Patrick Mahomes sent a clear – and controversial – message to the entire NFL on Sunday Night Football.

There’s no doubt that in prime time, on Sunday Night Football, and against the top contender in the NFC, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs made a statement by defeating the Detroit Lions 30-17, dominating in every facet of the game. The Chiefs are set to fight for the AFC West, and with Mahomes, anything is possible.

During the preseason, the Chiefs were heavily criticized. Colin Cowherd, one of the NFL’s top analysts, predicted their dynasty would end and that the AFC West would belong to the Denver Broncos. Yes, the Broncos are currently leading, but with the level Kansas City has shown over the past three weeks, they might end up silencing their critics.

The performance against the Lions was simply spectacular: the defense contained Detroit’s potent offense, while Patrick Mahomes was, well, Patrick Mahomes-accounting for four total touchdowns, three passing and one rushing. The three-time Super Bowl winner recorded 257 passing yards and 32 rushing yards.

Patrick Mahomes proved once again that he is the true MVP of the NFL

The game between the Lions and the Chiefs ended heated, and it showed exactly why Mahomes has won three Super Bowls and is already considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. Before the season began, there was talk that he was done and that the Chiefs’ offense was stagnant. But facing one of the NFC’s powerhouses, the Lions, Mahomes delivered a strong statement.

Patrick Mahomes takes it himself for the Chiefs touchdown❗️

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/2nEuJN42gL

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 13, 2025

Bryant McFadden, former player and now NFL analyst for CBS, summed it up perfectly in his analysis of Mahomes’ outstanding performance against the Lions: “Pat Mahomes is back to being the primetime MVP Patrick Mahomes.”

“Pat Mahomes is back to being the primetime MVP Patrick Mahomes.”@BMac_SportsTalk says the Chiefs are back to being a dominant team after their win vs the Lions. pic.twitter.com/s09A2kwdfl

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 13, 2025

Ultimately, what matters is that the Kansas City Chiefs showed signs they’ll be contenders again this season. With a 3-3 record, they’re currently in third place in the AFC West, behind the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers (both 4-2). Next week, they’ll face the Las Vegas Raiders.

A standout performance came from Travis Kelce, who had a great night showing he still has fuel in the tank for what could be his final season. Taylor Swift’s partner led the team in receptions with six for 78 yards. Additionally, Rashee Rice returns from suspension next week, giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon.