KC Chiefs: Top five MVP candidates heading into week 15
By Gage Stagner
MVP CANDIDATES
Number 4 – Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
In a revenge game, it could be argued that the referees, not Mahomes, led the Chiefs to a win. Either way, Mahomes got it done in a game where the Patriots really wanted a win. With Tom Brady and even Bill Belichick showing a lot of emotion, the Chiefs prevailed and Mahomes goes up a spot in the rankings from last week.
The Case For
He’s really only lost two games this year to the Titans and Texans, both of which could be argued that the defense let up. The Chiefs now have a shot at a top-two seed, but will need some help from the Patriots once again.
A stat that will really show Mahomes’ brilliance is that he’s been sacked just three times all year with an offensive line that has been banged up for a majority of it. He’s still a magician, even if Jackson has taken his limelight.
The Case Against
The Chiefs remaining schedule is not particularly hard. While Denver may be hot coming into week 15, it’s in Arrowhead as well as the final game against another division rival Chargers. That may be a few more wins that are needed, but he’ll really need to perform well on Sunday Night Football in week 16 in Chicago, assuming it doesn’t get flexed out.
The biggest reason Mahomes is still only fourth in this column is due to the eye test. He has regressed from last year and while he has a chance to pick it up, his time is running out.
MVP Moment:
Week 2 vs. Raiders – 30/44, 443 yards passing, 4 passing touchdowns, 1 rush for -1 yard, win.
“Did he just do that?” Play:
39-yard back-shoulder touchdown to Demarcus Robinson week 2.