Mahomes Still the King? Analyzing Patrick Mahomes’ Top 100 NFL Ranking in 2025
Patrick Mahomes. The name alone conjures images of no-look passes, gravity-defying scrambles, and Super Bowl victories. But as the NFL landscape evolves, and new stars emerge, the question arises: Is Mahomes still the undisputed king of the NFL in 2025?
In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs finished the regular season with an impressive 15-2 record, showcasing their dominance. However, they fell short in Super Bowl LIX. Despite the team’s overall success, Mahomes’ individual statistics in the 2024 season sparked debate. He threw for 3,928 yards, his lowest since becoming a starter, with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While these numbers are still respectable, they don’t quite reach the astronomical heights of his MVP seasons.
The Rankings Are In: Where Does Mahomes Stand?
Several prominent analysts have released their Top 100 NFL player rankings for 2025, and Mahomes’ position varies. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has Mahomes at Number 1. Prisco argues that despite the slight dip in numbers over the past two seasons, Mahomes remains the best player in the league. He emphasizes that Mahomes would still be the first player picked in any open draft.
However, not everyone agrees. Chris Simms, a former NFL quarterback turned analyst, ranked Mahomes as the fourth-best quarterback. Simms stated that Mahomes’ week-to-week quarterback play hasn’t been as high-level as Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, or Josh Allen.
PFF ranked Mahomes as the league’s best quarterback entering 2025. They noted that while Mahomes still holds the top spot, the margin has never been slimmer. His passing grade over the past two seasons sits at 86.0, a strong number but a step below the elite level seen from 2018 through 2022.
Examining the Numbers: A Closer Look at Mahomes’ 2024 Season
To understand these varying opinions, it’s crucial to delve deeper into Mahomes’ 2024 statistics. While his passing yards were down, his completion rate of 67.5% was a career-best. He also averaged 6.8 yards per pass attempt and was sacked 36 times, the highest in his career.
Comparing Mahomes to his peers reveals that his 3,928 passing yards ranked seventh among all NFL quarterbacks in 2024, just behind Lamar Jackson. His total Quarterback Rating (QBR) of 67.6 placed him eighth among quarterbacks.
The Argument for Mahomes: Clutch Performance and Postseason Prowess
Despite the regular-season statistics, Mahomes’ supporters point to his unparalleled clutch performance and postseason success. In 2024, Mahomes led the Chiefs to victory in 17 of his 19 starts, guiding them to the Super Bowl for the fifth time in his career. Through seven seasons, Mahomes has never failed to reach the AFC Championship Game.
Mahomes’ ability to perform under pressure is undeniable. In the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, Mahomes overcame an early fumble to account for three touchdowns, including a powerful rushing score. His leadership and playmaking ability were instrumental in securing the Chiefs’ Super Bowl berth.
Factors Influencing Mahomes’ Performance: Supporting Cast and Offensive Line
It’s important to consider the factors that may have influenced Mahomes’ performance in 2024. Several analysts have pointed out that Mahomes’ supporting cast hasn’t always been ideal, particularly at the wide receiver position. Injuries to key players like Rashee Rice further hampered the Chiefs’ passing game.
The offensive line also faced challenges, as Mahomes was sacked a career-high 36 times. Questionable left tackle play contributed to the increased pressure on Mahomes, limiting his ability to make plays downfield.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Mahomes in 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, there’s optimism that Mahomes can return to his MVP form. The Chiefs have made efforts to improve the offensive line and bolster the receiving corps. The addition of Xavier Worthy, along with a healthy Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, should provide Mahomes with a formidable quartet of targets.
The Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by Andy Reid, is also focused on revitalizing the offense. Reid is encouraging Mahomes to take more deep shots, giving his receivers opportunities to make plays downfield.
The Verdict: Mahomes Remains a Force to Be Reckoned With
While debates about rankings and statistics will continue, one thing remains clear: Patrick Mahomes is still a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. His combination of talent, leadership, and postseason success makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.
Despite not winning Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs set a franchise record for most wins during the regular season with 15. The Chiefs are slated to play eight standalone games, including seven primetime contests, with GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium hosting four. Kansas City will kick off the 2025 season internationally against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday, Sept. 5 in the NFL’s first-ever live NFL game broadcast on YouTube.
Whether he’s ranked number one or number four, Mahomes’ impact on the game is undeniable. As long as he remains healthy and surrounded by a capable supporting cast, Patrick Mahomes will continue to be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.