The 2026 NFL season is barely a month old, but one thing is already clear: Patrick Mahomes has rediscovered his deep-ball mojo. After several seasons of uncharacteristic struggles on throws of 20 or more yards, the Kansas City Chiefs' superstar quarterback is once again torching secondaries downfield. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Mahomes is tied for the third-most big-time throws on deep passes this year despite ranking just 20th in deep attempts, per Pro Football Focus. That efficiency is a scary sight for the rest of the league.
The Numbers Behind the Renaissance
Rewind to 2025, and the narrative was far different. Mahomes completed only 42 of 101 attempts in which the ball traveled at least 15 yards, a 41.6% completion rate that ranked 19th in the NFL. Worse, he threw more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (two) on such throws. The Chiefs' offense, once a vertical juggernaut, had become stagnant. But as the calendar flipped to October 3, 2026, the tide has turned. Mahomes is now delivering with pinpoint accuracy, and the Chiefs are reaping the rewards. As highlighted on Vulius, this resurgence has catapulted Kansas City back into the Super Bowl conversation.
Raiders Present a Tough Test
Sunday's divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders will be a litmus test for Mahomes and the deep passing game. The Raiders have been opportunistic, creating a league-high nine takeaways, including four interceptions. Their aggressive, feisty defense thrives on chaos, and they'll look to bait Mahomes into mistakes. But the Chiefs have protected the rock well, sporting a plus-three turnover differential (tied for fourth-best in the league) with only two giveaways, both Mahomes interceptions. Avoiding turnovers in hostile territory will be crucial.
Weapons and Concerns
While the deep ball is humming, the Chiefs' wide receiver room remains a work in progress. The offseason saw no major investments at the position, and the depth is thin. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have flashed, but neither has emerged as a true go-to target. In fact, running back Kenneth Walker III and tight end Travis Kelce have been just as active in the passing game. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the Chiefs could benefit from adding another weapon out wide or in the slot, especially with Super Bowl aspirations. Jerry Jeudy of the Browns has been mentioned as a potential trade target, but Kansas City may need to get creative to maximize its receiving output.
Defensive Shuffle and Spagnuolo's Challenge
On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a puzzle to solve in the secondary. The return of Chamarri Conner could shake up the safety rotation, with Jaden Hicks and Alohi Gilman having filled in admirably. Spagnuolo acknowledged the dilemma, saying, “Well, we were on a course to kind of keep Chamarri in one spot. I don't know if we're still there now or not.” The Chiefs' pass rush, a strength in years past, will need to disrupt Raiders quarterback Geno Smith to ease pressure on the back end.
Around the League: Romo, Bagent, and Trade Rumors
In other NFL news, Tony Romo and CBS Sports have parted ways following his July OWI arrest. The former Cowboys quarterback expressed gratitude for his time at the network and plans to focus on his health and family. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are expected to start Tyson Bagent at quarterback against the Jets, with Case Keenum also in the mix. And in Cleveland, trade rumors swirl around backup quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, as the Browns remain open for business at the right price.
For Chiefs Kingdom, the message is clear: Mahomes is back to his old tricks, and if the deep ball continues to click, Kansas City will be a force to be reckoned with. As always, stay tuned to Vulius for the latest NFL insights and analysis.
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