Patrick Mahomes’ playoff TD record stands firm as Chiefs sit out this postseason

The 2025 NFL playoffs feel a little strange without the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs. For the first time in more than a decade, the Chiefs are not part of the postseason picture. Yet, even while watching from the sidelines, Mahomes still managed to hold on to a major playoff milestone.

Mahomes, who turned 30 this season, remains second on the NFL’s all-time list for playoff touchdown passes. That record stayed untouched during the Wild Card round, despite a rare opportunity for it to change.

A record untouched without even playing

What makes this situation striking is that Mahomes did not need to take a single snap this postseason to protect his record. With the Chiefs missing the playoffs after a disappointing 2025 campaign, Mahomes could only watch as other quarterbacks attempted and failed to close the gap.



Rodgers needed just two playoff touchdown passes to overtake Mahomes. Instead, his Wild Card outing ended scoreless through the air, with turnovers proving costly. As a result, Mahomes officially cannot drop below second place on the all-time playoff touchdown list this season.

The only player still comfortably ahead is Tom Brady, whose playoff touchdown total remains the gold standard. Brady’s postseason résumé is nearly unmatched, but Mahomes’ pace has kept him firmly in the conversation, even with fewer playoff appearances.

Why this matters for Patrick Mahomes’ legacy

Because the Chiefs failed to qualify for the playoffs this year, Mahomes had no chance to add to his total. That also means he could not close the gap on Brady at the top. However, the silver lining for Kansas City fans is clear: Mahomes cannot lose his second-place spot, no matter how the rest of the playoffs unfold.



The absence of the Chiefs from postseason football has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season. Injuries, including Mahomes’ late-season ACL tear, and overall team struggles led to a disappointing 6-11 finish. It marked the end of a long playoff streak under head coach Andy Reid.

Even so, Mahomes’ playoff resume continues to shine. His past postseason runs, filled with comeback wins and clutch performances, built a cushion that protected his standing this year.

Watching an NFL postseason without Mahomes feels unusual. But it may not last long. If history is any guide, the Chiefs and their star quarterback will be back soon. And when Mahomes returns to the playoff stage, his slow but steady chase of Brady’s legendary record will continue.

For now, one thing is certain: Patrick Mahomes’ playoff touchdown record remains safe even in a season he didn’t play.

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