The Kansas City Chiefs head into the 2025 season shrouded in uncertainty. After a crushing Super Bowl defeat, whispers of a dynasty in decline have begun to surface. For years, the Chiefs have been the NFL’s gold standard, propelled by the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid. But even with this star-studded trio, questions loom: can Kansas City maintain its reign, or is the end of an era upon us?
To reclaim their throne, the Chiefs need Mahomes to rediscover the MVP form that once made him the NFL’s untouchable superhero. In 2024, Kansas City’s defense carried the load, but history shows defensive dominance can be fleeting. Mahomes, however, remains the linchpin—a quarterback capable of single-handedly turning games in his favor. Yet, in a surprising twist, some analysts are beginning to doubt his place among the NFL’s elite.
Mahomes No Longer the NFL’s Superman?
In a recent ranking by CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, Mahomes found himself in an unfamiliar position: No. 5 on a list of players who embody Superman-like qualities of “heart, heroics, and awe-inspiring physical gifts.” Even more shocking? He’s tied with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with three other quarterbacks ranked above him. Benjamin’s assessment paints a picture of a Mahomes who has evolved from a big-play phenom to a more calculated, less dazzling leader:
“Neither Hurts nor Mahomes may be everyone’s cup of tea as increasingly rugged rather than aesthetically marvelous leaders, but they adapt to the moment when it matters most. Mahomes, on the other hand, once set a standard for superhuman production as a big-play machine, only to evolve into more of a calculated — you might even say Clark Kent-ian — winner of more recent seasons.”
The rest of Benjamin’s Superman list reads like a who’s-who of NFL playmakers:
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
For a player once hailed as the NFL’s ultimate game-changer, being ranked below Jackson, Allen, and Burrow—and tied with Hurts—marks a stunning fall from grace.
Can Mahomes Reclaim His Superhero Status?
While Mahomes’ statistical output hasn’t matched his jaw-dropping 2022 season, counting him out would be a mistake. His ability to carry the Chiefs’ offense remains undeniable. With a healthy roster, a bolstered offensive line, and a cadre of dynamic weapons like Kelce and emerging stars, Mahomes has all the tools to silence his critics in 2025.
The Chiefs’ dynasty may be at a crossroads, but Mahomes’ track record suggests he’s far from finished. If he can rediscover his big-play magic while maintaining the surgical precision he’s honed in recent years, don’t be surprised to see him vault back to the top of the NFL’s superhero rankings. For now, though, the question lingers: has the league’s Superman lost his cape, or is he simply biding his time for a triumphant return?