Is Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Still The No. 1 QB In The NFL?

The debate around Patrick Mahomes' place atop the NFL quarterback hierarchy has reemerged this offseason. After a season where his numbers dipped and he missed the Pro Bowl, some are wondering: is he still the best quarterback in football?

The answer, for many, remains a confident yes.

Mahomes’ 2024 Season Wasn’t His Best — But It Was Still Elite

Statistically, Mahomes had a "down" year by his standards. He finished with 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His yards per attempt and passer rating dropped compared to previous seasons. For a quarterback who once threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, it was a clear regression.

But in context, Mahomes still led the Chiefs to a 15–1 regular-season record and yet another Super Bowl appearance. He did it with a shaky receiving corps, a banged-up backfield, and major growing pains on offense. Despite those hurdles, the Chiefs remained among the league’s elite — because Mahomes still made the plays that mattered most.

Clutch Play Trumps Box Score

While his stats may have dipped, Mahomes continued to excel in high-leverage moments. In the playoffs, he showed poise under pressure, delivering big-time throws and using his legs when needed. Against Buffalo in the AFC Championship Game, Mahomes added two rushing touchdowns and maintained total control of the game.

That’s the kind of intangible impact that keeps Mahomes atop most rankings. He may not have had his flashiest year, but his leadership and late-game magic remain unrivaled.

One analyst put it this way: “At his worst, he gets you to the AFC title game. At his best, he wins you the Super Bowl.”

Critics Are Louder Than Ever — But So Are the Defenses He’s Facing

Some NFL analysts have dropped Mahomes in their personal rankings. One notably placed him behind Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow heading into 2025. That stirred controversy among fans and experts alike, many of whom argue that Mahomes’ overall body of work — especially in the playoffs — still sets him apart.

To be fair, Mahomes faced a brutal schedule and one of the strongest slates of defensive opponents last season. He also had to work behind a reshuffled offensive line and with rookie receivers in key roles. In short: he didn’t have the support system that many of his peers did.

Yet, somehow, he was still there at the end — standing on the biggest stage again.

Betting Markets and Fantasy Football Still Trust Mahomes

For fantasy players and sports bettors, Mahomes remains a go-to name. He’s still seen as one of the safest picks at QB in 2025 fantasy football drafts. Even in a “quiet” season, he produced enough to keep owners competitive week to week.

In the betting world, Kansas City remains among the top teams in Super Bowl odds. The simple reason? As long as Mahomes is under center, the Chiefs are never out of contention.

That’s why top NFL betting apps continue to give Kansas City favorable futures — because Mahomes turns average teams into contenders, and good teams into champions.

Legacy Still Building

At just 29 years old, Mahomes has already collected three Super Bowl wins, three Super Bowl MVPs, two league MVPs, and several NFL records. He’s climbed into territory that only legends like Brady, Montana, and Manning occupy.

Even with a “less-than-perfect” season, he continues to command respect across the league. Former teammates like LeSean McCoy still call him the most dominant player in football. Current rivals still acknowledge how tough it is to game-plan for him.

Final Verdict

Yes, Mahomes’ stats dipped in 2024. Yes, he looked human at times. But in an era where consistency and postseason brilliance are rare, he still stands alone.

Until someone else consistently wins at the level he does — even on off years — Patrick Mahomes remains the gold standard.

He’s still QB1. Just ask the defenses trying to stop him.

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