Ryan Fitzpatrick Predicts Patrick Mahomes Will Win Third MVP After ACL Recovery

Patrick Mahomes is close to regaining full fitness just seven months after suffering an ACL tear.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Predicts Patrick Mahomes Will Win Third MVP After ACL Recovery

Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

Registering an MVP season after recovering from an ACL injury is tough for any player. But Patrick Mahomes isn’t just anyone. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is a winner of three Super Bowls with a couple of NFL MVPs to his name.

If anyone can continue their streak of winning trophies and best player awards, it’s Patrick Mahomes. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick agrees. Fitzpatrick said on the Rich Eisen Show:

The injury and how much he’s had to put into getting healthy this offseason—I think there’s enough of a narrative there to drive him even more—I see him as my favorite for MVP this season.

RELATED
“Can’t Even Hold a Cup” – NFL World Rallies Around Chris Johnson After Heartbreaking ALS Announcement

How did Patrick Mahomes hurt his ACL?

After missing out on a rare three-peat in 2024-25, Mahomes and the Chiefs designated the following campaign as their redemption season. Mahomes won six games in 14 starts. While playing against the Chargers in Week 15, Mahomes suffered a horrible ACL tear. The Chiefs immediately placed him on season-ending injured reserve.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Predicts Patrick Mahomes Will Win Third MVP After ACL Recovery
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

Mahomes underwent surgery and began his rehab within days. Remarkably, his conditioning coach had him doing light training just five months later. The 30-year-old even attended the Chiefs OTAs.

Adam Schefter of ESPN heard from his sources inside the Chiefs building that Mahomes is on track to play week one of the 2026 season.

Members of the [Kansas City Chiefs’] coaching staff are telling some of their friends around the league that they are hopeful that Mahomes will be fully cleared early in training camp and on track to play a full season.

In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Mahomes explained that he feels great. Mahomes revealed:

It’s going good. I’m almost seven months out now. It’s a lot of work, but I’ve gotten used to it now. Now it’s just being consistent and doing it every day. And it helps having people that I like who are pushing me to do that. My trainers in the facility, outside of the facility, and then my family supporting me. I’m trying to be ready to go with one, so I can stay on top of it.

That being said, head coach Andy Reid isn’t in a rush to get his best player back on the field.

Former NFL general manager makes a bold claim about Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

The Chiefs qualified for the playoffs for 11 straight seasons (2014 to 2024). This run included every Mahomes-led campaign except last year. After picking up the injury, the Chiefs turned to Gardner Minshew. The former Jaguars, Colts, and Raiders QB joined Mahomes on the injured players list in his debut.

2022 seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun closed out the year with a 0-2 record. The Chiefs finished with a 6-11 record—their first losing season since 2012.

With Mahomes nearing full fitness, fans are dreaming once again in KC. However, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum advised them to hit the brakes. In a recent segment of Get Up on ESPN, Tannenbaum listed three reasons that will play a big role in the Chiefs failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Unlike Fitzpatrick, Tannenbaum is doubtful whether Mahomes can rediscover his form from yesteryears. He’s also concerned about the lack of “explosive” and game-changing receivers. KC boasts a very young WR room, consisting of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals, Tyquan Thornton and Cyrus Allen.

Moreover, Tannenbaum views the departure of star cornerback Trent McDuffie as a massive loss. And even though the Chiefs re-signed L’Jarius Sneed, he’s most likely past his prime. The Chiefs also play the fifth-toughest schedule on the NFL calendar. The combined win rate of their opponents (from 2025) is 155-134-0 or 0.536.

Also Read: