Patrick Mahomes Leads Chiefs to Fifth Walk-Off Win: “I’d Love to Win Without the Drama”

Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to high-stakes moments, but even the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback admits the frequent nail-biters are wearing him out.

On Sunday, Spencer Shrader’s 31-yard field goal as time expired secured a dramatic 30–27 victory over the Carolina Panthers, lifting the Chiefs to an impressive 10–1 record. It was the team’s fifth walk-off win this season, continuing their trend of nerve-wracking finishes.

Thriving Under Pressure

The Chiefs remain the only undefeated team in one-score games this season, boasting an 8–0 record in such matchups—the most in the NFL in 2024. Whether it’s blocking critical field goals, engineering late-game drives, or making defensive stands, Kansas City has mastered the art of closing out tight games.

“You always want to have some blowouts and be a little calmer in the fourth quarter,” Mahomes shared via The Associated Press. “But I’ve always said it can be a good thing heading into the playoffs, knowing you’ve been in those moments before and can handle them. That said, I’d love to win a game not by the very last play.”

Sunday’s Heart-Stopping Finish

In Sunday’s contest, the Chiefs built a comfortable 20–6 lead against the struggling Panthers. However, Carolina rookie quarterback Bryce Young spearheaded a fierce comeback, tying the game at 27 with just 1:46 left on the clock.

For Mahomes, that was plenty of time.

The three-time Super Bowl MVP showcased his trademark composure, leading Kansas City into field goal range. A critical third-and-2 pass to DeAndre Hopkins kept the drive alive, but the game’s defining moment came when Mahomes scrambled for 33 yards, refusing to step out of bounds as he drove his team closer to victory.

“It’s not like I pre-plan that stuff,” Mahomes said of his clutch runs. “When it comes down to it, and you’ve got to make a play, I feel like I try to go out there and make it happen.”

Mahomes’ Legacy in Close Games

Sunday’s win added another chapter to Mahomes’ legacy. He now holds a remarkable 59–4 career record, including playoffs, when his team has held a 14-point lead at any point in the game. The last time Mahomes lost such a game? The 2021 AFC Championship against the Bengals.

His late-game heroics and ability to perform under immense pressure continue to define his leadership on the field. While Mahomes acknowledges the toll these nail-biting finishes take, he believes they prepare the Chiefs for the postseason.

“You don’t want to slide,” Mahomes added, reflecting on his fearless approach. “You have to put your body on the line, knowing you might take hits. But we’ve been able to make big runs in big moments, and that’s what matters.”