Chiefs corrected mistakes by delivering a penalty-free 57 minutes, showing the discipline of a title-contending team as Rashee Rice nears a return to practice. Jaylon Moore stepped in at left tackle, neutralizing one of the league’s premier pass-rushers and buying Mahomes time to exploit Detroit after halftime. Two pivotal plays swung momentum: a Lions fourth-down drop that set up KC’s late first-half TD drive, and an illegal-motion ruling that wiped a Detroit TD and kept Arrowhead loud.

Detroit’s protection gave Jared Goff time early, but KC’s pass rush woke up late as only one sack came on the night. Mahomes capitalized on the short field to build a 13-10 halftime lead and KC stayed in pace with the Chargers and Broncos, all while the upcoming Rice return could add another spark to an offense that’s still chasing last year’s double-digit perfection.

The victory underscored KC’s ability to fix errors, leverage favorable bounces, and lean on a roster ready to elevate when needed. It also keeps the Chiefs’ season on a competitive track as they await Rice’s full involvement and continue to refine their o-line depth and pass protection against tougher matchups.