Where does Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes rank in latest QB survey?

After having a down year by his lofty standards, is Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes still considered the league's best quarterback?

Mahomes averaged a career-low 6.8 yards per pass attempt in 16 regular-season starts last season, but the answer to that question is still yes. 

In a story published Monday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported executives, coaches and scouts voted Mahomes the league's top passer in his latest survey, ahead of Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, 2024 league MVP. 

"[Offensive line] in decline, particularly at tackle, WR group completely cleaned out by injury, [Travis] Kelce not near the same player," a veteran NFL coordinator said, per Fowler. "I thought he had more command of time/score/situation and better fundamentals from within the pocket than ever. He's a one-man army. And no NFL coach wants to deal with him. Complete dawg. No one like him. Maybe [Joe] Burrow, but Burrow isn't as dangerous as a player."

An AFC scout admitted Mahomes, who turns 30 on Sept. 17, probably doesn't strike the same "fear factor" in defenses but should produce better numbers with an improved supporting cast.

The Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons (pick No. 32) in the 2025 NFL Draft after Mahomes took a career-high 36 sacks in the regular season in 2024.

Simmons suffered a season-ending left knee injury in October 2024 but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp on July 21. 

Kelce turns 36 on Oct. 5, so he could continue to slow after catching just three touchdown passes in 16 games last season. A healthy Rashee Rice could mitigate that concern. 

The Chiefs wide receiver averaged a career-high 72 receiving yards per game last season but suffered a season-ending right knee injury in a Week 4 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. (He's expected to be ready for training camp.)

Mahomes may no longer be generating absurd numbers, but it's easy to see why league insiders aren't knocking him for that. The two-time MVP is one big reason the Chiefs could win their fifth Super Bowl this upcoming season.