Allen Rises to Top Quarterback Spot
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been recognized as the top quarterback in the NFL, according to recent surveys of league executives, coaches, scouts, and writers. This marks a shift from previous years, where Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs held the top position.
An annual poll conducted by one sports media outlet, which surveyed NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, placed Allen at number one. The survey noted that Allen averaged a ranking of 2.10 per ballot, helping him to surpass Mahomes, despite Mahomes receiving a higher percentage of first-place votes.
One NFL general manager highlighted Allen’s unique statistical achievement, noting he is the only player in NFL history with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns. This general manager described Allen as the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when he is performing at his best, also noting a reduction in turnovers over the past two seasons.
Separately, a preseason survey of Associated Press pro football writers also named Allen the NFL’s top quarterback. Allen, who was the 2024 AP NFL Most Valuable Player, received five first-place votes from an eight-person panel. He appeared on all eight ballots and also garnered one second-place, one third-place, and one fourth-place vote.
Comparing Recent Performance
Over the past three seasons, from 2023 through 2025, Allen has shown slightly more productivity and efficiency as a passer compared to Mahomes. Allen accumulated 11,705 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, and 34 interceptions, with a 98.6 passer rating. In contrast, Mahomes recorded 11,698 passing yards, 75 passing touchdowns, and 36 interceptions, with a 91.9 passer rating during the same period.
The rushing aspect of Allen’s game further differentiates him. Over the last three seasons, Allen rushed for 41 touchdowns, significantly more than Mahomes’ seven rushing touchdowns. This brings Allen’s total touchdowns over that span to 123, while Mahomes had 82.
Mahomes, who ranked first in the annual poll a year ago, fell to second this year. Other quarterbacks rounding out the top five in the executive, coach, and scout survey included Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson.
In the AP writers’ poll, Mahomes finished second, followed by Stafford, Jackson, and Burrow. Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl MVP, suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 of his last season, which ended his season on the sideline. The Chiefs had a 6-8 record with Mahomes and lost all three games without him. He had 3,587 passing yards for 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions before his injury. Mahomes is aiming to be ready for Week 1 as Kansas City looks to rebound from its first losing season under Andy Reid.
Season Highlights for Top Quarterbacks
Allen followed his MVP season with another strong campaign in 2025. He threw for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, achieving a 102.2 passer rating. He also ran for 579 yards and 14 scores, making his fourth Pro Bowl and finishing third in MVP voting. Despite his performance, the Bills’ streak of five consecutive AFC East titles ended, and they were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career. He led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, throwing eight interceptions and achieving a 109.2 passer rating. The Rams finished with a 14-6 record, including two playoff victories before a loss in the conference championship.
Jackson, a three-time All-Pro and two-time NFL MVP, experienced his first losing season as a starter, with the Baltimore Ravens missing the playoffs. He threw for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, with a 103.8 passer rating. Jackson also had a career-low 349 rushing yards and two scores.
Burrow played only eight games last season due to a toe injury, leading the Bengals to a 5-3 record during his appearances. He threw for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 100.7. This was the third time Burrow played 10 or fewer games due to injuries.
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Source: foxnews.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.