The NFL landscape shifted dramatically in 2025 when Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl champion and perennial MVP candidate, tumbled to 13th in post-season quarterback rankings – a stunning fall from his usual perch at the top. Struggling through injuries and a dysfunctional Chiefs offense, Mahomes played only 14 games before a season-ending torn ACL in Week 15 against the Chargers. His stats reflected the chaos: 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, a 62.7% completion rate, and a passer rating of 89.6. He added career-high rushing numbers with 422 yards and 5 scores, but even his dual-threat magic couldn’t salvage a Chiefs team that missed the playoffs for the first time in the Mahomes era.

The decline stemmed from multiple factors. The offense lacked explosive playmakers, with inconsistent wide receivers and a stagnant run game forcing Mahomes into hero-ball situations. Heavy pressure led to 34 sacks, and execution breakdowns plagued drives late in the season. Experts noted his TD-to-INT ratio soured to 5-7 from November onward, highlighting how the supporting cast failed to match his elite talent. For a quarterback long hailed as the league’s best, this marked a rare dip – yet many argue he remained the primary reason the Chiefs stayed competitive at all.

Fan reactions poured in across social media and forums. Chiefs Kingdom expressed frustration mixed with unwavering loyalty, with many calling the ranking “disrespectful” and insisting Mahomes is still the GOAT-in-waiting. Others acknowledged the injury and team issues, predicting a fierce bounce-back. Analysts pointed to historical parallels, like Tom Brady’s ACL tear in his ninth season after three rings – a narrative fueling optimism that Mahomes could return stronger.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Chiefs are aggressively retooling under Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach. They’ve welcomed back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, signaling a shift toward more under-center plays, improved run emphasis, and better balance. The team prioritizes bolstering the running back room, adding speed and talent at wide receiver, and upgrading the offensive line for protection. With Mahomes rehabbing diligently – hitting checkpoints and eyeing a potential Week 1 return – the focus is on surrounding him with reliable weapons to reduce improvisational burdens.

If healthy, Mahomes’ arm strength, mobility (even post-ACL), and playmaking genius position him for a resurgence. The Chiefs’ dynasty has weathered storms before, and this offseason overhaul could reignite it. Questions linger: Will new additions create mismatches? Can the ground game complement his passing? The answers could determine if Kansas City reclaims dominance.

The NFL awaits Mahomes’ response – a comeback story that could redefine legacies. For now, the throne may be vacant, but the king isn’t done fighting.