Chiefs’ Mahomes Faces Competition as NFL’s Best QB Rankings Shift

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to be recognized as one of the premier players in the NFL, but recent discussions suggest he may be facing stiff competition entering the 2025 season. According to a survey conducted by ESPN in July, league executives, coaches, and scouts ranked Mahomes as the top quarterback. However, ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently argued that Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens deserves to take that top spot.

Clay highlighted Jackson’s impressive performance during the 2024 season, where he led all quarterbacks in several key metrics, including QBR (tied with Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills), adjusted net yards per passing attempt (ANY/A), and expected points added. Jackson’s accomplishments over the past two seasons include being named an All-Pro and securing the NFL MVP award in both 2019 and 2023. Despite falling short of another MVP title last season, he posted career highs with 4,172 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns, tying for second in the league.

As a dual-threat quarterback, Jackson has consistently ranked among the top quarterbacks in rushing yards, never finishing a season lower than second in that category. His dynamic playing style has raised the stakes in the ongoing debate about who should be considered the NFL’s best quarterback. The conversation became particularly heated when Josh Allen was awarded the MVP for the 2024 season in February, despite Jackson and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow combining for a league-high 45 passing and rushing touchdowns.

Jackson’s statistics further solidify his case, as he finished just behind Burrow in combined passing and rushing yards, amassing 5,087 yards compared to Burrow’s 5,119. Additionally, Jackson led all qualified quarterbacks with a passer rating of 119.6, showcasing his efficiency and skill on the field.

While Jackson and Allen have made significant strides in their careers, Mahomes remains a formidable presence in the league. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and has earned the Super Bowl MVP title three times. In contrast, both Jackson and Allen have yet to compete in a Super Bowl, with Jackson holding a playoff record of 3-5 and Allen at 0-4 against the Chiefs in postseason matchups.

As of the morning of August 25, 2025, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Jackson and Allen as co-favorites to win the MVP Award for the upcoming season, each with odds of +550. Burrow follows closely with odds of +650, while Mahomes is listed at +700. This competitive landscape may serve as additional motivation for Mahomes, especially after the Chiefs’ disappointing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in February.

The shifting dynamics among these elite quarterbacks highlight the excitement surrounding the NFL as the new season approaches. With each player aiming to prove their worth, fans can anticipate a thrilling year ahead filled with high-stakes performances and intense rivalries.