Ranking every Patrick Mahomes playoff game from worst to best

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has solidified his place as the premier quarterback of his generation. His exceptional physical abilities and rapidly growing list of accomplishments put him on track to potentially rival Tom Brady's legacy in the NFL.

At just 28, Mahomes has already achieved numerous remarkable milestones. He's third in all-time playoff wins, fifth in postseason passing touchdowns, and eighth in postseason passing yards. He also holds 3 Super Bowl titles and 3 Super Bowl MVP awards, joining Tom Brady and Joe Montana in this elite club).

In only six seasons, Mahomes has already established himself among the top 5-7 quarterbacks in NFL history. He's not human.

As Chiefs training camp is now underway in the team's quest for a three-peat, let's take a look back at Mahomes' playoff career. Let's rank each of his 18 postseason games based on his performance. While not every game was a showstopper, each contributes to his impressive story—one that most Chiefs fans are surely enjoying.

Criteria for Ranking Mahomes Playoff Games

These rankings prioritize Mahomes' individual performances over the team's outcomes. Criteria include personal stats, opponent quality, memorable moments, stakes involved, and other game-specific factors, balancing individual achievement with overall context.

18. 2021 AFC Championship Game (27-24 loss versus Cincinnati)

It's pretty clear which game would land at the bottom of this list. In the 2021 conference championship, the Chiefs started out strong enough by jumping to a 21-3 lead in the first half. However, things went south from there.

Mahomes and the offense lost their mojo, culminating in a botched final play before halftime. With 5 seconds left, no timeouts, and sitting on Cincinnati's 1-yard line, they completed a pass to Hill, who got tackled in-bounds and the Chiefs failed to get points. That play set the tone for the remainder of the game.

The 2021 AFC Championship Game stands out as a rare blemish on Mahomes' otherwise stellar postseason record. It's the only playoff loss where he shouldered most of the blame. Sure, you could argue this setback fueled their back-to-back Super Bowl wins, but there's no sugarcoating it; this game was a tough pill to swallow for the Chiefs, especially Mahomes.

17. Super Bowl LV (31-9 loss versus Tampa Bay)

Next up is a game that's not much prettier than the last. Super Bowl LV stands out as perhaps the most embarrassing defeat of the Mahomes era. It was the biggest Super Bowl blowout in the last decade.

While many fans point fingers at the battered offensive line and his toe injury, which did need surgery days after the game (and they're not wrong), Mahomes himself had an off night. Sure, his receivers dropped some crucial passes, but Mahomes also made questionable decisions, forced throws, and struggled under pressure (going 9 for 26 with an interception when pressured).

Let's be real: this loss wasn't entirely on Mahomes' shoulders, but he didn't exactly shine either. This was arguably the most painful loss in recent Chiefs memory. They had a chance to repeat and instead were blown out.

The good news? It's mostly uphill from here.

16. 2020 AFC Divisional Round (22-17 win against Cleveland)

Another 2020 playoff game lands low on this list, but this one's a bit of an outlier. It's the only postseason game where Mahomes didn't go the distance, thanks to a concussion in the third quarter. This game became the Chad Henne show, with his clutch plays in the final moments saving the day for KC.

This game sits at #16 mainly because Mahomes was on the field for less than 75% of the offensive snaps. Plus, let's face it, the bar for Mahomes is set sky-high, so it's tough to justify a higher ranking. While it's a memorable game, it's not exactly on Mahomes' highlight reel.

15. 2018 AFC Divisional Round (31-13 win against Indianapolis)

It's fitting that Mahomes' first playoff win lands at #15 on the list. This game saw the Chiefs finally shake off their playoff jinx against the Colts, clinching a comfortable win on a snowy day at Arrowhead. But given Mahomes' typically stellar performances, it's tough to rank this one higher.

While the Chiefs had a great day overall, Mahomes' performance was, by his lofty standards, just okay. He went 27 for 41 and racked up 278 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He missed on all 6 deep ball attempts, and there was a near-miss interception. Sure, it was a magical day for Chiefs fans, but as for Mahomes himself, he was solid but not spectacular.

14. 2023 AFC Wild Card Round (26-7 win against Miami)

Next up is a game from the back-to-back Super Bowl runs, and it's one for the history books. This matchup set the record for the coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium (a bone-chilling -4°F, with wind chill at -27°F).

Mahomes' stats weren't jaw-dropping (23 of 41 for 262 yards and 1 TD), but he played it smart, throwing the ball away seven times. He also showed off his legs, with a crucial 28-yard rush on a 4th down in the 2nd quarter and a nifty 13-yard scramble in the 3rd.

