The Detroit Lions continue their hot streak after rebounding from an early loss to Green Bay, surging back into NFC contention behind one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Jared Goff has quietly played his way into the MVP conversation, and the Lions are playing with confidence and swagger on both sides of the ball.
The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, have had a sluggish start to their title defense. Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been as sharp as usual, but this matchup against a banged-up Detroit secondary could be the spark the offense needs. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair between two playoff-caliber teams, and a fantasy football goldmine.
🔥 Fantasy Start Meter
| Player | Team | Matchup | Start Confidence |
| Jared Goff | DET | vs KC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | vs KC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | vs KC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| David Montgomery 💪 | DET | vs KC | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sam LaPorta 💪 | DET | vs KC | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Patrick Mahomes | KC | vs DET | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Xavier Worthy 💪 | KC | vs DET | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Travis Kelce 💪 | KC | vs DET | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Isiah Pacheco 💪 | KC | vs DET | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kareem Hunt 💪 | KC | vs DET | ⭐⭐ |
| Jameson Williams | DET | vs KC | 🚫⭐ |
| Lions Defense | DET | vs KC | 🚫⭐ |
Starts 🔥 (Lions)
Jared Goff – QB, Lions
Goff continues to put up elite fantasy numbers and remains the engine that drives Detroit’s offense. He’s been efficient, accurate, and decisive, and against a Kansas City defense that has been vulnerable to short and intermediate passes, he should surpass 250 yards and multiple touchdowns once again. Another QB1 week incoming.
Jahmyr Gibbs – RB, Lions
Gibbs is now cemented as one of the league’s top five backs, combining burst, balance, and pass-catching ability to create mismatches everywhere. He’s a lock for 20+ touches and remains a weekly must-start. His versatility will give the Chiefs’ linebackers fits.
Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR, Lions
St. Brown is working toward another All-Pro season, averaging high target volume and elite red-zone efficiency. He’s a top-10 fantasy wideout every week and should continue to produce WR1 numbers against a shaky secondary.
David Montgomery 💪 – RB, Lions
Montgomery remains a trusted weapon in goal-line and clock-killing situations. He’s the Lions’ RB2 in title, but RB1 in the red zone. In a game that could come down to short-yardage plays, he’s a reliable flex or RB2 option in standard leagues.
Sam LaPorta 💪 – TE, Lions
LaPorta has come alive in back-to-back weeks, showing strong chemistry with Goff. His athleticism and route-running make him one of the most dangerous young tight ends in football. Another TE1 outing is in play here.
Starts 🔥 (Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes – QB, Chiefs
Mahomes faces a depleted Lions secondary, and that spells trouble for Detroit. Expect vintage Mahomes: quick releases, deep shots, and creativity outside the pocket. He’s a locked-in QB1, especially with his full arsenal of weapons healthy.
Xavier Worthy 💪 – WR, Chiefs
The rookie has started to gain Mahomes’ trust, and his elite speed will be key against a defense missing its top corners. Expect a few deep connections, making him a boom-or-bust flex with major upside.
Travis Kelce 💪 – TE, Chiefs
Even at less than 100%, Kelce remains Mahomes’ safety blanket and red-zone target. Detroit’s linebacker coverage has been spotty at best, setting Kelce up for a 7+ catch, 80+ yard, TD-type game.
Isiah Pacheco 💪 – RB, Chiefs
Pacheco continues to see the bulk of the carries and goal-line work. His physical running style should wear down the Lions’ front seven over time. Expect RB2 production with RB1 upside if Kansas City builds an early lead.
Isiah Pacheco on Mentality: ‘Fight Every Play’ | Press Conference 10/8 – Chiefs.com
Kareem Hunt 💪 – RB, Chiefs
Hunt is a deep-league flex with touchdown potential. He’s been seeing limited but valuable red-zone touches. In standard leagues, he’s a desperation play, but in deeper formats, he’s worth a start.
Sits 🚫
Jameson Williams – WR, Lions
The connection between Goff and Williams just isn’t there. They’ve missed on several deep targets, and his snap share hasn’t increased enough to justify starting him. Until he proves otherwise, keep him on the bench.
Lions Defense – D/ST
Detroit’s defensive front will have to generate all the pressure they can, but with multiple starters missing in the secondary, Mahomes will find his rhythm. Avoid this unit in fantasy this week, they’re a high-risk, low-reward play.
Wrap-Up
This one has shootout potential written all over it. Both offenses have multiple fantasy-relevant pieces, and both defenses are dealing with exploitable matchups. Expect an exciting back-and-forth battle with huge fantasy implications.
Prediction: Lions 34, Chiefs 31
Fantasy MVP: Jared Goff – continues his MVP campaign with 300+ yards and 3 touchdowns in another Lions statement win.
