Associated Press names Patrick Mahomes top quarterback of 2018

The Associated Press has named Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes the top NFL quarterback of 2018, it announced in an article posted on Friday.

“I am happy for all these guys, whatever accolades they get,” head coach Andy Reid said upon learning the news. “Patrick has worked hard for all of that stuff. There are a lot of great players in this league, so all the sudden you get pointed out as doing that, it’s important.

“Then it’s important to get back to what is real and that’s the game. I am happy for him. A lot of work went into that for him. It’s been great for him. Anything he gets is great.”

(The other) AP writer Rob Maaddi drafted the post:

MAADDI: Patrick Mahomes has dazzled NFL audiences with no-look passes, left-handed throws and stellar performances in just his first full season as a starter.

The dynamic Mahomes has the Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) leading the AFC and he’s already earning top honors.

Mahomes barely squeaked past Drew Brees as the NFL’s top quarterback in 2018 in voting released Friday by a panel of 10 football writers for The Associated Press. Mahomes received six first-place votes, three seconds and one third. Brees got the other four first-place votes.

The Associated Press vote for quarterbacks is a good sign for Mahomes’ is MVP chances, but it is still not a certainty.

As the article states, a panel of 10 sportswriters votes on top quarterback, but a panel of 50 sportswriters votes for AP NFL MVP at the end of the season. There are also still two games remaining on the schedule.

“When Mahomes got off to a ridiculously good start, many wondered if he could keep up that pace. The answer has been a resounding yes, and the Chiefs gunslinger has shown no sign of slowing,” said New York-based Dennis Waszak Jr., according to the article.

Here are the numbers as they stand ahead of Week 16:

Patrick Mahomes: 346/516 for 4,453 yards, 45 touchdowns and 11 interceptions

Drew Brees: 337/450 for 3,666 yards, 31 touchdowns and 5 interceptions

Andrew Luck: 375/557 for 3,951 yards, 34 touchdowns and 13 interceptions

Philip Rivers: 310/447 for 3,951 yards, 31 touchdowns an 8 interceptions

I think the fact that there is a debate between Mahomes and Brees is ridiculous. Take away the names and leave the stats, and there is no question who the top player in the league was for 2018.

The odds still favor Mahomes, but anything can happen.

Here were the top 10 QBs:

1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

2. Drew Brees, Saints

3. Philip Rivers, Chargers

4. Andrew Luck, Colts

5. Tom Brady, Patriots

6. Russell Wilson, Seahawks

7. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

8. Jared Goff, Rams

9. Deshaun Watson, Texans

10. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers