Patrick Mahomes Voted NFL’s Top Quarterback by AP Writers in 2025 Rankings…read more…
In a result that surprises few but reaffirms his dominance, Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes has once again been voted the NFL’s top quarterback by Associated Press (AP) writers in their annual rankings ahead of the 2025 season. This marks the third consecutive year Mahomes has earned the top spot, solidifying his status as the gold standard for signal-callers across the league.
Mahomes, 29, continues to add to an already historic career resume. After leading the Chiefs to a third Super Bowl title in six seasons this past February, Mahomes enters the upcoming season as the face of the league and the centerpiece of a potential dynasty. AP writers cited his elite arm talent, improvisational brilliance, and leadership as the defining traits that set him apart.
Mahomes Edges Out Burrow, Allen, and Lamar
While Mahomes topped the list with near-unanimous support, the voting also highlighted a strong field of challengers. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was ranked second, with Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson rounding out the top four.
Burrow, who returned late last season from a calf injury, impressed voters with his poise, accuracy, and cerebral command of the Bengals’ offense. Though the Bengals fell short of the playoffs, analysts expect a healthy Burrow to challenge Mahomes for the MVP title this year.
Allen remained one of the league’s most dangerous dual threats. Despite an early playoff exit in 2024, his blend of size, athleticism, and deep-ball capability made him a consensus top-five pick. Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, also received high praise after guiding the Ravens to a 13-win season and an AFC title game appearance.
Consistency in Greatness
One AP voter, longtime football columnist Sam Martinez, wrote: “There’s brilliance, and then there’s Mahomes. No one improvises better under pressure, no one escapes the pocket and throws with as much accuracy on the run. He reads defenses like a seasoned coach and delivers when it matters.”
Since becoming the Chiefs’ starter in 2018, Mahomes has put together a résumé unmatched in the modern era: three Super Bowl rings, two NFL MVPs, and six AFC Championship Game appearances. His career passer rating of 104.6 ranks among the best in NFL history, and his knack for fourth-quarter comebacks has drawn comparisons to legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana.
Mahomes threw for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2024, while leading Kansas City to a 13-4 record. Though the Chiefs’ offense had to adapt without longtime weapons like Tyreek Hill or a dominant run game, Mahomes’ ability to elevate the players around him stood out once again.
Chiefs’ System and Mahomes’ Impact
Critics sometimes point to Andy Reid’s offensive system or tight end Travis Kelce’s dominance as factors in Mahomes’ success. But AP voters overwhelmingly acknowledged Mahomes as the engine that powers the entire operation.
“He’s the system,” said analyst Bridget Holloway. “Without Mahomes, Kansas City is a playoff team. With him, they’re a dynasty.”
Even as the Chiefs reshaped their wide receiver corps last season—integrating rookie speedster Xavier Worthy and journeyman Marquez Valdes-Scantling—Mahomes continued to find ways to win, often making jaw-dropping plays that defy conventional quarterback mechanics.
Young Stars on the Rise
While Mahomes remains king, several young quarterbacks are nipping at his heels. Houston’s C.J. Stroud, who led the Texans to a shocking playoff berth last season, was voted sixth overall in just his second year. Detroit’s Jared Goff, who resurrected his career under Dan Campbell, and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, also made top-10 appearances.
Stroud, in particular, drew attention for his decision-making and calm under pressure. “He’s the most promising young quarterback not named Mahomes,” one AP voter noted. “If Houston continues building around him, the AFC could have another elite QB to contend with for the next decade.”
Still, even with promising talent across the league, there was a sense that Mahomes’ grip on the top spot remains firm—at least for now.
What Sets Mahomes Apart?
The question NFL insiders continue to ask is: What truly separates Mahomes from the rest?
For most voters, it’s his ability to combine the mental and physical aspects of the game at a level no one else can. Whether it’s reading disguised coverages, executing no-look passes, or making game-winning throws off-platform with pressure in his face, Mahomes makes the impossible look routine.
His playoff performances are another defining factor. In 16 career postseason games, Mahomes has thrown 39 touchdown passes to just 8 interceptions with a 107.4 passer rating—one of the best playoff stat lines ever.
Beyond the stats, however, it’s Mahomes’ leadership and poise that have endeared him to teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 season promises to be another high-stakes campaign for Mahomes and the Chiefs. With young rivals like Burrow, Allen, Stroud, and Lawrence hungry to dethrone them, the AFC has become a gauntlet of quarterback talent. But Mahomes has shown time and time again that he thrives in the spotlight.
The Chiefs enter training camp as Super Bowl favorites once again, and their quarterback remains the single biggest reason why.
“It’s not just that he wins,” AP writer Lucas Grant said. “It’s how he wins—on the move, with precision, under pressure. We’re watching a generational player at the peak of his powers.”
As long as Patrick Mahomes continues to redefine the quarterback position, expect his name to remain at
the top of AP’s rankings—and the NFL’s—year after year.
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