Goff Leads Mahomes in Completion % as Lions Visit Chiefs for SNF Showdown

When Patrick Mahomes II, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, steps onto the field this Sunday, all eyes will also be on Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions. The two signal‑callers will clash at Arrowhead Stadium on October 13, 2025 during a Sunday Night Football slot that could reshuffle the NFC and AFC playoff picture.

Here's the thing: fantasy sites such as FantasyPros show Goff ahead of Mahomes in two key passing metrics after five weeks – a 75.2% completion rate versus Mahomes' 63.4% and 12 touchdown passes compared with Mahomes' eight. Yet Mahomes has piled up more yards (1,257 to Goff's 1,187) and, oddly enough, is the Chiefs' leading rusher with 190 yards and three scores on the ground. The quarterback duel is more than a numbers game; it’s a test of who can lift a struggling franchise back into contention.

Why This Game Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

Both teams entered the matchup with starkly different narratives. The Lions, perched at 4‑1, are riding a four‑game winning streak after a season‑opening loss. Their offense, averaging a league‑best 34.8 points per game, looks like a fire‑hose, especially with Goff’s laser‑accurate throws. In contrast, the Chiefs sit at 2‑4, reeling from a shocking defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars that exposed an aging offensive line and a defense that now gives up 21.4 points per game – roughly the league’s median.

Turns out, every previous meeting between Mahomes and Goff has foreshadowed a deep playoff run for the winner’s team. In 2022 and 2023, the victor went on to the conference championship, and one even booked a Super Bowl berth. That pedigree adds a layer of intrigue: a win could be the catalyst that steers either franchise back into the postseason conversation.

Stat Sheet: The Numbers Behind the Hype

• Completion % – Goff: 75.2%; Mahomes: 63.4%
• TD Passes – Goff: 12; Mahomes: 8
• Passing Yards – Mahomes: 1,257; Goff: 1,187
• Rushing Yards – Mahomes: 190 on 28 attempts (6.8 ypc, 3 TDs); Goff: 9 yards, 0 TDs
• Fantasy Points (through Week 5) – Mahomes: 117 total, 23.5 per game; Goff: 92 total, 18.5 per game

StatMuse notes that Goff’s passer rating sits at 96.4 with a career total of 36,245 yards, 234 touchdowns and 96 interceptions over 139 games. Mahomes, meanwhile, continues to be a dual‑threat, posting 190 rushing yards which rank among the top‑10 rushing totals for a quarterback this season.

What the Coaches Are Saying

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid emphasized the need for “MVP‑level execution” in the upcoming clash. Reid hinted that his defensive game plan will focus on “pressuring Goff and limiting his high‑completion windows.” On the other sideline, Lions’ offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn touted his quarterback’s “laser‑like accuracy” and said the unit is “ready to exploit the Chiefs’ aging secondary.”

Injury Report and Its Potential Impact

Detroit’s offensive line has been a concern, especially with veteran tackle Taylor Decker listed as questionable after a hamstring strain. If Decker returns, the Lions could give Goff a cleaner pocket and improve the run game, which has been underwhelming so far.

For Kansas City, the key will be keeping Mahomes upright. He’s been sacked seven times already, matching Goff’s eight, but the Chiefs’ O‑line has allowed a 21.4‑point per game average – the 13th‑best defense in that metric league‑wide. A sturdy offensive line could let Mahomes focus on his passing and rushing instincts instead of scrambling under duress.

Expert Take: Who Has the Edge?

Former NFL analyst Mike Golic Jr. argued on a post‑game podcast that “Goff’s completion percentage is a symptom of a well‑executed game plan; Mahomes’ rushing yards are a sign of a line that can’t protect. If the Chiefs can lock down the pass rush, Mahomes could still dominate.” Meanwhile, senior writer for ESPN noted that “the Lions’ point‑per‑game average is unsustainable without a stronger run game, and a disciplined Chiefs defense could force Goff into uncomfortable throws.”

What’s at Stake?

Winning this game does more than add a W to the ledger. For Detroit, a victory keeps their perfect record alive and strengthens their claim as a Super Bowl contender – a status they haven’t enjoyed since the 2019 season. For Kansas City, a win could halt the slide, restore confidence in the Mahomes‑centric offense, and keep the Chiefs in the AFC hunt, where a 3‑4 start would still leave a path to the playoffs.

Turns out, the game also carries weight for fantasy owners. Those who drafted Goff for his accuracy might see a boost in weekly points, while Mahomes owners will be watching to see if his rushing upside translates into more fantasy value.

Looking Ahead: The Next Moves

After the Sunday night showdown, the Lions travel to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to face the Rams, testing whether they can sustain their high‑scoring offense against a veteran defense. The Chiefs, meanwhile, host the Buffalo Bills the following week, a game that could cement their status in the AFC East‑like battle for playoff spots.