Former NFL LB puts lofty expectations on Patrick Mahomes ahead of playoffs: "What'd you go 15-1 for?"

Patrick Mahomes is seeking lead to the Kansas City Chiefs to a historical accomplishment during the NFL Playoffs following the 2024 season. They have won each of the past two Super Bowls, so if they win another one this year, they will become the first team in NFL history to three-peat.

Former linebacker and current NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho recently explained why the quarterback is under a ton of pressure entering the playoffs. He did so during a segment on The Facility when discussing what's at stake for Mahomes and the Chiefs, as well as another superstar that needs to perform this weekend.

Acho explained:

"It's a lot of pressure on Patrick Mahomes. I would suggest that all of the pressure is on Mahomes. It's very simple, he and Lamar Jackson are the two individuals that can not lose this weekend. Pat, if you went 15-1 and lose this weekend, what'd you go 15-1 for?"

He went on to explain that Lamar Jackson will also have high expectations during the Divisional round. He believes that the two-time NFL MVP is under immense pressure this year, but it's still Mahomes who has the most to deal with.

Acho continued:

"I know Ravens fans, y'all think that Lamar Jackson is the only person that has to deal with this kind of pressure. It's Patrick Mahomes, too. Shady said that Mahomes is about to go to a seventh-straight AFC championship game, with family at home. The operative word there is 'about' to go, but he hasn't gone there yet, so the presuure is in making sure you do go there."

He then outlined that the pressure is on Mahomes to defeat the Houston Texans this week, because everyone already assumes that he will. This puts the Chiefs in an interesting situation with a target on their backs as they face a team in the Texans that he believes has nothing to really lose.

Acho finished:

"You worried about an AFC championship game, but to beat the Texans, first defeat the man with the knife. It's all the pressure on Pat because the Texans got the knife. Don't worry about nobody else."

Emmanuel Acho is essentially warning the Chiefs to not look ahead to the AFC championship game, which would take place at Arrowhead Stadium if they were to get there. They must first defeat the Houston Texans, who have now won playoff games with CJ Stroud in each of his first two seasons with the team.

Patrick Mahomes comments on Divisional round matchup with Texans

Patrick Mahomes

Emmanuel Acho outlined the pressure that Patrick Mahomes is under and explained that the Kansas City Chiefs should not be looking past the Houston Texans to the AFC championship game. The superstar quarterback doesn't seem to be doing so as he recently praised the Texans for being a dangerous opponent in a press conference.

Mahomes stated:

"That defense is extremely real. They have a great quarterback and a great coach."

He added:

"It'll be a great challenge for us and we'll have to play our best football."

The Chiefs defeated the Texans in their first meeting during the 2024 NFL season as a part of Mahomes' incredible 15-1 record as a starter this year. His only loss came against the Buffalo Bills, who he could potentially rematch in the AFC championship game this year.