Kansas City, Oct 15, 2025 – Patrick Mahomes’ resurgence is prompting a shift in NFL sentiment, particularly for those who previously doubted the Kansas City Chiefs’ championship aspirations. After a period of diminished expectations following a 2022 MVP season, Mahomes has demonstrably returned to his dominant form, solidifying his position as a clear favorite to lead the Chiefs back to contention.
Six games into the 2025 season, Mahomes has exhibited a statistical rebound, though not yet reaching the peak levels of his previous MVP campaigns. Notably, he currently leads the Chiefs in rushing, accumulating 222 yards and four touchdowns – doubling his total from the previous two seasons combined. His career high in rushing yards for a season is on pace to reach 629, although this constitutes a secondary element of his game.
Mahomes’ passing statistics, while acceptable in 2023 and 2024, fell short of the high standards he set for himself. He amassed 8,111 yards and 53 touchdowns with 25 interceptions over the past two seasons (2018-22), and 4055.5 yards, 26.5 touchdowns and 12.5 interceptions, with a 93 passer rating, in 2023 and 2024. Current pace projections for 2025 show 4,289 yards, 31.2 touchdowns, and 5.7 interceptions, yielding a 99 passer rating.
The Chiefs’ 2-3 start, initially viewed with concern, has coincided with a favorable landscape in the AFC. The division is far from settled, with the Buffalo Bills struggling, the Los Angeles Chargers battling injuries, and the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals facing challenges. The Indianapolis Colts currently stand as the only 5-1 team, but their sustained success remains to be seen.
Mahomes’ performance has been bolstered by the return of key offensive contributors. The absence of Xavier Worthy and the six-game suspension of Rashee Rice forced Mahomes to rely on players like Tyquan Thornton and Hollywood Brown, who have responded effectively. Rice’s return, coupled with Mahomes’ renewed dominance, is expected to significantly elevate the Chiefs’ offense.
Despite a recent 0-3 streak in one-score games, the Chiefs’ 3-3 record presents a more promising outlook. Factors such as early-season injuries and a reversal of bad luck in close contests are likely to diminish, paving the way for Mahomes to reclaim his MVP status. The Chiefs’ resurgence is generating considerable attention within the league, and likely will continue to irk those who previously predicted their decline.