Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) fumbles the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Watch: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes' fumble snaps historic streak

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 26, 2025 8:18 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had played mistake-free until a costly fumble late in the first quarter of the AFC Championship game on Sunday.

With the Kansas City Chiefs leading the Buffalo Bills 7-3, Mahomes faked a handoff to running back Isiah Pacheco on a 2nd-and-2 at Buffalo's 23-yard line. However, Mahomes failed to resecure the ball and Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver recovered it.

The Bills fall on the loose ball!

: #BUFvsKC on CBS
: Stream on @NFLPlus and Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/LqgHBt32OM
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025

According to CBS Sports, Mahomes' fumble was the Chiefs' first turnover since Week 11, snapping the longest streak without a turnover in NFL history. Bleacher Report Gridiron added it lasted 501 plays.

That's the Chiefs FIRST turnover since Week 11

Snapping the LONGEST streak without a TO in NFL HISTORY pic.twitter.com/TOQQgxJHqy
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) January 27, 2025

That fumble by Mahomes is the first turnover by the Chiefs in 501 plays pic.twitter.com/t9pmHVn3le
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 27, 2025

The Bills made the Chiefs pay for the turnover. On the ensuing drive, Buffalo running back James Cook ran for a six-yard touchdown, giving the Bills a 10-7 lead.

Don't expect Mahomes to start making more mistakes, though. Per Pro Football Focus, the two-time MVP has posted a 2.3% turnover-worthy play rate in 18 games, 36th among 44 eligible quarterbacks (min. 168 dropbacks).

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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