Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
For the majority of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 offseason, the fanbase and roster have been forced to watch a shocking level of disrespect. The latest example of this was a poll voted on by coaches, execs, and scouts that had Josh Allen as the league's best starting option. This is a common opinion, driving KC fans crazy, as Mahomes is 4-0 against Allen in playoff matchups and has far more career accolades, with Allen only surpassing Mahomes in rushing statistics alone.
No question, Chiefs fans will welcome the latest Sports Illustrated ranking that has Mahomes firmly ranked in the top spot. The reasoning is based on the quarterback's incredible list of accomplishments and the idea that the cast around the three-time Super Bowl MVP has been improved after the notable offseason additions.
While it is nice to see Mahomes given his due respect, it doesn't take away the growing doubts around him. Prior to the injury, the Chiefs' signal-caller had never fallen short of the AFC Championship. However, it is only fair to point out that Kansas City appeared to be out of contention prior to the torn ACL that has pundits so hesitant to embrace the consistent greatness.
Patrick Mahomes finally given fitting ranking placed at the top of preseason list
Part of what has pundits so hesitant to keep Mahomes at the top of the mountain in other rankings is offensive regression over the last three years. Last season's 21.3 points per game was the lowest of the Mahomes era and pointed to the lack of help, not meaningful individual regression. The low twenties is a number Kansas City has previously hovered around the past two seasons as well
However, what isn't explained is how much Mahomes has done to help the Chiefs compete when the offensive cast around him was lackluster. Without the greatness of Mahomes, the Chiefs wouldn't have made three Super Bowls in a row from 2022-24 and would be very much alive when it comes to discussing the best team in the AFC.
If there is one bright side to all of this doubt, it is the fact that it will unquestionably unlock the piece of Mahomes that loves to prove a point. There is a piece of Jordan or Brady embedded in the natural makeup of Mahomes. A petty nature that can hear all of the doubt and noise, using it as fuel to prove just how wrong any ranking has been that doesn't start with the most accomplished quarterback in the league as the best.
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