Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Way Behind Frontrunner in Early MVP Poll: Insider

Before the Kansas City Chiefs were defeated by the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, some had quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the 2025 NFL MVP voting. If that were truly the case, what a difference a week can make.

Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer published a midseason MVP poll of NFL executives on November 7, and Mahomes was way behind frontrunner Matthew Stafford in the early Most Valuable Player voting.

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback, Stafford, leads the current MVP conversation with 13 votes out of a possible 42 — per Breer. Bills superstar Josh Allen was next with 8 votes, and behind him were Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (5 votes) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller Baker Mayfield (4 votes).

Mahomes finally checked in next, tied with Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Both AFC West superstars were awarded 3 MVP votes.

“Quietly, Stafford is having an off-the-charts year,” Breer wrote, providing some analysis. “He’s on pace for 4,562 yards and a 45–4 TD-INT ratio, and the Rams are tied for first in the NFC West. He has been incredibly efficient (113.2 rating) and consistent (a 98-or-better rating in seven of eight games), while facing a challenging schedule (the Rams faced the Eagles, Colts, 49ers and Ravens in succession) in a rugged division.”

“Now, this can be a storyline award, and Stafford may lack one that’s new or different for voters to latch onto,” Breer continued. “But if you want a quarterback who runs an offense at an incredibly high level, while rarely missing a throw, Stafford’s your guy.”

The aforementioned Taylor led Breer’s midseason Offensive Player of the Year poll with 27.5 votes out of a possible 42. This award typically goes to the most impactful non-QB.

Who Participated in Breer’s NFL MVP Voting?

Although this poll was anonymous, Breer did explain who participated in a general sense.

“Rather than just filling out a ballot on my own (I’ll do that for the AP in January), in midseason every year, in this space, I poll NFL general managers, VPs, directors of player personnel and directors of pro scouting to try to get their take on who should win what,” Breer noted.

Adding: “This year, we wound up with a panel of 42 voters, and a wide-open race for MVP. An eye-opening 10 different players received votes. After the votes were tallied, Stafford was the winner. He finished five votes clear of Josh Allen, and had more than double the votes of every candidate below that.”

Patrick Mahomes Was Awarded the Honor of Chiefs’ Midseason MVP Amid Bye Week News

Mahomes may not be leading the pack for NFL MVP, but he did earn the Chiefs’ midseason honor, according to the opinion of the KC Star.

In an article on November 7, columnist Blair Kerkhoff relayed that their five Chiefs-centric staff members unanimously voted Mahomes as the midseason MVP.

“Last season, the Chiefs’ offense operated without its expected firepower,” Kerkhoff stated. “[Wide receiver Rashee] Rice was lost in the fourth game. Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown was injured in the first preseason game and missed most of the season. Running back Isiah Pacheco was injured in Week 2 and missed several games. Plus, there was a revolving door at left tackle.”

“Most of the Chiefs’ top threats have returned this season and the offensive line is in better shape,” he wrote on. “That’s made a difference in Mahomes’ performance this season. He’s back among league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns. It hasn’t been a perfect season for Mahomes, whose poor decision resulted in a game-changing 99-yard pick-six in the loss at Jacksonville. And the offense took a step back at Buffalo. But Mahomes is on pace to have his best season since 2022, when he won his second MVP.”

“With the Chiefs currently on the outside of the playoff bracket — they need him to summon the skills that have made him a generational talent,” Kerkhoff concluded. “A record-matching 10th consecutive division title and 11th straight playoff berth are on the line for the Chiefs. It’s time for Mahomes and the playmakers to step up.”

Steelers Suddenly Have Exciting Path To Sign 3x Pro Bowler

Despite the lack of offensive moves, the Steelers did make a trade about a week before the deadline, acquiring safety Kyle Dugger. Dugger’s addition was aimed at strengthening Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield, giving the team more flexibility in coverage and the ability to match up better against opposing offenses. While Dugger has shown flashes of playmaking ability, the defense still faces challenges against top-tier passing attacks.

Now, a new report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero reveals that the Tennessee Titans have released veteran safety Quandre Diggs, who will go on waivers. Diggs, a three-time Pro Bowler, would provide an experienced presence in the Steelers’ secondary, albeit at 32 years old. Pittsburgh now has the opportunity to add a proven playmaker to their defense, potentially giving the team a significant boost in coverage and leadership as they navigate the final stretch of the season.

The very first part of the equation is trying to understand why the Titans released Diggs. He was a Pro Bowler in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and had been a consistent presence in Tennessee’s secondary. In the 2025 season, Diggs played in all nine games for the Titans, starting four of them, yet the team decided to part ways with him after claiming Jerrick Reed II off waivers. 

This move appeared to be part of the Titans’ effort to get younger in the secondary, but it leaves a veteran with proven ability available for teams in need. For the Steelers, adding a player like Diggs could be especially helpful given recent injuries in the secondary. 

Productive safety DeShon Elliott has been sidelined, and Dugger is being thrown into the mix more and more, while Jalen Ramsey seems likely to remain at free safety. With injuries piling up, the Steelers could benefit from a veteran presence like Diggs, who is healthy and motivated to prove that he can still add value to a defense even at the age of 32. Bringing in a proven playmaker would give the team more stability and experience in the back end.

Steelers Should Make The Move To Try And Get Diggs

Given the current state of the Steelers’ secondary, making a claim for Diggs would be a prudent decision. He would immediately provide leadership, depth, and the ability to make game-changing plays. The team needs that type of impact, and Diggs has the track record and mindset to contribute right away. 

If the Steelers decide to take the chance, it could be a move that strengthens their defense at a critical time and helps them stay competitive in the playoff race. 

Now it’s a question of whether the Steelers can claim Diggs off waivers, as multiple teams may be interested in adding the proven veteran safety. If Pittsburgh acts quickly, they could secure his experience and playmaking ability for their secondary. If not, another contender may land the 3x Pro Bowler.

Would you want to see the Steelers make claim to land Quandre Diggs? Why or why not?

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