Patrick Mahomes Still Top NFL QB?

Elite career highlights

Patrick Mahomes burst onto the NFL scene in 2017 and quickly became one of the league’s most dominant signal‑callers. He guided the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles and earned MVP honors in each championship game. Over his career Mahomes has also collected two NFL MVP awards and four All‑Pro selections. His résumé still stands as one of the most impressive for any quarterback in a decade.

Last season’s downturn

The 2025 campaign marked a stark contrast to his usual dominance, ending after just 14 games. A torn ACL forced an early end to the season, and the performance was widely described as his worst as a professional. The injury not only halted his streak of high‑level play but also raised questions about his durability moving forward.

Sports Illustrated ranking

Despite the rough run, Sports Illustrated listed Mahomes as the No. 1 quarterback heading into the new season. The ranking suggests he still commands top billing in many analyst circles, yet the narrative is shifting. Skeptics point to recent trends and the rise of other elite arms as reasons to reconsider that top spot.

New challengers emerge

Veteran Matthew Stafford is now perched atop the 2025 MVP conversation after a career‑best showing with the Rams. His resurgence has made it difficult to rank Mahomes above Stafford without clear evidence of a bounce‑back. Meanwhile, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson—both long‑time peers—have posted seasons that match or exceed Mahomes’ recent output. A healthy Joe Burrow is back in form, and Drake Maye’s rapid development adds further competition. Together they build a case that Mahomes may no longer sit comfortably in the Top 5.

What it means for 2026

If Mahomes can put together a strong campaign this fall, the doubts could quickly fade and reaffirm his elite status. However, the current picture is anything but clear, leaving fans and analysts divided. The upcoming season will serve as the litmus test for whether his injury‑plagued year was an anomaly or the start of a gradual decline. The race for quarterback supremacy is tighter than ever, with many wondering who truly leads the NFL.

The debate over Mahomes’ standing will simmer heading into 2026, but only the field will decide who remains the premier signal‑caller. Until then, the spotlight stays on whether he can reclaim the dominance that defined his early years.