Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and DT Chris Jones left on the outside looking in at popular NFL player ratings

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, DT Chris Jones left out of Madden 99 Club

Mahomes has earned a 99 rating from Madden four times throughout his career (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025). However, he's on the outside looking in for 2026's edition, likely due to his statistical decline. Mahomes set a career-low in passing yards last season with 3,928 and in QB rating at 93.5. His 26 touchdown passes tied a career-low.

However, factors such as a depleted wide receiver corps and poor offensive line played a major factor. Mahomes actually deserves a lot of credit for still being able to lead the Chiefs to a franchise record 15 regular season wins, the AFC's No. 1 seed, and getting all the way to the Super Bowl.

While appearing on ESPN's First Take, former NFL WR Chad Johnson stated that not winning the Super Bowl contributed to Mahomes' Madden 26 ranking. That logic is flawed, though, as QBs Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson received 99 ratings despite not even making it to the Super Bowl.

Then there's Chris Jones, who also did not receive a 99 rating despite being selected as a First-Team All-Pro last season. Puzzlingly, Jones has never been a part of Madden's 99 club. Him missing out on it this year is likely for the same reason Mahomes did, not posting flashy statistics. 

However, if you dig deeper, it's easy to discover why Jones didn't have gaudy numbers. Jones led the NFL in pass rush win rate last season despite also leading the league in double-team rate. His supporting cast of pass rushers combined for just 34 sacks, dropping K.C. from second in sacks in 2023 to 18th in 2024.

Madden 26's full offensive player ratings will be released on July 30, and defensive ratings on July 31.