Patrick Mahomes is taking some hits right now. Of course, he also took plenty in Super Bowl 59.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has faced a ridiculous amount of criticism following the Chiefs' meltdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. Some of that criticism, that which is based on that single game and on actual facts, is warranted. Much of it, that which is based on "Mahomes fatigue" and/or echoed by trolls, is not.
While Mahomes played one of the worst games of his career with a Chiefs' three-peat on the line, the truth is that it was still only one game in a 7-year career as a starting quarterback that has steamrolled every QB record in his path. Mahomes has more wins, MVPs, championship rings, passing yards, touchdowns, and money than any other player who has filled those same shoes under center for as long as he has.
The MVP odds for next NFL season are out and Mahomes' line is intriguing.
Simply put, there's never been anyone like Patrick Mahomes in the NFL. But try telling that to most NFL fans right who seem to delight in the delegitimizing of his legacy.
While it's frustrating for fans of Mahomes to see the overstated critiques of their favorite quarterback, it does present an opportunity when it comes to the betting side of the sport. That's because the 2025 NFL season odds are out from various sportsbooks and oddsmakers, and the NFL MVP slate is buying low on Mahomes at this point.
Mahomes has the third-best odds to win the NFL MVP trophy but at +700, it's an interesting line to consider.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the favorite to win next year's Most Valuable Player award (+450) and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen follows him (+600) in second place. Mahomes is next with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow next in line (+750). Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels rounds out the top five (+1100).
So much of what Mahomes will be capable of will come down to how much the front office focuses on some level of offensive reinvention, but after watching the results of Super Bowl LIX, it's hard to believe that general manager Brett Veach isn't going to overhaul things significantly.
The Chiefs' offensive line is likely going to receive significant reinforcements. The wide receiver room will be bolstered to create a stronger group around the dynamic talents of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. The backfield must be addressed with talent and youth after leaning on Kareem Hunt who came in as a veteran free agent off of his couch for most of the season. Travis Kelce's potential retirement should lead to some further investment at tight end as well.
While the defense held things together for as long as they could against the Eagles, it's the offense that has limped around for far too long. The dynamic game-ending throws to Xavier Worthy at a point where it was "too little, too late" show just what Mahomes is capable of when unleashed. The Chiefs would be wise to get back to those days.
If the Chiefs provide Mahomes with the tools (and the freedom) to step things up in terms of production in 2025, and that's a good bet, then the MVP odds here could look silly by season's end.