Chiefs studs and duds from Week 6 prove they’re still chasing a Super Bowl

Some games are more fun than others. And seeing as how miserable the last primetime game was for the Kansas City Chiefs (a sloppy loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5), it's nice to be able to reflect upon a very inspired effort all around in Week 6.

The Chiefs made surprisingly easy work of the Detroit Lions by pulling away in the second half for a 30-17 victory at Arrowhead. It was an important win to instill confidence after a tough defeat on Monday Night Football earlier in the week. It also evened the record at 3-3 and allowed the Chiefs to keep pace with their rivals in the AFC West.

We will break down the game in greater detail as the week goes on, but it's imperative that we hand out the necessary Studs and Duds designations from Week 6 first.

Stud: Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs quarterback put up yet another strong performance in a string of similar games that should have him entering the chat for Most Valuable Player if the Chiefs can climb above .500 in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mahomes finished the night with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions to go with 257 passing yards and an impressive 81.4 QBR. That healthy 8.6 yards/attempt is a season-high mark and a good sign that the best is yet to come.

Stud: Hollywood Brown

It's gonna be tough for every weapon to get the stats they want when Rashee Rice returns, but that's a good problem to have. But Hollywood Brown made sure to feast the week before Rice is back with two touchdowns agains the Lions. Brown came up with some tough plays overall in a game that felt more important than it should have been.

Studs: Leo Chenal / Drue Tranquill

Feels bad to leave out Nick Bolton here, because he definitely had some important stops, but tonight belonged to Leo Chenal and Drue Tranquill, in that order, against the Detroit Lions. Tranquill's energy and toughness is so infectious, while Chenal was a maniac on Sunday night. Chenal's shirt tackle of David Montgomery was pivotal and representative of the sort of plays he made all night.

Stud: Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce is having a better season than anyone is giving him credit for, and while the 100-yard performances might be a thing of the past, he's provided the Chiefs with steady production as a trusted target who can still move the chains. Kelce led the Chiefs with 78 receiving yards and 6 catches on 7 targets. He's on pace for a 75-catch, 850-yard season to round the numbers, and he warrants a definite mention here.

Dud: Harrison Buker

We certainly appreciate the fact that the Chiefs kicker made his final four kicks, including a short 33-yard field goal in the first half. However, Harrison Butker has missed a game in five of six games so far this year, and three of those have been extra points—the most "gimme" play in the NFL. Concerns around Butker's miscues are growing and well-founded, but the win will keep this from becoming a greater talking point.

Stud: JuJu Smith-Schuster

Is there a more overlooked contributor on the Chiefs roster? From his blocking prowess to his under-appreciated contributions as a sure-handed receiver who has come up big for the Chiefs on multiple third downs this season so far, Smith-Schuster added another quiet 57 yards on 3 catches on Sunday. He's the steady force beloved by coaches and fans who know, even if the spotlight eludes him on a team filled with star power.