Why is this game ranked here? Well, the Dolphins were arguably one of the weaker playoff opponents Mahomes has faced. Tua was at QB, their O-line was shaky, and their defense was held together with duct tape, having signed players off the street just days before.

Sure, Chiefs fans will always have a soft spot for this game—it was Tyreek Hill's return to Arrowhead, after all—but Mahomes has a baker's dozen postseason performances that outshine this one.

13. 2022 AFC Divisional Round (27-20 win against Jacksonville)

This game bears a striking resemblance to our #16 entry. Mahomes had to depart due to an ankle injury, cueing up the Chad Henne show for a bit. Luckily, Mahomes made a comeback in the second half.

While Chiefs fans will always remember Mahomes' gutsy return on one good leg, his performance was pretty low-key by his standards. He wrapped up the game 22 of 30 for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. You can't blame K.C. for playing it safe, but injury aside, this was probably Mahomes at his most conservative in the postseason. He didn't attempt a single deep pass, and it's one of only two games where he threw for under 200 yards.

This game lands here mainly because of the nostalgia factor of Mahomes toughing it out. Strip away that context, and it's one of his less impressive playoff wins. Of course, for Mahomes, that's still saying a lot.

12. Super Bowl LIV (31-20 win against San Francisco)

We've hit our first Super Bowl win, the one that kickstarted Patrick Mahomes' championship legacy. Super Bowl LIV. While this game holds a special place in every Chiefs fan's heart, breaking that 50-year Super Bowl drought, it's not exactly Mahomes' most elite showing.

Mahomes struggled for most of the night if we're making an honest assessment. His final stats? 26 of 42 for 286 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Throw in two fumbles and some shaky accuracy in the first three quarters, and you've got a recipe for a tough night. If the Chiefs hadn't pulled off the win, this game would probably be near the bottom of the list. Mahomes didn't really hit his stride until the fourth quarter.

Don't get me wrong: Mahomes cemented his legend status with this game, especially with his late-game heroics. But if we're being objective, this wasn't one of his better overall performances. It's a testament to his greatness that even on an off night, he still managed to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory.

11. 2018 AFC Championship Game (37-31 loss versus New England)

This game was widely considered the game of the year in 2018. The Chiefs had a shot at their first Super Bowl appearance in 49 years, but ultimately fell to Brady and the Patriots in overtime. Despite the heartbreak, this game proved Mahomes belonged in the NFL's quarterback elite. He dug the Chiefs out of a 14-0 second-half hole, led two clutch touchdown drives in the 4th quarter, and engineered a game-tying field goal drive with under a minute left. The defense just couldn't seal the deal.

For many Chiefs fans, this game was special. It was the team's first "big game" in 25 years and a real chance at a Super Bowl berth after years of divisional round disappointments. Mahomes was the driving force behind this opportunity.

Let's talk about Mahomes' performance. The first half? Arguably his worst of the season. The Chiefs were shut out, managed only 32 offensive yards on 16 plays, Mahomes was sacked three times, and he nearly lost a fumble just before halftime. He looked lost. But man, did he turn it around in the second half, finishing with 295 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Even though the Chiefs lost, this game proved they had more than just a quarterback of the future - they had a perennial Super Bowl contender. The ugly first half keeps this game from ranking higher, but it definitely adds to the Mahomes legend.

10. Super Bowl LVIII (25-22 win against San Francisco)

Now we're talking about Mahomes' and the Chiefs' most recent playoff and Super Bowl triumph. Some might argue this ranking is a bit low, but given Mahomes' stellar career, this is where it fits.

Mahomes put up some impressive numbers: 333 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 66 rushing yards (his second-best postseason rushing performance), and 1 interception. The game-winning touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman didn't just win the Super Bowl; it cemented Mahomes' status as an all-time great, not just a future Hall of Famer.

The final drive was pure Mahomes Magic. He used his arm and legs to seal the Chiefs' repeat, including a clutch 8-yard run on 4th and 1 and a 19-yard scramble to get into the red zone. Three plays later, the Chiefs were Super Bowl champs again.

Sure, the third-quarter interception and a slow first half (only three points) knock this game down a few pegs. But Mahomes was the deserving Super Bowl MVP, the third of his career. He faced an elite defense with a limited receiving corps and a depleted o-line missing its best blocker, and still came out on top. That's the Mahomes difference.

9. 2023 AFC Championship Game (17-10 win against Baltimore)

You might be scratching your head seeing a game where the offense only put up 17 points this high on the list, but hear me out. This game absolutely belongs. Mahomes was on the road, facing the NFL's top defense (outside of KC, at least), missing his best pass protector, and the Chiefs were clear underdogs. Over 75% of experts picked the Ravens to win. Did Mahomes fold? No way.

