'The margin has never been slimmer' - Pro Football Focus on where Patrick Mahomes ranks among all NFL QBs in 2025

Statistically speaking, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been on a decline over the past two seasons.

That's not to say he hasn't still been great, because he absolutely has. Mahomes has set a ridiculously high standard for himself, and his supporting cast hasn't been great as of late. 

While Mahomes has experienced these "down years," other quarterbacks from around the league have gotten the opportunity to shine. That has narrowed the gap between him and a few others QBs, according to Pro Football Focus. As they have released their annual offseason QB rankings, Mahomes still claims the top spot, but this time only by a slim margin.

From PFF: "Mahomes still holds the top spot, but the margin has never been slimmer. His passing grade over the past two seasons sits at 86.0, a strong number but a step below the elite level we saw from 2018 through 2022. The supporting cast hasn't always helped, particularly at receiver, but it’s fair to say his otherworldly level of play we saw from him from 2018 to 2022 is starting to get further and further away in the rearview mirror. That said, no one blends poise, playmaking and postseason performance like Mahomes, which is why he remains at No. 1 entering 2025, even if the field is closer than ever."

Rounding out the "elite" category behind Mahomes is Joe Burrow at No. 2, Lamar Jackson at No. 3, and Josh Allen at No. 4. Jackson and Allen have won the last two MVP awards since Mahomes' last one in 2022, and Burrow led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns in 2024.

PFF describes the separation between the four as "razor thin." They may be right about that in terms of stats, but Mahomes is still head and shoulders above them all in terms of wins and championships. It would certainly be nice to see Mahomes get back to recording insane numbers, but peaking at the right time and getting to Super Bowls takes priority Kansas City.

It's not like Mahomes can't get back to putting up high statistical totals. The Chiefs hope that their offensive line woes are fixed with the additions of Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore, and having wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown healthy for an entire season would make a huge difference. Considering Mahomes has gotten K.C. to the Super Bowl without posting elite numbers, imagine the success they could have if he gets back to MVP form.