Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and two-time NFL MVP with three Super Bowl titles, recently spoke out about his 95 overall rating in the latest Madden NFL 26 video game. At a press conference, Mahomes addressed the Madden rating, expressing his determination to reach the coveted 99 rating through his performance on the field.
Mahomes Responds to Madden NFL 26 Rating
Despite Mahomes’ impressive achievements, EA Sports rated him a 95 overall in Madden NFL 26, dropping him from the exclusive 99 OVR club he previously belonged to. During the press event, Mahomes acknowledged his desire for a higher rating but emphasized that his focus remains on playing the way he knows.
“I like playing Madden, so I would like to be rated higher, but I’ve got to play and showcase that stuff on the field. I believe that if I go out there and play the football I want to play, we can get to 99 pretty quickly.” —Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
This statement underlines Mahomes’ belief that ratings in a game are secondary to proving his skills during real games and that with his performance, he can reclaim or exceed that 99 rating.
Where Mahomes Stands Among Madden’s Top Quarterbacks
The 29-year-old QB is ranked as the fourth-best in Madden NFL 26, trailing behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow, three premier stars who hold higher overall ratings this season. The comparative rankings list Allen and Jackson just shy of 1000, with Burrow slightly ahead of Mahomes, reflecting a current shift in EA Sports’ evaluation.
“QB ratings for Madden NFL 26 (1-55): 1. Josh Allen: 992. Lamar Jackson: 993. Joe Burrow: 974. Patrick Mahomes: 955…” —Ari Meirov, Sports Analyst
This ranking positions Mahomes solidly in the upper tier but indicates a notable drop from his former standing. His status behind these younger or equally talented QBs has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Challenges in the 2024 Season Impacting Mahomes’ Rating
Mahomes endured a challenging 2024 campaign despite a dominant regular season and an appearance in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs finished with a 15-1 record and clinched the AFC Championship but ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the title game. Injuries to key offensive weapons Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Isiah Pacheco, along with a visibly slowed Travis Kelce, hampered the team’s offensive effectiveness.
The Chiefs also recorded the highest number of one-score wins in the league, reflecting narrow victories that highlighted a reliance on defense and Mahomes’ leadership more than overwhelming offensive dominance.
Former NFL Wide Receiver Defends Mahomes’s Madden Rating
Julian Edelman, a retired wide receiver and Super Bowl champion, voiced strong opinions defending Mahomes’ ability and questioned why his Madden rating is not a perfect 99. Edelman highlighted the adversity Mahomes faced with an injury-riddled squad and still leading the team to the Super Bowl.
“How is Patrick Mahomes not a 99? He literally had a depleted team last year. All of his receivers were hurt. His offensive line got shattered. They had two losses last year. They go to the Super Bowl for a threepeat. This guy is not a 99. I think that’s crazy. He is still the best player in football. Josh Allen and Lamar still haven’t beaten him like when it mattered. He didn’t even have the teams.” —Julian Edelman, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Edelman’s remarks emphasize the respect Mahomes commands within the NFL community and suggest that his leadership and ability to perform under pressure are qualities deserving of the highest rating in Madden.
Mahomes Focused on Winning Another Super Bowl
While Madden ratings serve as a game-based reflection of a player’s perceived skill, Mahomes remains focused on tangible success — winning a fourth Super Bowl title. He discussed how losing the previous championship added motivation to his training regimen, fueling his drive to return stronger and more focused than ever.
“It’s hard. When you lose a Super Bowl, I think there are sometimes in those workouts, you may be a little tired, you have that extra added motivation to finish even harder, finish even stronger.” —Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
This determination signals that Mahomes is using last season’s defeat as a catalyst to improve not only his game on screen but also his real-world performance to reach new heights.
Mahomes to Participate in Chiefs’ Preseason Opener
The 2025 NFL preseason has commenced, and the Chiefs are set to face the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale. Head coach Andy Reid recently disclosed that Patrick Mahomes will play during the first quarter of the upcoming preseason game, an approach Reid supports to give starting players valuable reps before the regular season.
“#Chiefs HC Andy Reid says the plan is for Patrick Mahomes to play the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason game vs. the Cardinals. Reid has long been a believer in giving starters preseason reps.” —Ari Meirov, Sports Reporter
Despite recent injuries within the roster, Coach Reid trusts Mahomes to shake off any preseason rust and prepare effectively for the upcoming season, demonstrating confidence in his quarterback’s readiness.
Looking Ahead: Mahomes’ Path to Madden and NFL Dominance
Patrick Mahomes finds himself at a crossroads between virtual ratings and real accomplishments. The Madden 26 rating may not currently reflect his full stature in the NFL, but Mahomes’ mindset remains clear: earn a perfect score by continuing to dominate games. With critical preseason action pending and the drive to secure another Super Bowl, Mahomes is positioned to respond to critics both on the virtual gridiron and the actual field.
The coming months will show whether his on-field performance reignites EA Sports’ top rating and if the Kansas City Chiefs can translate that success into a fourth championship, cementing Mahomes’ legacy among the NFL’s all-time greats.