Patrick Mahomes Set to Test Top Rookies in Two Must-Watch Games In 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have become a must-watch team every NFL season. In 2025, two of their most compelling matchups may not come against usual contenders. Instead, the intrigue will center around rising rookies facing off with the game’s best quarterback.
In Week 3 and Week 16, Patrick Mahomes will go toe-to-toe with Abdul Carter and Cam Ward, the No. 3 and No. 1 overall picks, respectively. These matchups not only showcase elite talent but also pit future stars against the league’s gold standard.
Week 3: Patrick Mahomes Meets Darth Vader
The Chiefs will head to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Giants. It’s a Sunday Night Football showdown that features a retooled Giants defense led by rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter. The Penn State product is expected to start immediately for a team aiming to bounce back in 2025.
Nicknamed “Darth Vader,” Carter was one of the most feared defenders in college football. His 23.5 tackles for loss in 2024 highlight his ability to wreck opposing offenses. Even with stars like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter is too talented to stay off the field.
Mahomes will be under the spotlight, navigating the pocket while Carter hunts him down. The Giants lead the all-time series 11-4, but recent matchups have shifted momentum toward Kansas City. Mahomes will look to keep that trend going in a loud and hostile environment.
Week 16: Patrick Mahomes Faces His Clone?
In the season’s final stretch, Mahomes will take on rookie quarterback Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans. Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, has drawn frequent comparisons to Mahomes due to his arm strength and improvisation. NFL analyst Emory Hunt called him “arrogantly confident” with the football—just like Mahomes once was.
Ward made every program he touched—Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami—relevant again. His ability to extend plays, fire deep passes, and challenge defenses gives Tennessee a new offensive identity. That identity will be tested when Mahomes and the Chiefs visit in Week 16.
Historically, Mahomes has struggled against the Titans in the regular season. He’s just 1-2 in such games, including a narrow overtime win in 2022. However, with playoff seeding potentially on the line, Mahomes and his veteran-laden squad will likely seize the moment against a first-year quarterback.
Rookies vs. the Standard
Both Carter and Ward will experience their “welcome to the NFL” moment in these games. Facing Mahomes is no easy task, especially with Andy Reid’s offense operating at peak form. Kansas City’s ability to exploit mismatches and adjust on the fly has overwhelmed even the best defenses.
For Carter, his early test will contain Mahomes’ pocket mobility and quick release. Even with elite edge rushers beside him, Carter will need discipline and timing to make an impact. If he does, it could fast-track his rise as one of the league’s best defenders.
Ward, meanwhile, faces the full weight of expectations. Leading a Titans team in a crucial late-season matchup will test his poise and playmaking ability. If he can keep the game close—or even win—it would be a massive statement about his future.
Final Thoughts
These two matchups may not scream “marquee” on paper, but they’re loaded with potential. Both Carter and Ward were top-three draft picks for a reason, and now they’ll face the ultimate test in Mahomes.
While Mahomes has earned his spot atop the quarterback hierarchy, every legend needs challengers. In 2025, a pair of promising rookies will get their shot to prove they belong on that same stage—even if the odds are stacked against them.
