NFL Predictions: Patrick Mahomes will return to dominance in comeback season

Patrick Mahomes is back in focus as the Kansas City Chiefs chase lofty preseason expectations. Oddsmakers project KC among nine “elite” teams with a projected win total of 10.5 or better, a goal that hinges on Mahomes looking like his usual self after a difficult 2024. For the first time in his career, he had a losing record as a starter, and his season ended in Week 15 with a torn ACL and LCL. After a long rehab, NFL insider Ian Rapoport expects him to return for Week 1. Despite competition like Aaron Donald and Jayden Daniels (+750 each), Mahomes is favored for Comeback Player of the Year at +200 at Caesars.