Head coach Andy Reid defends Patrick Mahomes after receiving not-so-good career news as the Chiefs struggle heading into Week 15.

December 13, 2025

Kansas City, Missouri – As the NFL season moves into Week 15, the Kansas City Chiefs remain alive in the playoff race. But for Patrick Mahomes, an increasingly clear reality has set in: one of the most prestigious individual goals of his career is slipping out of reach.

Despite a gritty win that helped Kansas City stabilize its postseason hopes, Mahomes’ path toward a third NFL MVP award has quietly narrowed. Team inconsistency during the heart of the season has overshadowed his production, pushing the Chiefs quarterback to the fringes of a race that once seemed tailor-made for him.

Mahomes Drifting Out of the MVP Conversation

Mahomes entered the 2025 season as a perennial MVP favorite, but by Week 15, sportsbooks and analysts alike have largely shifted their focus elsewhere. According to SI.com reporter Peter Dewey, the MVP race has effectively become a two-quarterback battle.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has surged to the top of the odds following a string of dominant performances, while New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye has emerged as the league’s most compelling young challenger. Both quarterbacks are leading teams firmly positioned in the playoff picture — a factor that has weighed heavily in MVP discussions.

Mahomes, meanwhile, has fallen outside the top tier of contenders, a reflection less of his individual play and more of Kansas City’s uneven results.

Strong Numbers, Unfavorable Timing

Statistically, Mahomes has continued to perform at a high level. Entering Week 15, he is approaching 3,500 passing yards, has thrown for more than 20 touchdowns, and remains one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. His decision-making has improved in recent weeks, and his leadership has been evident during late-game situations.

Still, in a season where MVP momentum has closely tracked win-loss records and divisional dominance, the Chiefs’ midseason slide proved costly. Even Mahomes’ late-game heroics have not been enough to fully revive his standing in the MVP race.

Playoff Push Takes Priority

Inside the Chiefs’ locker room, individual accolades have taken a back seat. Mahomes’ focus has shifted entirely toward steering Kansas City through a crowded AFC playoff picture. The Chiefs remain in contention for a wild-card spot, and while the AFC West title may require help from elsewhere, the path to January football is still open.

Mahomes has embraced that challenge, continuing to shoulder the responsibility in high-leverage moments. December has once again become a test of resilience — one he has passed repeatedly throughout his career.

Andy Reid: “He Never Backs Down”

Head coach Andy Reid dismissed any notion that Mahomes is distracted by MVP talk.

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

Reid added that the coaching staff remains committed to an aggressive offensive approach, trusting Mahomes to guide the team through the season’s most critical stretch.

Final Word

Patrick Mahomes may be fading from the 2025 MVP race, but his importance to the Chiefs has not diminished. With the postseason still within reach and the pressure mounting, Mahomes enters Week 15 not chasing trophies — but doing what he has always done best.