The Exclusive Club: The Only Quarterbacks To Defeat Patrick Mahomes In The Playoffs

Since his rise as the Kansas City Chiefs’ franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes has redefined excellence in the NFL playoffs. His dominance has been nearly unparalleled, consistently leading the Chiefs deep into the postseason. However, in the last seven years, only three quarterbacks have managed to defeat him when it matters most: Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts.

This statistic alone speaks volumes about Mahomes’ greatness. The Chiefs have become the most consistent powerhouse in the AFC, making multiple Super Bowl appearances under his leadership. Yet, the rare instances where Mahomes has fallen have come at the hands of some of the best quarterbacks in the game.

Let’s take a deep dive into these three quarterbacks, how they managed to topple Mahomes, and what makes this exclusive club so special.

Tom Brady: The GOAT Ends Mahomes’ Super Bowl Dream (Twice)

If anyone was going to be a roadblock to Patrick Mahomes’ early dominance, it had to be Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback of all time. Brady has defeated Mahomes in the playoffs twice, cementing his status as the ultimate playoff competitor.

2018 AFC Championship Game: Patriots vs. Chiefs

In Mahomes’ first full season as a starter, he took the league by storm, leading the Chiefs to a 12-4 record and an AFC Championship Game matchup against Brady’s New England Patriots.

Mahomes had an incredible game, throwing for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Despite his heroics, the Patriots, led by Brady’s clutch performance, forced overtime and scored on the opening drive, preventing Mahomes from getting the ball.

Brady’s experience, along with Bill Belichick’s coaching, proved to be the difference, but this game set the stage for Mahomes’ future dominance.

Super Bowl LV: Buccaneers vs. Chiefs (2020 Season)

Mahomes’ second playoff loss to Brady came on the biggest stage possible—the Super Bowl. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Brady at the helm, dismantled the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV, winning 31-9.

Mahomes was under relentless pressure, getting sacked three times and hit eight times by the Bucs’ defense.
The Chiefs’ offensive line struggled, forcing Mahomes into desperate throws.

This game remains Mahomes’ only Super Bowl loss, and it came against the GOAT, who secured his seventh championship ring.

Joe Burrow: The Bengal King Who Took Down Mahomes in Arrowhead

While many quarterbacks have tried and failed, Joe Burrow stands out as one of the few signal-callers who have had consistent success against Mahomes.

2021 AFC Championship Game: Bengals vs. Chiefs

Burrow’s defining moment against Mahomes came in the 2021 AFC Championship Game, where he led the Cincinnati Bengals to an upset victory over the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.

After trailing 21-3, Burrow led a second-half comeback, showcasing his poise under pressure.
The Bengals’ defense adjusted, forcing Mahomes into two costly interceptions.
Cincinnati won in overtime, with kicker Evan McPherson sealing the victory.

Burrow proved he could go toe-to-toe with Mahomes and beat him on his home turf, something very few quarterbacks can claim.

Why Burrow Has Been a Problem for Mahomes

Burrow’s calm demeanor, quick release, and ability to exploit defenses have made him a nightmare matchup for the Chiefs. The Bengals’ defensive strategy, which focuses on dropping extra defenders into coverage while pressuring Mahomes selectively, has also played a crucial role in their success.

Jalen Hurts: The Quarterback Who Finally Defeated Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX

For years, Jalen Hurts had been one of the few quarterbacks capable of matching Patrick Mahomes on the biggest stage. After coming close in Super Bowl LVII, Hurts got his revenge in Super Bowl LIX, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a stunning victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and officially becoming the third quarterback to defeat Mahomes in the playoffs.

Super Bowl LIX: Eagles vs. Chiefs (2024 Season)

Hurts and the Eagles entered Super Bowl LIX determined to finish what they started two years prior. This time, they executed their game plan to perfection, handing Mahomes his second Super Bowl loss.

Hurts delivered a masterful performance, throwing for 325 passing yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 85 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
The Eagles’ defense, which had struggled in Super Bowl LVII, stepped up and pressured Mahomes relentlessly, forcing key mistakes.
A clutch fourth-quarter drive led by Hurts sealed the game, preventing another late-game comeback from the Chiefs.

Why Hurts’ Victory Is Historic

This win cements Jalen Hurts’ legacy as one of the elite quarterbacks of his era. He didn’t just compete with Mahomes—he defeated him on the NFL’s biggest stage, something only Tom Brady and Joe Burrow had done before.

With this victory, Hurts not only secured his first Super Bowl ring but also ended Mahomes’ dominant playoff streak, proving that the Eagles are built to contend for years to come.

What Makes These Quarterbacks Different?

Not just anyone can defeat Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. The three quarterbacks who have done so share key characteristics that make them special:

1. Experience and Composure Under Pressure

Brady is the greatest playoff performer in NFL history.
Burrow has ice in his veins and never gets rattled.
Hurts showed poise and leadership on the biggest stage.

2. Elite Decision-Making

Brady won with his quick reads and clutch throws.
Burrow exploited Mahomes’ defense with precise passing.
Hurts made smart plays with both his arm and legs.

3. Strong Defensive Support

The Patriots and Bucs had elite defenses that pressured Mahomes.
The Bengals’ defense made critical second-half adjustments.
The Eagles kept pace but couldn’t stop Mahomes in the second half.

Will Anyone Else Join This Elite Club?

With Mahomes still in his prime and Kansas City’s dominance in the AFC, the list of quarterbacks who have beaten him in the playoffs remains incredibly short. However, future Super Bowl contenders like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and C.J. Stroud could soon get their shot.But as history has shown, beating Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs is one of the toughest challenges in the NFL. Only the best of the best have done it.The question remains: Who will be the next quarterback to dethrone Mahomes in the postseason?