Patrick Mahomes’ Most Underrated Plays You Might Have Missed: Hidden Gems from the Field

When it comes to NFL superstars, few shine brighter than Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has already carved his name into the history books with dazzling performances and jaw-dropping throws that have left fans breathless. But while his record-breaking plays often steal the spotlight, there are plenty of underrated moments that showcase Mahomes’ creativity, vision, and game IQ. Let’s dive into some of the hidden gems from Mahomes' 2024 and 2025 seasons that you might have missed—but won’t want to forget!

The Magnificent Misdirect

One of the most awe-inspiring underrated plays from Mahomes’ arsenal comes from a nail-biting game against the Los Angeles Chargers in late 2024. With just a minute left on the clock and the Chiefs trailing by four points, Mahomes orchestrated a beautiful misdirection play that had fans on the edge of their seats.

As he took the snap, Mahomes faked a handoff to running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, drawing the defense in like moths to a flame. Instead of running the play as everyone expected, Mahomes turned on his heels and launched a perfectly-timed pass to tight end Travis Kelce—who was wide open in the end zone! The play not only showcased Mahomes’ stellar decision-making but also highlighted his ability to manipulate defenses while remaining calm under pressure. Classic Mahomes magic!

The Two-Handed Flip

Another underrated highlight came during the 2025 season opener against the New York Jets. It was a crucial moment in the third quarter when Mahomes found himself in a sticky situation as defenders closed in. In a stunning display of creativity, he executed a two-handed flip pass to running back Jerick McKinnon, who was lurking near the sideline.

While many would have opted to simply throw the ball away, Mahomes turned what could have been a disastrous sack into a momentum shift. McKinnon scampered down the sideline for a solid gain, and fans were left buzzing about Mahomes’ uncanny ability to make something out of nothing. Plays like these are what separate the good from the great, and Mahomes proved yet again that he's on another level!

The Sneaky Lateral

Fast forward to an intense matchup against the Denver Broncos late in the 2025 season. The Chiefs found themselves in a dilemma lodged deep in enemy territory, facing a crucial fourth down. Mahomes took the snap, and what happened next left fans basking in his brilliance.

Instead of attempting a challenging throw or risking an ill-timed rush, Mahomes executed a sneaky lateral to rookie wide receiver Rasheed Rice, who was effortlessly maneuvering through a tight pocket of defenders. This unexpected lateral not only caught the Broncos off guard but also highlighted Mahomes' ability to think outside the box. Rice completed the play with an explosive dash for a first down, rejuvenating his team's momentum. If that's not ingenuity, we don't know what is!

The Subtle Stutter-Step

One of the overlooked highlights of Mahomes’ 2024 season came during a heated clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Facing a robust defense, Mahomes’ footwork was on full display. In one series, he orchestrated an astonishing stutter-step maneuver that caused two defenders to collide comically, while Mahomes elegantly sidestepped their grasp.

In that same play, he somehow found time to scan the field and locate a streaking Marquez Valdes-Scantling down the sideline for a long touchdown pass. This play demonstrated not only Mahomes’ athleticism but also the intricate ways he manipulates the game with his feet. A seamless blend of agility and accuracy—now that's the stuff of legends!

The Unseen Evade

Many of us remember Mahomes for his thrilling eludes and scrambles, but one play during the 2025 season against the Miami Dolphins flew under the radar. With pressure mounting in the pocket, Mahomes rolled out while expertly evading two defenders. Just when it seemed he had nowhere to go, he took an abrupt step back and let loose a pinpoint pass to Kelce—this time in the middle of the field rather than the end zone!

The details of this play might not have garnered as much attention, but it’s a prime display of Mahomes’ ability to stay composed even while chaos reigns around him. When the stakes are high, he finds ways to elevate those around him. It's moments like these that make us truly appreciate the intricate layers to Mahomes’ game.

The Silent Touch

Finally, let’s not forget about a subtle but significant play that took place during a critical moment in the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. With the game tied late in the fourth, Mahomes made a series of short checkdown passes that looked routine but were actually gameplay-defining.

These plays might seem pedestrian compared to his jaw-dropping touchdowns, but they kept the chains moving and maintained momentum, showcasing his football IQ and strategic mindset. This level of awareness is why Mahomes is not just a player to watch but a master of the game—intellectually wrapped in the fabric of fierce competition.

Final Thoughts

Patrick Mahomes is often recognized for his stunning deep throws and astonishing last-second heroics, but it’s the underrated plays—the unseen moments of brilliance—that truly capture his essence as a quarterback. As we continue to witness his evolution and impact on the game, let’s appreciate every layer of Mahomes’ skill set that makes each outing an unforgettable performance. You might just find yourself cheering for those lesser-known highlights alongside the iconic touchdowns in no time!

So the next time you block out some time for that classic Chiefs game rewatch, keep an eye on those hidden gems—you’ll be amazed at what you discover!