Patrick Mahomes aims to elevate his game after receiving a Madden NFL 26 rating of 95, placing him behind top quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Why it matters: The Madden ratings often reflect not just player performance but also fan expectations and perceptions. For Mahomes, being rated fourth among quarterbacks may serve as motivation to reclaim the top spot.

• Mahomes has historically been a dominant force, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
• His drive for improvement aligns with the competitive nature of the league, where elite players constantly seek to validate their status through performance.

What’s new: In the upcoming preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Mahomes is expected to start and lead the offense during the first quarter.

• This will be an opportunity for Mahomes and the Chiefs' revamped offensive line, featuring rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and experienced left guard Kingsley Suamataia, to build chemistry ahead of the regular season.

Yes, but: While Mahomes acknowledges his current rating, he remains focused on showcasing his talents on the field rather than getting distracted by external evaluations.

• "I like playing Madden, so I would like to be rated higher," he said. "But I've got to play and showcase that stuff on the field."

What to watch: As the preseason unfolds, keep an eye on how Mahomes adapts to potential changes in the offensive scheme and the integration of new personnel.

• With a mix of established players and newcomers like running back Brashard Smith and rookie receiver Jalen Royals, the Chiefs aim to fine-tune their strategies before the regular season kicks off.

The bottom line: As the Chiefs gear up for another season, Mahomes’ quest for a higher Madden rating reflects a broader narrative of growth and ambition within the team.

• Despite the pressures of high expectations, the focus remains on the ultimate goal: returning to the Super Bowl and competing for another championship.

Zoom In: Mahomes' thoughts on getting hit during preseason highlight his preparedness for the physical demands of the game.

• "I don't necessarily look forward to getting hit... I'm just excited to see where we're at," he remarked, suggesting a balanced approach to preseason readiness.

Between the lines: The NFL's recent prohibition on ammonia use at games from the 2025 season adds another layer to player health and safety discussions.

• While Mahomes expressed indifference toward smelling salts, they remain a vital part of many players' routines during games, illustrating the unique ways athletes prepare themselves for peak performance.

Patrick Mahomes aims to elevate his game after receiving a Madden NFL 26 rating of 95, placing him behind top quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Why it matters: The Madden ratings often reflect not just player performance but also fan expectations and perceptions. For Mahomes, being rated fourth among quarterbacks may serve as motivation to reclaim the top spot.

• Mahomes has historically been a dominant force, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
• His drive for improvement aligns with the competitive nature of the league, where elite players constantly seek to validate their status through performance.

What’s new: In the upcoming preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Mahomes is expected to start and lead the offense during the first quarter.

• This will be an opportunity for Mahomes and the Chiefs' revamped offensive line, featuring rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and experienced left guard Kingsley Suamataia, to build chemistry ahead of the regular season.

Yes, but: While Mahomes acknowledges his current rating, he remains focused on showcasing his talents on the field rather than getting distracted by external evaluations.

• "I like playing Madden, so I would like to be rated higher," he said. "But I've got to play and showcase that stuff on the field."

What to watch: As the preseason unfolds, keep an eye on how Mahomes adapts to potential changes in the offensive scheme and the integration of new personnel.

• With a mix of established players and newcomers like running back Brashard Smith and rookie receiver Jalen Royals, the Chiefs aim to fine-tune their strategies before the regular season kicks off.

The bottom line: As the Chiefs gear up for another season, Mahomes’ quest for a higher Madden rating reflects a broader narrative of growth and ambition within the team.

• Despite the pressures of high expectations, the focus remains on the ultimate goal: returning to the Super Bowl and competing for another championship.

Zoom In: Mahomes' thoughts on getting hit during preseason highlight his preparedness for the physical demands of the game.

• "I don't necessarily look forward to getting hit... I'm just excited to see where we're at," he remarked, suggesting a balanced approach to preseason readiness.

Between the lines: The NFL's recent prohibition on ammonia use at games from the 2025 season adds another layer to player health and safety discussions.

• While Mahomes expressed indifference toward smelling salts, they remain a vital part of many players' routines during games, illustrating the unique ways athletes prepare themselves for peak performance.