The Chiefs have the belt, Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and a highly-ranked defense led by the best defensive tackle in the NFL, Chris Jones.
But the Lions have THE TEAM.
Even with injuries to Aidan Hutchinson and Alex Anzalone, basically the heart of their defense, the Lions still feature more high-end players than any NFL team. So despite seven games remaining in the regular season, and both teams 9-1, it’s just too tempting to project the outcome if Lions and Chiefs were to clash Feb. 9 in Super Bowl LIX.
The buildup is taking on the tone of a major fight, only this isn’t a Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fiasco but rather the real deal Holyfield. It has all the makings of a classic showdown.
The Chiefs are the undisputed champs, but have shown some wobbly legs this season despite their stellar record. Mahomes is trending as perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time. Certainly he rates in that category based on the eyeball test. Yet, his 2024 numbers have been pedestrian. He is tied for the NFL lead with 11 interceptions. For the second straight season, his yards per attempt is a mediocre 7.0. Travis Kelce is averaging just 8.2 yards per catch and scored only two touchdowns.
Of course, there was a similar pattern last year when the Chiefs won just 10 games, although not to quite the same degree. None of it mattered in the postseason when KC’s defense ruled and Mahomes did what he does best, which is football’s version of pulling a rabbit out a hat at just the right time.
The Lions wouldn’t make that outcome so routine. Their offense is potentially one of the NFL’s best ever. The Lions are averaging 33.6 points per game, a pace to put them 15th all time.
There is an incredible balance to the Lions offense, 243 yards passing and 152 rushing per game. More than half the unit is of Pro Bowl caliber, linemen Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler, backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, QB Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta.
Goff still has detractors. A Kansas City fanboy talk-show host recently trolled Lions fans that Goff is a “civilian” and Mahomes a "superhero," and you need a superhero QB to win three straight playoff games in “modern” football.
While it was a dopey way of putting it, there is an element of truth to the notion that you need an elite QB to win a Super Bowl. It has nothing to with modern football, though. It’s always been that way. An overwhelming majority of Super Bowl-winning QBs are, or certain to be, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Goff is no Mahomes. Nobody is suggesting it. Mahomes is the ultimate unicorn. Goff would not be as effective on most other teams. He does struggle more than most top-half QB's under defensive pressure. Yet, he is hardly a “civilian” when given extra time. He takes more advantage of the time than other QB's with rare accuracy and arm strength. And he’s poised.
As such, the combination of the Lions’ superior offensive line and running game do vault Goff into the elite range. It’s an advantage the Lions possess over the Chiefs, who are increasingly dependent on Mahomes.
The Chiefs' defense is strong, but it would be unwise to underrate the Lions’ defense. They miss Hutchinson. Any team would, but it is not a mortal wound and the trade for Za’Darius Smith will help soothe the pain.
Brian Branch is an elite player, and he’s taken a pass by Mahomes to the house. Kerby Joseph essentially ended Aaron Rodgers’ stint in Green Bay with three picks as a rookie. He and Branch are the NFL’s top-ranked safeties, according to PFF.com, and proven to be effective against the league's top-tier quarterbacks.
The Lions are the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl. They have come that far, that rapidly.
The Lions are capable of beating any team, any time and any place. They are that good.
Everybody knows it, too, including the Chiefs.