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NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Patrick Mahomes Incident
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs got back to their winning ways in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, jumping to 3-3 after a 30-17 "Sunday Night Football" win over Brian Branch and the Detroit Lions. Mahomes finished the night completing 22-of-30 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns while adding 32 yards and another score on the ground.

Following the final whistle, Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster attempted to shake hands with Branch, but the Lions safety took a swing at him instead. Running back Isiah Pacheco quickly stepped in to hold Branch back, while Smith-Schuster, clearly unhappy with Branch’s actions, drew both teams into the scuffle. Even Mahomes got involved, stepping between players in an effort to break things up.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is off to another strong start.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

For his actions, Branch, despite his appeal, will serve a one-game suspension when the Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Week 7's edition of "Monday Night Football." However, neither Smith-Schuster nor Mahomes received any punishment of the sort, dodging a fine as well.

Typically in the NFL, players can be fined up to $40,686 for a first fighting offense, with the amount increasing to $81,374 for a second violation. While no fines were issued for the postgame fight, two Lions players were penalized: linebacker Alex Anzalone was fined $12,172 for “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing” and defensive tackle Tyler Lacy was fined $5,722 for a similar offense.

Mahomes has yet to receive a fine during the 2025 NFL season, but his favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce, was fined $14,491 for “obscene gestures” in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith-Schuster, Kareem Hunt and Hollywood Brown have also been fined this year, bringing the Chiefs’ total to four.

Up next for Mahomes and the Chiefs, an AFC West battle with Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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