the first drive, a short throw to Amon-Ra St. Brown who tossed it back to Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Chiefs were able to sniff it out and stop Gibbs for a gain of just 4 yards.
What time does Chiefs-Lions NFL game start?
The Chiefs and Lions game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 12.
What channel is Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions on tonight?
The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions game will be broadcast on NBC on Sunday night.
Cord-cutters can also stream the game on Peacock or with Fubo, which comes with a free trial.
Watch NFL games live with Fubo (free trial)
Chiefs vs. Lions prediction
Despite the slow start for Kansas City, this matchup could still be a Super Bowl preview. The AFC appears to be wide open a third of the way into the season and Detroit's dominance in the NFC doesn't appear to be slowing. There's some chatter about the walls crumbling around the dynastic Chiefs but they can put that noise to bed with a win tonight. Detroit's defense is littered with injuries, and Mahomes is playing at an MVP-level despite being without his top receiver, Rashee Rice. As long as the Chiefs don't beat themselves with penalties, they will get back in the win column in a classic shootout.
Prediction: Chiefs 33, Lions 28
Chiefs inactives vs. Lions
Lions inactives vs. Chiefs
Chiefs vs. Lions live stream
- Live stream: Fubo | Peacock
Peacock, NBC's proprietary streaming service, will carry the "SNF" game.
Fubo will also carry the Chiefs vs. Lions game. Fubo has NBC, as well as CBS, Fox, ABC, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action all season long with the streaming service. Fubo also offers a free trial.
Chiefs vs. Lions injury report
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AFC West standings
The Chiefs enter "Sunday Night Football" in third place in the AFC West. Here's how the division stacks up:
- Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
- Denver Broncos (4-2)
- Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
NFC North standings
The Lions enter "Sunday Night Football" in first place in the NFC North. Here's how the division stacks up:
- Detroit Lions (4-1)
- Green Bay Packers (3-1-1)
- Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
- Chicago Bears (2-2)
Chiefs 2025 schedule
Lions 2025 schedule
Who are the announcers for Chiefs vs Lions on NBC?
Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play duties during the game, with Cris Collinsworth providing color commentary and Melissa Stark reporting from the sidelines.
NBC's weekly "Football Night in America" pregame show will begin at 7 p.m. ET and feature insight from a panel of analysts, including Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Mike Florio, Devin McCourty, Tony Dungy, and more.
When will Rashee Rice return?
The Chiefs wide receiver is eligible to return from his suspension in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
What is the Kansas City Chiefs' record?
The Chiefs enter their matchup with the Lions at 2-3. They opened the season with back-to-back losses to the Chargers and Eagles but bounced back with two consecutive wins over the Giants and Ravens before losing to the Jaguars in Week 5.
Is Xavier Worthy playing tonight vs. Lions?
Worthy is set to suit up for the Chiefs on "Sunday Night Football." While he was a mid-week addition to the team's injury report, he was not listed with an injury designation heading into tonight's matchup after logging a full practice on Friday.
Is Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game tonight?
Swift's attendance for the Chiefs' Sunday night Week 6 game against the Lions has not been confirmed.
There has not been a confirmed Swift sighting at a Chiefs game thus far this season. However, Travis Kelce typically performs better when his fiancée is confirmed to be watching him play in person.
Who is the Chiefs left tackle?
Jaylon Moore is set to start at left tackle for the Chiefs tonight. He will replace first-round rookie Josh Simmons, who started Kansas City's first five games before being a late scratch in Week 6 for personal reasons.
Moore, 27, is in his first year with the Chiefs after spending the first four seasons of his career with the 49ers. He appeared in 60 games with 12 starts for San Francisco and inked a two-year, $30 million deal to come to Kansas City in free agency.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs vs Lions live updates: Score, highlights for Sunday Night Football game
Reporting by Tom Viera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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