For Patrick Mahomes, it’s seven for seven when it comes to AFC Championship Games reached in his career. Since his first season as the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, Mahomes has rewritten the record books. He won MVP honors that year after throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, something only Peyton Manning (2013) had accomplished. Mahomes lost the AFC Championship to Tom Brady in overtime that season, but at just 23 years old, he was already on his way to greatness.
Fast forward six seasons, and Mahomes now has three Super Bowl titles, three Super Bowl MVPs, and is second only to Tom Brady in playoff wins. On Sunday, he’ll take on the Bills as he seeks his fifth Super Bowl appearance in seven years and moves closer to becoming the NFL’s first three-peat champion. There’s no doubt he’s a generational talent who could end up as the most accomplished player in NFL history.
Chiefs’ Oldest Player Travis Kelce Shares his Feelings
Of course, he didn’t do it alone. Along with coach Andy Reid, there are three players who have paved the way to the Hall of Fame in this young Chiefs dynasty: Chris Jones, Harrison Butker and Travis Kelce – commonly referred to as the “real ones.” Since 2018, no NFL players have played in or won more playoff games than these four. Of those, the longest-tenured is Travis Kelce, who this past weekend continued to break his own records in receptions and receiving playoff touchdowns for any receiver, despite being a tight end. Kelce knows his days in the NFL are numbered, and as the team’s veteran leader, he shared his thoughts with the younger players about the privilege of playing in the playoffs at Arrowhead and the electric atmosphere it brings.
At 35 years old and with 12 NFL seasons under his belt, Travis Kelce could undoubtedly be thinking about retirement. While he always seems to be at his best in the playoffs, this regular season he posted career lows in yards and touchdowns, and his loss of speed was noticeable. If his body holds up, he should continue to play, but in my opinion, if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl and secure a three-peat, what better way for Kelce to retire than at the top of his game? Besides he can focus on his creating a family with Taylor Swift, it would be a dream for the “Swifties” if he proposed to her on Super Bowl day.
Instant Classic AFC Championship Game on the Horizon
This will be the fourth time in the last five seasons that the Bills and Chiefs have met in the playoffs, with the Chiefs winning the previous three meetings. The dynamic between Josh Allen and Mahomes couldn’t be more different, as Allen and the Bills are 4-1 against Mahomes in the regular season, including a 30-21 win in Week 11 of this season. In the playoffs, however, Pat has not lose to the Bills (3-0) proven to be kryptonite for Allen and just about everyone else. The parity in games between the Bills and Chiefs is staggering; in their last 10 meetings, including the playoffs, both teams have won five games, scored 251 points, and allowed 251 points. All I can think about is how evenly matched Sunday’s game will be.
There’s a first time for everything. If Joe Burrow could beat Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium in 2021, Allen could do it this year. Of course, it won’t be easy, especially considering the Chiefs’ incredible 22-3 record over their last 25 games dating back to last season. On top of that, key players like Isiah Pacheco, Hollywood Brown and Charles Omenihu, who missed the Week 11 game this season, will all be on the field Sunday.