Mahomes Eyes Comeback Player of the Year as Chiefs Gear Up for Another Run

Mahomes Eyes Comeback Player of the Year as Chiefs Gear Up for Another Run
Calli Varner Profile Picture

Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL, but don't count him or the Kansas City Chiefs out. Mahomes is on pace to return for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos for a Monday Night Football divisional showdown on September 13, and the Kansas sports betting is already treating him like the favorite he's always been.

Mahomes Dominates the Odds Board

FanDuel lists Mahomes at -1000 to start Week 1, as close to a lock as you'll find on any betting board. Beyond just returning, most major sportsbooks have him as the frontrunner for Comeback Player of the Year. Tearing an ACL and coming back to lead the team as Super Bowl contenders would be a signature Mahomes moment, and bettors aren't waiting around to act on it.

Kansas City Chiefs Playoff Odds Are Turning Heads

The Kansas City Chiefs playoff odds are among the most favorable in the AFC heading into 2026, and it's easy to see why.

Eric Bieniemy returns as offensive coordinator, giving the offense a familiar structure around Mahomes. Kenneth Walker brings a physical presence at running back, Travis Kelce remains one of the best weapons in football, and Jalen Royals and Xavier Worthy give Mahomes speed on the outside. Up front, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith anchor one of the better offensive lines in the league.

The defense isn't going anywhere either. Chris Jones and George Karlaftis headline a pass rush that makes opposing quarterbacks' lives miserable, Nick Bolton is a sideline-to-sideline presence at linebacker, and Justin Reid brings veteran savvy at safety.

Can the Chiefs Get Back to the Super Bowl?

Kansas betting apps are already posting futures for a Chiefs Super Bowl run, and the early returns are promising. A healthy Mahomes, a proven coaching staff, and one of the deepest rosters in the AFC make Kansas City a legitimate threat to return to the Super Bowl in 2026. The revenge tour is loading.

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Author

Calli Varner

Calli has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

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