The 2025 NFL playoffs have kicked off with a notable absence. For the first time in over ten years, the Kansas City Chiefs are not participating in the postseason. This feels strange for football fans who have grown accustomed to seeing Patrick Mahomes lead his team on playoff runs.
Mahomes Secures Playoff Milestone From the Sidelines
Even though he is watching from home this year, Patrick Mahomes has managed to hold onto a significant playoff achievement. The star quarterback, who celebrated his 30th birthday this season, remains firmly in second place on the NFL's all-time list for playoff touchdown passes.
This record did not change during the Wild Card round. What makes this situation remarkable is that Mahomes did not need to play a single down to protect his standing. With the Chiefs failing to qualify for the playoffs after a difficult 2025 campaign, Mahomes could only observe as other quarterbacks tried and failed to close the gap.
Rodgers Misses Chance to Overtake Mahomes
Aaron Rodgers needed just two playoff touchdown passes to move ahead of Mahomes on the all-time list. However, his Wild Card performance ended without any scoring throws through the air. Costly turnovers hurt his team's chances.
As a result, Mahomes officially cannot fall below second place on the playoff touchdown list this season. The only player still comfortably ahead is the legendary Tom Brady. Brady's postseason touchdown total remains the gold standard that every quarterback chases.
Brady's playoff resume is nearly unmatched in NFL history. Yet Mahomes' impressive pace has kept him firmly in the conversation, even with fewer playoff appearances than the veteran quarterback.
What This Means for Mahomes' Legacy
Because the Chiefs did not qualify for the playoffs this year, Mahomes had no opportunity to add to his touchdown total. This also means he could not narrow the gap on Brady at the top of the list.
However, Kansas City fans can find a silver lining in this situation. Mahomes cannot lose his second-place spot, no matter how the rest of the playoffs unfold. His position remains secure through the entire postseason.
Why the Chiefs Missed the Playoffs
The absence of the Chiefs from postseason football has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season. Several factors contributed to their disappointing 6-11 finish.
Injuries played a major role, including Mahomes' late-season ACL tear. Overall team struggles throughout the campaign led to poor results. This marked the end of a long playoff streak under head coach Andy Reid.
Even with this setback, Mahomes' playoff resume continues to shine brightly. His past postseason runs, filled with comeback wins and clutch performances, built a cushion that protected his standing this year.
Looking Ahead to Future Seasons
Watching an NFL postseason without Patrick Mahomes feels unusual for football enthusiasts. But this situation may not last long. If history provides any guidance, the Chiefs and their star quarterback will likely return to playoff contention soon.
When Mahomes eventually returns to the playoff stage, his slow but steady chase of Brady's legendary record will continue. For now, one thing remains certain. Patrick Mahomes' playoff touchdown record stays safe even in a season when he did not play a single postseason game.
