The Kansas City Chiefs, led by none other than Patrick Mahomes, once again proved why they’re the kings of the AFC, defeating the Houston Texans 23-14 to advance to their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game.
Patrick Mahomes’ Falling Pass to Travis Kelce Compared to ‘Superman’ Ability
While the win added to their dynasty’s legacy, one play stole the spotlight: Mahomes’ jaw-dropping touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce while falling to the ground. The moment was pure magic, and NFL fans and analysts were drooling.
The play came in the fourth quarter when the Chiefs were ahead with a slim 13-12 lead. As Mahomes was tackled, he managed to get rid of the ball, finding Kelce for an 11-yard touchdown. Have a look:
MAHOMES TD TO KELCE AS HE FALLS DOWN
📺: #HOUvsKC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/ytEUsoGyin— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025
The pass extended Kansas City’s lead to eight and set the tone for their victory. The fans started a comment fest on X (formerly known as Twitter). As “NFL RedZone” host Scott Hanson wrote, “I mean… it IS theatrical.”
I mean… it IS theatrical.
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) January 18, 2025
“That was a sick play by Mahomes,” posted another.
A fan commented, “Mahomes is an absolute animal!”
“That was unbelievable Is this is a movie?” said one more.
Mahomes’ ability to create magic under pressure drew comparisons to superhero feats, with fans calling it a “Superman throw TD” and marveling at the “Mahomes and Kelce magic again!”
Even NFL analysts couldn’t stay silent. Colin Cowherd humorously posted, “Decent TD pass by Mahomes,” while Dan Orlovsky simply declared, “What. A. Freak.”
What
A
Freak— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 18, 2025
Barstool Sports’ Dan Katz chimed in with “Playoff Mahomes,” a nod to the quarterback’s unmatched postseason brilliance.
Playoff Mahomes
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) January 18, 2025
These reactions only added to the growing legend of Mahomes, who continues to deliver in the playoffs. Despite not playing their best game, the Chiefs leaned on their stars to overcome the Texans. Kelce was dominant, accounting for over 66% of Kansas City’s receiving yards, an insane stat that has only been topped once in a playoff game — by Kelce himself.
The defense also shone, sacking Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud eight times and forcing mistakes. The Texans put up a fight, but questionable penalties, including a roughing the passer call on Mahomes, helped the Chiefs to extend their lead.
Mahomes’ performance, however, wasn’t flawless. His PFN QB+ score of 72.3 ranked near the bottom of his postseason outings. Yet, even on an off day, his ability to deliver unforgettable plays under pressure sets him apart.
The Chiefs will now host the AFC Championship Game, awaiting the winner of the Ravens-Bills matchup. Once again, Mahomes and Kelce are leading the charge in the postseason, as Kansas City remains the team to beat.
