RM Patrick Mahomes’ MVP Hopes Fade as Chiefs Push for Playoffs: Andy Reid Stands by His Quarterback

Kansas City, Missouri – Heading into Week 15 of the NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, for Patrick Mahomes, the pursuit of one of the league’s most coveted individual honors—his third MVP award—appears to be slipping further away.

Despite a gritty victory that helped the Chiefs stabilize their postseason chances, Mahomes’ MVP campaign has quietly lost momentum. The team’s inconsistent performances in the middle of the season have overshadowed his individual stats, pushing the Chiefs’ star quarterback out of the MVP conversation that once seemed tailor-made for him.

Mahomes Struggles in the MVP Race

At the start of the 2025 season, Mahomes was viewed as a favorite for the MVP award. But as Week 15 approaches, sportsbooks and analysts have largely shifted their attention to other candidates. According to SI.com’s Peter Dewey, the MVP race has now become a two-horse contest between Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye. Both quarterbacks are playing on teams firmly entrenched in the playoff picture—an important factor in MVP discussions.

Mahomes, on the other hand, finds himself on the periphery of the MVP race. This shift in focus is not a reflection of his performance, but rather the Chiefs’ uneven results throughout the season.

Solid Stats, Tough Timing

Individually, Mahomes continues to put up impressive numbers. Heading into Week 15, he is approaching 3,500 passing yards, has thrown for more than 20 touchdowns, and remains one of the NFL’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. His decision-making has improved over recent weeks, and his leadership has shone through in critical moments late in games.

However, in a season where MVP candidates are often judged by their team’s win-loss record and divisional standing, the Chiefs’ midseason slump has hurt Mahomes’ case. Even his clutch performances have not been enough to revive his position as a frontrunner for the MVP award.

Focus Shifts to Playoff Push

Despite his MVP bid fading, Mahomes’ priorities are now firmly focused on guiding the Chiefs to the postseason. With the team still in contention for a wild-card spot, the AFC West title may be out of reach unless some outside help materializes. But the path to playoff football is still open.

Mahomes has embraced this challenge, continuing to perform at a high level when the stakes are highest. December has become yet another test of his resilience, and Mahomes has passed it time and again throughout his career.

Andy Reid: Mahomes Is Focused on Winning, Not Trophies

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid dismissed any suggestion that Mahomes is distracted by MVP talk.

“Patrick just wants to win,” Reid said. “He wants the ball when it matters most, and that hasn’t changed. That’s who he is.”

Reid also emphasized that the coaching staff remains committed to an aggressive offensive strategy, trusting Mahomes to lead the team through the critical final stretch of the season.

Conclusion: Mahomes’ Leadership Remains Key

While Mahomes’ chances of winning the MVP award in 2025 may be fading, his importance to the Chiefs remains as strong as ever. With the postseason still within reach and the pressure mounting, Mahomes is not focused on personal accolades. Instead, he’s focused on doing what he does best: leading his team to victory when it matters most.