NFL Legend Tom Brady Bracing for Controversy After Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Decision

Mahomes did what he could for the Chiefs on Sunday. The two-time NFL MVP threw 29-of-45 completed passes for 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It was far from enough to lead Kansas to victory against an imposing Colts side.

Brady released his Week 11 Power Rankings on Tuesday. After Sunday’s big win, the Broncos climbed from fifth to No. 3 on Brady’s list. According to the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, “this Denver defense has the potential to be an all-time unit at this rate.” 

Brady is also bracing for controversy after his decision to include the Chiefs in his Top 10. Mahomes and Co. are barely clinging on, though. They fell from eighth in Week 10 (they were on their bye) to the No. 10 spot in this week’s Power Rankings.

Brady already knew that he was about to stir some controversy even before he revealed his list.

"I think I'm about to release my most controversial power rankings to date," Brady said. "I already know this is going to start some conversations in the comments." 

Later in the video, the 48-year-old justified his decision on Mahomes and the Chiefs.

"If you're going to comment about the Chiefs being in the top 10, I want you to do something real quick: close your eyes and visualize,” Brady said. “It's January. It's cold out. Patrick Mahomes has the ball with five minutes left. How do you think that story is going to end? They're just a cheat code for power rankings. If we're being honest, you're lucky they're not higher." 

As Brady said, the Chiefs are a whole different animal once the playoffs start. A testament to this fact is how Mahomes and Co. have won three Super Bowls in the last six seasons.

At the same time, however, Kansas still has a long way to go before it can secure its spot in the playoffs. At 5-5, the Chiefs are currently ninth in the AFC. If the postseason started today, they wouldn’t even qualify for a Wildcard spot.

Mahomes and the Chiefs will need to stack up the wins with seven games remaining on their schedule. They face another tough test in Week 12 when they host the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff for that one is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.