Why Patrick Mahomes’ playoff success is nearly unmatched as Chiefs face Ravens

Patrick Maomes’ 13 career playoff victories as a starting quarterback are tied for sixth in NFL history.
With the next one — the opportunity arrives with Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at Baltimore — he’ll move into a third-place tie on that list. That’s amazing enough. But consider this has occurred in Mahomes’ first six years as a starter.

The leader, by far, on the victory list is Tom Brady. 

His 35 playoff triumphs more than doubles second-place Joe Montana (16). And Brady won Super Bowls in his first three postseason appearances with the New England Patriots. But it took Brady 11 years to reach playoff victory No. 13. Montana reached his 13th playoff victory in his ninth season. Superstar Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been there for all of Mahomes’ playoff victories and owns a piece of history with his quarterback.

By connecting for a pair of touchdowns in last week’s win at Buffalo, the Mahomes-Kelce tandem became the most prolific playoff duo ever. With 16 touchdowns between them now, they’ve even surpassed Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Mahomes continues to astonish Kelce. “He’s done what I’ve tried to do year in, year out, and haven’t been as success as he has,” Kelce said. “That’s answer the bell, answer the challenges that are presented to you.” More Mahomes magic: He’s won at least two playoff games in five consecutive years. Nobody else as accomplished that feat.
In those years, Mahomes has piled up a total of 12 playoff victories. That matches Brady for the most by any quarterback in a five-year span.. If you extend it to all six of Mahomes’ seasons as an NFL starter, which would include his 1-1 playoff record for 2018, those 13 victories in six years also matches Brady and Terry Bradshaw as an all-time best.
Mahomes has started 16 playoff games — the equivalent of an entire season, until the 17-game schedule debuted in 2021. His collective stat line for those games, all against top-notch competition, compare favorably to an average regular season for Mahomes.

In his playoff career, Mahomes owns a 106.7 passer rating, compared to 103.5 for the regular season. He’s completed 66.5% of his passes during this season, 66.8% in the playoffs. This weekend, Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense are facing perhaps their most difficult challenge. The Ravens have the NFL’s top scoring defense.
They also lead the league in sacks and are tied for first in takeaways. Plus, it’s only the second road playoff game for the Chiefs since 2015, and second road playoff game of Mahomes’ career. But recent postseason trends work in Mahomes’ favor. Here’s what and who to watch Sunday:

RAVENS LINEBACKER ROQUAN SMITH

Two seasons in Baltimore, two seasons as an All-Pro. Smith Will be tasked with checking Mahomes as a play extender and also will help in coverage of Kelce. Does Smith have an advantage after spending his first NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears? The head coach for those teams was current Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.

CHIEFS SAFETY/CORNER CHARMARRI CONNER

A rookie, Conner saw his most extensive playing time — and turned in his best game yet — against the Buffalo Bills last week. It appears veteran safety Mike Edwards will be back, but the Chiefs feel more comfortable with Conner on the field in any of several positions.
RAVENS TIGHT END MARK ANDREWS

Andrews has been out since Nov. 16 with an ankle injury, but the Ravens activated him from injured reserve this week. He was an All-Pro in 2021 (between Kelce’s All-Pro seasons of 2020 and 2022).
Baltimore has gotten superb play from fellow tight end Isaiah Likely, who has touchdown receptions in his last three games, including last weekend’s Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans.

CHIEFS RUNNING BACK ISIAH PACHECO

The Ravens’ defense seems to rank among the NFL’s top seven in just about every category. But it’s 14th in rushing defense, surrendering 109 yards per game. Pacheco, who rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown last week against the Bills, has missed practice time this week but is expected to be ready.