RM Patrick Mahomes Faces the Reality of Fading MVP Hopes, but the Chiefs Still Believe in Their Playoff Push

The Kansas City Chiefs are no longer just in the midst of a midseason slump—they’re confronting a full-blown identity crisis. Following a tough 19-22 defeat to the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs now sit at 5-5, and with it, Patrick Mahomes’ pursuit of a third MVP title has started to slip out of reach. What once seemed like a near-certainty now feels like a distant possibility.

Mahomes, usually the epitome of consistency, had an off day against Denver. He completed 29 of 45 passes for 276 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception. While those numbers are solid, they fall short of the explosive performances that MVP voters typically expect—especially in a season where other top candidates have been delivering record-breaking stats.

As a result, sportsbooks have revised their odds, and Mahomes, who was once the MVP frontrunner, has now dropped to around fifth place. In his stead, names like Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen (who threw six touchdowns in a single game), Lamar Jackson, and Jonathan Taylor have climbed to the top of the list.

However, the Chiefs’ struggles aren’t solely on Mahomes. Injuries to key receivers and an offense that lacks its usual spark have made it harder for Kansas City to create the big plays that once defined their offense. While Mahomes continues to play at a high level, his supporting cast simply isn’t producing at the same pace as in previous seasons, making it harder for him to put up MVP-caliber stats.

Despite these challenges, Mahomes remains optimistic about the team’s future. “The MVP race may have passed me by, but that’s okay. Our focus is on winning,” Mahomes said after the loss. “This team never quits, and we believe in each other. I trust my guys to finish strong. It’s championships, not individual awards, that define us.” His words reflect the leadership and maturity he brings to the locker room, even in the face of adversity.

At 5-5, the Chiefs are no longer worrying about playoff seeding—they’re just focused on keeping themselves in contention. Historically, MVP voters tend to favor quarterbacks on top-tier teams, making Mahomes’ MVP chances steeper than ever. But even with the odds stacked against them, the Chiefs’ resilience remains evident every time they take the field.

While it’s true that Mahomes’ name is no longer dominating the MVP conversation, the season is far from over. The Chiefs have shown time and again that they can rise to the occasion when it matters most. Even with tough times ahead for No. 15, as long as Mahomes is under center, Kansas City’s fight for the playoffs and beyond is far from finished.