The Ravens were tied for the most takeaways in the NFL last season. How many times did Mahomes put the ball in harm's way? That's a big fat zero. He kicked off the game with one of the Chiefs' most surgical drives of the season, capping it with a sweet 19-yard strike to Kelce. And to seal the deal? A beautiful 32-yard pass to MVS.

When you consider the tough conditions and the quality of the opponent, this was one of Mahomes' most impressive showings. He walked into a hostile environment against an elite defense and walked out with a W. Efficient, careful, and clutch. When the team needed him most, he delivered his best throw of the game to the often-criticized Valdes-Scantling.

8. 2022 AFC Championship Game (23-20 win against Cincinnati)

While it might not be his best game statistically, the 2022 AFC Championship win over the Bengals is arguably Mahomes' most legendary victory to date. Coming off an ankle injury from the previous week's game against the Jaguars, his status was uncertain. However, true fans knew he wouldn't miss this one for the world.

The circumstances surrounding this game were unique. Mahomes was dealing with an 0-3 record against Joe Burrow's Bengals, playing on one good leg, and watching his receivers drop like flies. At one point, Marcus Kemp—usually a special teamer—was out there for 17 passing plays and caught a crucial 13-yard pass in the fourth-quarter tie.

To clinch the win, Mahomes pulled off a gutsy 5-yard scramble on 3rd and 4. Then, Joseph Ossai's ill-timed unnecessary roughness penalty set up Harrison Butker for the game-winning kick, which he nailed, of course.

Beating his Bengals jinx while hobbled and without his top two receivers? That's the stuff of legends. Sure, his third-quarter fumble put the Chiefs in a tight spot, but overall, this night goes down as one of the most iconic in Mahomes' storied career.

7. 2021 AFC Wild Card Round (42-21 win against Pittsburgh)

In Mahomes' first Wild Card Game, he put up numbers that would make a video game character blush. We're talking 404 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and a 138.2 passer rating—all tying or setting new postseason highs for him. The fact that he maintained that stellar passer rating even with an interception shows how dominant he was.

Now, the 2021 Steelers weren't exactly the Steel Curtain of old. But they were still a playoff team, and Mahomes treated them like a practice squad. The game started slow, with KC down 7-0 midway through the 2nd quarter after a T.J. Watt fumble return. But then? The Chiefs' offense went supernova, exploding for 35 points in just 12 minutes. They even threw a touchdown to offensive lineman Nick Allegretti, because why not? They went on to win by three touchdowns.

Sure, the stakes weren't sky-high and the opponent wasn't top-tier, but Mahomes' performance was so off-the-charts that this game had to rank highly. It's like watching a master chef cook up a storm, even if it's just for a casual dinner party.

6. 2023 AFC Divisional Round (27-24 win against Buffalo)

This game was one of the most satisfying in Mahomes' career. The Chiefs rolled into Buffalo and schooled the Bills on their home turf. It was Mahomes' first road playoff game (not counting Super Bowls), and the Chiefs' first in eight years.

The task looked daunting on paper: Underdogs in a road playoff game against a team with a QB almost as good as yours? That's no cakewalk. But Mahomes and the Chiefs made it look easy. The offense moved up and down the field like they were playing Madden, racking up 361 yards on just 47 plays. That's a mind-blowing 7.7 yards per play—a franchise playoff record.

Mahomes' deep ball game was on point too. On deep passes, he was perfect: 3 for 3, 84 yards, 1 TD, and a 158.3 passer rating. You can't do better than that.

This game shut down a lot of chatter. All that noise about Mahomes struggling on the road in the playoffs? Gone. The talk about this being the year Josh Allen finally beats Mahomes when it counts? Nope. Mahomes said not today.

The box score might not scream "flashy", but make no mistake, this was Mahomes at his best.

5. 2020 AFC Championship Game (38-24 win against Buffalo)

This AFC Championship Game was our first glimpse of Mahomes playing through limitations in the playoffs. He'd cleared the league's concussion protocol from the previous game but was still nursing a significant toe injury.

The game started rough. Tyreek Hill dropped a perfect deep ball from Mahomes, and Mecole Hardman muffed a punt inside the Chiefs' 10-yard line, basically gift-wrapping the Bills a 9-0 lead. But from there? It was all Chiefs, cruising to a two-touchdown victory.

Mahomes was surgical. According to Pro Football Focus ($), he posted an adjusted completion percentage of 94.3%, his postseason best. He never put the ball in harm's way and carved up a solid Buffalo defense for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns. Considering his injury, the KC offense couldn't have played much better. Mahomes only ran once on a designed play, otherwise beating the Bills with his mind, patience, and arm.

