Chiefs' Mahomes named MVP favourite by former QB, but questions remain

After suffering a torn ACL in December, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has spent the offseason focusing on his recovery.

Most people might think that would hinder Mahomes' chances of winning the most prestigious individual award in football for the third time in his career, but Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't most people.

Here's what the former NFL quarterback had to say on the subject while appearing on the Rich Eisen Show.

Why is Mahomes Fitzpatrick's MVP favourite?

Jamie Squire / Staff

Patrick Mahomes has three Super Bowls, two MVPs, and six Pro Bowls to his name. And that barely touches on his long list of accolades.

The ability's not up for debate. His health is, at least until the positive reports about his recovery turn into him being out there when training camp rolls around.

With the Chiefs' Week 1 opener only 75 days away, Fitzpatrick is not only confident Mahomes will be playing, but is tipping him for greatness.

In fact, Fitzpatrick believes that Mahomes' rehab process is what makes him all the more likely to win his third MVP award.

"I kinda think that he's the favourite in my mind to win MVP this year, because [of] the injury, and how much he's had to put into getting healthy this offseason," he began.

"The last few years, that doubt is starting to creep in a little bit. People are talking about 'maybe he's not the top quarterback anymore, yes, he has the rings, but look at these guys who have maybe outplayed him the last few years.'" Fitzpatrick continued.

He's not wrong. Mahomes and the Chiefs have fallen away since losing Super Bowl LIX in the 2024 season.

And despite helping Kansas City reach that game, Mahomes' numbers have deteriorated every year since 2022, as much a reflection on him as on his supporting cast.

Fitzpatrick thinks this is the year #15 rediscovers his groove.

"I think there's enough of a narrative there that's gonna drive him even more. And I do think sometimes, having to hit reset, the focus that he's put on rehabbing his body and getting ready.

"I see him as my favourite for MVP this season."

Can Mahomes really win MVP in 2026?

The market isn't quite sold, with bookmakers generally listing Mahomes as the sixth favourite for the award.

Influencing those odds is a Chiefs' offseason far from perfect for reasons that extend beyond Mahomes' health.

Rashee Rice, Kansas City's top option in the passing game, missed part of the offseason program while in jail for violating his probation after testing positive for marijuana.

And starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor was released to clear cap space. His replacement, Jaylon Moore, is significantly less experienced and arguably no better.

But there's more good than bad to speak of.

The Chiefs made Mahomes the first half-a-billion-dollar player in NFL history after extending his contract in June.

Super Bowl MVP-winning running back Kenneth Walker arrived in free agency to spearhead the ground game in a way no other Chiefs' back has been able to do for years.

Legendary tight end Travis Kelce, rumoured to be mulling retirement, is back in the fold and has recently signed a three-year extension.

Wideout Xavier Worthy sounds motivated to put his disappointing 2025 season behind him.

And just as importantly, Eric Bieniemy returns as the offensive coordinator, having won two Super Bowls in Kansas City during his first stint.

A motivated Mahomes with something to prove is a dangerous proposition, but his MVP case needs more than motivation; it needs an offense capable of helping him achieve his best.

And that final point is where this case comes up short, because shy of adding a backup quarterback, receiver and running back, the Chiefs largely ignored the offense in the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.

Fitzpatrick's clearly banking on Mahomes to overcome the odds, but Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen still feel like the safer bet for the 2026 MVP.