The statistics may not reflect it, but Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has played at an elite level throughout the first two games of the 2025 season.

Why can’t you see it on the stat sheet? Because Mahomes has started the season down three of his top four wide receivers, and is getting no help from the rushing attack. On the bright side, WRs Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals should be back soon, and Rashee Rice will be back in Week 7.

Unfortunately, barring a potential big-time trade, the Chiefs’ running back room is what it is. Starter Isiah Pacheco isn’t evolving, Kareem Hunt is on his last legs, Elijah Mitchell has been inactive every week, and Brashard Smith is a project player.

Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs in rushing

Not only does Mahomes lead the team with 123 rushing yards, but that’s more than double of Pacheco and Hunt’s totals of 47 each. Mahomes is also the only player for Kansas City that has a rushing touchdown, totaling two overall.

If the Chiefs don’t bring somebody in or nobody steps up to help him, Mahomes may have to continue making running the ball a bigger part of his game than it has been during his previous years. He has the body frame to absorb and deliver hits, and has just enough speed to pick up the necessary yards he needs.

Patrick Mahomes could rush for over 1,000 yards in 2025

We’ve always known Mahomes is an elite scrambler and an adequate runner, but not many have envisioned him ever rushing for 1,000 yards in a season. However, if he maintains his current pace of 61.5 yards per game, he will finish with 1,049 in 2025 (H/T Sam Badger).

It would certainly be another impressive feat for Mahomes’ future Hall of Fame resume, but it may not be a good thing for the overall effectiveness of the Chiefs’ offense this season. Mahomes becoming more of a running QB also opens him up to a greater risk of injury.

However, it could also bolster his MVP chances if the passing game kicks up into high gear when Rice, Worthy, and Royals return. Mahomes’ passing stats have to be in a different stratosphere than his peers such Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts to win MVP because of their high rushing volume. This year could be different.