Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are two games away from NFL immortality. Head coach Andy Reid and his men will take the field against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.
With a 0-3 playoff record against Mahomes, the Bills are desperate to break their losing streak. But Mahomes, who has already established himself as a generational talent, has an even bigger milestone on the horizon.
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton Backs Patrick Mahomes for ‘Immortality’
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton believes Mahomes could write his name in golden letters with another Super Bowl run, calling it an opportunity for “immortality.” Speaking on ESPN’s ‘Get Up,’ Newton praised the 29-year-old. “He’s doing something no quarterback has ever done, and to be labeled something comparable, it’s not. He has the opportunity to walk into immortality.”
Mahomes, who finished the regular season with a No. 10 ranking (84.4) and B grade in PFN’s QB+ ranking during the regular season, is chasing history, aiming to lead Kansas City to an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Newton emphasized that if Mahomes achieves this, it will redefine how quarterbacks are compared, stating, “We always want to pay homage to the (Tom Brady) and (Peyton Manning). The guys who came before him. But this is something we’ve never seen. And we gotta call it what it is.”
For the Bills, the path to victory runs through MVP-caliber play from QB Josh Allen. Newton, while lauding Mahomes, made it clear that Allen needs to outshine his counterpart. “Josh Allen has to have the better game,” Newton demanded. “Protect the ball, play clean—it’s inevitable for the Bills’ success.”
However, Allen faces the daunting task of outperforming Mahomes, whose track record in clutch moments is nearly unmatched. Mahomes has faced criticism for his recent performances, including a lackluster outing in the Divisional Round. His 6.5 net yards per attempt and a 30% third-down conversion rate left much to be desired, though his mistake-free football kept the Chiefs in control.
Despite these numbers, Mahomes has thrived as a small favorite, boasting a 4-0 record in games where the Chiefs were favored by a field goal or less. The Chiefs’ lethal third-down efficiency, led by Mahomes’ 47.8% conversion rate, will undoubtedly test the Bills’ defense, which ranks 31st in third-down EPA.
As the Chiefs march toward history, Mahomes’ ability to adapt and lead will be in the spotlight. The AFC Championship Game is set as the latest chapter in his already storied career, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Bills, this game isn’t just about breaking a streak—it’s about stopping a player on the verge of achieving “immortality.”