Patrick Mahomes Wants His Throne Back — But What’s Happening Behind the Rankings Might Surprise You

As the NFL 2025 season enters Week 5, the debate intensifies: can Patrick Mahomes reclaim his throne as the league’s top quarterback? On Fox Sports’ First Things First, analyst Nick Wright unveiled his latest “Mahomes Mountain” rankings, placing Mahomes among a crowded field of stars including Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson. Despite recent struggles, Mahomes’ record-breaking performance against the Baltimore Ravens, where he threw for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns, reignited hopes of a return to dominance. Yet, questions remain. Can Mahomes consistently outduel the rising wave of quarterbacks, or has the league begun to catch up? This article explores the latest rankings, Mahomes’ statistical trajectory, his rivals’ strengths, and what it will take for him to regain the top spot. With upcoming games poised to test his leadership and precision, the spotlight burns brighter than ever. Fans, analysts, and rivals alike wait with bated breath: is this the season Mahomes reclaims his crown, or is his supremacy under threat?

Nick Wright’s “Mahomes Mountain” Sparks Heated Debate

Every NFL season comes with storylines, but few are as compelling as Patrick Mahomes’ battle to remain on top of the quarterback hierarchy. On Fox Sports’ First Things First, analyst Nick Wright unveiled his highly discussed “Mahomes Mountain” Week 5 rankings, placing Mahomes alongside fierce competitors like Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson.

The segment, known for stirring fan debate, questioned whether Mahomes still deserves the crown or if younger stars are closing the gap. For Wright, the discussion is more than rankings—it’s about defining greatness in real time.

Mahomes Delivers a Historic Milestone Against Baltimore

The timing of the debate couldn’t be sharper. Just days earlier, Mahomes silenced critics with a spectacular performance against the Baltimore Ravens, leading his Kansas City Chiefs to a commanding 37-20 victory.

Mahomes completed 25 of 37 passes for 270 yards and tossed 4 touchdowns with zero interceptions. That fourth touchdown wasn’t just another score—it marked the 250th of his career, making Mahomes the youngest and fastest quarterback in NFL history to hit that milestone.

For fans who doubted his staying power, the Ravens game felt like a statement: the king isn’t ready to abdicate.

Why Mahomes Slipped in the Rankings

Despite his heroics, Mahomes has not been immune to criticism. In the weeks leading up to his Ravens showcase, the Chiefs’ offense looked inconsistent. Protection broke down at times, and Mahomes was forced into risky throws. His early-season numbers lacked the explosiveness that fans expect from a two-time Super Bowl MVP.

For Nick Wright and other analysts, those struggles opened the door for debate. Quarterbacks like Dak Prescott have been razor-sharp to start 2025, while Lamar Jackson continues to terrify defenses with dual-threat playmaking. Against that backdrop, Mahomes no longer seemed untouchable.

Rising Stars Threaten Mahomes’ Throne

The NFL is overflowing with quarterback talent, and the competition for the top spot is fiercer than ever.

• Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys): Prescott has put up gaudy numbers, showing efficiency and leadership while keeping Dallas firmly in playoff contention.

• Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Despite falling to Mahomes in Week 4, Jackson’s electrifying blend of speed and arm talent remains unmatched, making him a perennial rival.

• Jaxson Dart (New Orleans Saints): The younger QB has stormed onto the scene with breakout performances, earning attention as the next generation’s answer to Mahomes.

Each represents a different kind of threat. Mahomes’ brilliance is no longer a guarantee of dominance—it must now stand against a wave of challengers eager to seize the spotlight.

The Statistical Edge Still Favors Mahomes

While rival QBs have had flashes of brilliance, Mahomes continues to hold the edge in several critical metrics. His passer rating and touchdown-to-interception ratio remain elite, and his command of the pocket is second to none.

The 250-touchdown milestone is more than symbolic—it’s proof of sustained excellence. Reaching it at a younger age and faster pace than legends like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady shows Mahomes’ place in history is already secure.

Numbers alone can’t win him back the No. 1 spot on “Mahomes Mountain,” but they remind fans and critics alike that his ceiling is still higher than most quarterbacks’ dreams.

The Pressure of Consistency in a Ruthless League

If there’s one criticism Mahomes cannot ignore, it’s consistency. The NFL is a league where reputations change weekly. A dominant performance can be erased by a flat outing just seven days later.

For Mahomes to regain and hold the top spot, he must string together more performances like the one against Baltimore. That means fewer near-misses, better chemistry with his receivers, and continued poise under defensive pressure.

It also means carrying the Chiefs through a brutal midseason schedule where every opponent will treat beating Mahomes like a championship.

Beyond the Rankings: Mahomes’ Legacy at Stake

The stakes extend beyond Wright’s segment or fan debates. Every year Mahomes plays is a chapter in his legacy. Comparisons to Brady, Manning, and Montana are already common, but legacy requires longevity.

If Mahomes falters in 2025, it could fuel narratives that his dominance peaked too early. If he rises, it solidifies his claim as a generational talent whose prime has only begun. For Mahomes, the mountain is less about Wright’s rankings and more about history’s judgment.

Why Chiefs Fans Still Believe

Despite media debates, the Kansas City fanbase remains unwavering. For them, Mahomes is more than a quarterback—he’s a cultural icon, the face of the franchise, and the heartbeat of a city.

Fans point to his resilience, his ability to bounce back from adversity, and his unmatched competitiveness. They believe Week 4 was proof: when Mahomes locks in, no one is better.

The Road Ahead: Tests That Will Define the Season

The coming weeks will determine whether Mahomes can reclaim his throne. Matchups against teams with elite defenses will test his pocket presence and decision-making. Each game will be a referendum on his ability to stay ahead of rivals like Prescott and Jackson.

If he continues to deliver, “Mahomes Mountain” will be less a debate and more a coronation. If not, the whispers of decline will grow louder.

Mahomes’ Crown Still Within Reach

The NFL in 2025 may have more quarterback talent than ever before, but Patrick Mahomes remains the standard by which all others are measured. His 37-20 victory over Baltimore, capped with his 250th career touchdown, proved that greatness is not gone—it just demands consistency.

Whether Mahomes regains the top of Nick Wright’s “Mahomes Mountain” is less important than the larger truth: he still has the skills, the numbers, and the drive to remain the face of the NFL.

As Week 5 looms, one question echoes across the league: can anyone truly keep Mahomes off the mountaintop for long?