Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a dominant 15-2 record during the 2024 regular season, securing the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Despite their strong run, the Chiefs fell 40-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl held in February, ending their bid for an unprecedented NFL three-peat.
Kansas City’s offense struggled significantly against the Eagles’ defense, sparking debate among fans and analysts about whether Mahomes and the Chiefs can return to their previous dominance in 2025. Concerns largely stem from the team’s uncharacteristic offensive performance and injury setbacks during the season.
Expert Insight on Mahomes’ Potential for a Strong 2025 Season
Albert Breer, an NFL insider from Sports Illustrated, challenged the notion that the Chiefs are headed for decline. On Monday, Breer emphasized that a healthy roster combined with several key additions could ensure that Patrick Mahomes remains a formidable force in the league.
“Many people think the Chiefs might take a step back — I think they could wind up being better than last year,” Breer wrote on Monday. “I understand if people think this was a last stand for this iteration of the Patrick Mahomes dynasty. I don’t agree.” —Albert Breer, NFL Insider
Impact of Injuries and Roster Changes on the Chiefs’ Offense
Breer pointed out how injuries last season disrupted Kansas City’s game plan and placed immense pressure on the offensive line, especially at the critical left tackle position. However, with the return of Rashee Rice, the health of Hollywood Brown and Isiah Pacheco, and new reinforcements, the offense could regain its rhythm.
“Injuries short-circuited the team’s vision (last season), and an offensive line collapsed under the weight of not having a real answer at left tackle,” Breer wrote. “Rashee Rice is back. Hollywood Brown and Isiah Pacheco are healthy. Jaylon Moore was signed and Josh Simmons was drafted at left tackle.” —Albert Breer, NFL Insider
“That doesn’t mean everyone will stay healthy, but it does give hope to the idea of Brown and Xavier Worthy getting downfield and unlocking Mahomes’s deep ball again. Plus, Rice and Travis Kelce running free in the space vacated underneath by defenders chasing the burners.” —Albert Breer, NFL Insider
Why a Fully Fit Offensive Unit Could Propel Mahomes Back to MVP Form
Mahomes has not been a major contender for the MVP title in the past two seasons, but Breer believes this could change if the team’s key players stay healthy and the offensive line improves.
“Those guys, remember, never got the chance to play as one unit last year,” Breer wrote. “But Rice looked like one of the best receivers in football before he got hurt, Brown showed why the Chiefs took a flier on him, Worthy grew and Pacheco’s physical edge was missed late in the year.” —Albert Breer, NFL Insider
“If those elements come together, and Moore or Simmons shore up the left tackle spot, it sure feels to me like Mahomes could have another MVP season.” —Albert Breer, NFL Insider
Significance of Health and Roster Stability for the 2025 Campaign
The Chiefs’ hopes for another Super Bowl run were hampered by numerous injuries last season, with players like Isiah Pacheco, Hollywood Brown, and Rashee Rice missing significant time. Repairing these gaps and having a stronger offensive line, particularly at left tackle, are crucial for Mahomes’ performance and the team’s success.
As Patrick Mahomes enters his ninth season with the Chiefs, the pressure to return to MVP-caliber play is high. The combination of a healthy roster, skillful additions, and improved protection could be the foundation for Mahomes to regain his elite status and lead Kansas City back to championship contention.