This game proved Mahomes doesn't need perfect conditions to outclass good teams in the postseason. His o-line was already patched together, then lost Eric Fisher in the 2nd half, and his mobility was limited. Did that slow him down? What do you think?

4. 2019 AFC Divisional Round (51-31 win against Houston)

The 2019-20 Divisional Round game against the Texans? Pure NFL chaos. The Texans sprinted to a 24-0 lead in the 2nd quarter, but then the Chiefs went full video game mode, scoring 28 points in under 10 minutes to lead at halftime. Crazy.

Don't blame Mahomes for the early deficit. The Chiefs' receivers were playing hot potato, dropping easy catches left and right. Meanwhile, special teams had a meltdown, giving up a blocked punt touchdown and a muffed punt. But Mahomes? Unfazed. He finished with a ridiculous stat line: 321 yards, 5 touchdowns (tying his career high), 53 rushing yards, and a 134.6 passer rating.

This game could easily be in the running for the most bonkers in Chiefs history. Down by 24, win by 20? That's not a football game, that's a roller coaster. Many thought the "same old Chiefs" had shown up in the 1st quarter, but Mahomes proved them dead wrong. He kept his cool, rallied the team, and put on a clinic. Not only did he deliver one of his best performances ever, but he also managed to send the Texans franchise into a tailspin for years to come.

3. 2019 AFC Championship Game (35-24 win against Tennessee)

Just a week after that wild Texans game, the Chiefs served up another head-scratcher. They found themselves in a hole again, down 10-0 and later 17-7 in the 1st half. But guess what? They still snagged a 4-point lead by halftime.

Mahomes sealed the deal with one of his career-defining plays: a 60-yard bomb to Sammy Watkins that put KC up by 18 with 7.5 minutes left. And let's not forget that magical 27-yard scramble just before halftime, where he danced through the Titans' defense like they were standing still.

In my book, this might be Mahomes' best game ever, pound for pound. His deep ball was on point, his decision-making was flawless, and he carved up the Titans with both his arm and legs. So why isn't this ranked higher? Well, the Titans weren't exactly the toughest opponents, and the circumstances weren't super challenging. But Mahomes threw a perfect game to punch the Chiefs' ticket to the Super Bowl.

2. Super Bowl LVII (38-35 win against Philadelphia)

At first glance, 21 of 27 for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns might not knock your socks off, but there's way more to this story.

Despite having Mahomes, the Chiefs went in as 2.5-point underdogs against the Eagles. Philly was the regular season's top dog, with a defense that racked up 70+ sacks, a feat not seen since 1989. Oh, and Mahomes was still nursing that ankle injury from three weeks back.

Playing on basically one good leg, Mahomes was still stellar against this tough opponent. Accurate, clutch, and making all the right calls. He never put the ball at risk and squeezed every possible yard out of each play. The defense's off night limited his time on the field, but his offense still put up 28 points.

On the game-winning drive, Mahomes, bad ankle and all, scrambled for 26 yards to set up the field goal. It's one of those plays that doesn't get enough love in his highlight reel.

Sure, the box score might not scream "epic game," but Mahomes was excellent here. When you factor in the injury, the opponent, and the stakes, this might go down as one of his all-time best performances.

1. 2021 AFC Divisional Round (42-36 win against Buffalo)

And here we are at number one. Was there ever any doubt? This is Mahomes' Mona Lisa. Thirty years from now, when he's long retired and people are asked about his most memorable game, "13 Seconds" will likely be the most popular answer.

This game converted Patrick Mahomes from a superstar to a folk hero. The Bills scored with 13 seconds left, but somehow, the Chiefs still won. That's not supposed to happen... unless you're facing Mahomes.

While those final 13 seconds and overtime are etched in NFL lore, let's not forget Mahomes was brilliant for the first 59 minutes and 47 seconds too. His accuracy was laser-like, his decision-making flawless, and he destroyed Buffalo with his legs as well. Every time the Bills landed a blow, Mahomes countered with a knockout punch.

When it all came down to the wire, he was perfection personified. Down by 3, 13 seconds left, on their own 25-yard line? No sweat. Mahomes set up Butker for the game-tying kick, sending it to overtime where they clinched the win.

His final stats? A jaw-dropping 33 of 44 for 378 yards, three touchdowns, a 123.1 passer rating, and a postseason career-high 69 rushing yards. But even those impressive numbers don't do justice to his performance.

"13 Seconds" isn't just Mahomes' best game; it's an instant NFL classic. Both Allen and Mahomes were phenomenal. Allen was perfect, but Mahomes? He was somehow even better.