Should Patrick Mahomes Be Blamed if the Chiefs Miss the Playoffs?

Patrick Mahomes has thrown 10 interceptions in 2025.

Should Patrick Mahomes Be Blamed if the Chiefs Miss the Playoffs?

Patrick Mahomes and Jeff Saturday in circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

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The Kansas City Chiefs have won seven straight AFC West titles and have played in five Super Bowls, winning three since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018. Mahomes and Andy Reid established a dynasty, rivaling that of the New England Patriots of the 2000s and 2010s.

However, the Chiefs’ dominance hit a wall in 2025. Following back-to-back losses against the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, the Chiefs find themselves with a 6-7 record, a situation they last experienced during the 2014 season. It finished 9-7, and the Chiefs missed the playoffs.

The Chiefs have already been eliminated from retaining their conference title. While several factors may be responsible for the downfall, Mahomes is not among them, unless you ask Jeff Saturday.

During a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, the former NFL center turned analyst called out Mahomes for the Chiefs’ recent slump.

I don’t understand why everyone is avoiding this. If you’re a quarterback who had the greatest start in NFL history… That’s what Patrick Mahomes is. He hasn’t played as well this year. If you’re watching film and saying it’s different, then you’re lying to yourself.

Jeff Saturday said

Patrick Mahomes takes the blame for the poor performance against the Texans

The Chiefs desperately needed to defeat the Texans, as their chances of qualifying for the playoffs dropped below 30% after losing to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Despite being the favorites, it was never going to be an easy game, as the Texans had a top-three defense and had sacked Josh Allen eight times just a couple of weeks earlier.

Should Patrick Mahomes Be Blamed if the Chiefs Miss the Playoffs?
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

To make matters worse, three of the Chiefs’ starting offensive linemen picked up injuries, leaving Reid with no choice but to make do with new players. Undrafted tackle Esa Pole allowed just 1 pressure while facing All-Pro pass rusher Danielle Hunter.

Regardless, the Texans pressured Mahomes 18 times on Sunday night, tied for their most in a game this season. According to Next Gen Stats, Mahomes had just 2 completions on 12 attempts for 40 yards, an interception, and 2 sacks.

Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Noah Gray combined to drop seven catches during Sunday’s loss to the Texans. While many blame the receivers for the drops, Saturday pointed fingers at Mahomes for poor distribution.

Even the other night against the Texans, there were a lot of balls that weren’t placed typically where they should be. I think he would gladly admit that. We act like he’s been perfect. That has not been the case.

Saturday said

Mahomes ended the Texans game with a 42.4% pass completion for 160 yards, 3 interceptions, and was sacked two times.

After the game, Mahomes admitted that he could have thrown the ball better.

Obviously, it didn’t go our way today. I have a lot to do with that myself. We’ll go back, and as I said, regardless of what happens the rest of this season, we’ll give everything we have every snap and give ourselves the best chance to go out there and make a run.

Patrick Mahomes said (H/T: Chiefs Wire)

In 13 games, Mahomes has thrown 299 completions (63.1%) for 3398 yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also has 407 yards on the ground for 4 rushing touchdowns.

The Chiefs are the favorites to win against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. These two teams met on opening day in Brazil. The Chargers won the game 27-21.

There is still a glimmer of hope for the Chiefs, but they need help from the Chargers and a few other teams to play January football:

  • Chiefs win out (Chargers, Titans, Broncos, & Raiders)
  • Colts lose at least 2 of their final 4 (Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, Texans)
  • Chargers lose at least 3 of their final 4 (Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, Broncos)

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