Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has been named the top quarterback in the NFL according to a new ESPN survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Previously, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs held this title. However, Allen’s performance over recent seasons positioned him to claim the top spot in this annual poll.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler remarked that Allen had to work for each vote to achieve this status. Allen’s average ranking was 2.10 per ballot, edging out Mahomes, who had a 41.5% first-place vote rate compared to Allen’s 34.1%.
An NFL general manager stated that Allen, being the only player with over 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns in NFL history, deserves this ranking.
In the list, Mahomes came in second, followed by Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson completing the top five.
The comparison between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes in recent years highlights the narrow gap between the two. From 2023 to 2025:
- Josh Allen: 11,705 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, 34 interceptions, 98.6 passer rating
- Patrick Mahomes: 11,698 passing yards, 75 passing touchdowns, 36 interceptions, 91.9 passer rating
Allen demonstrates a slight advantage in productivity and efficiency, which is even more pronounced in rushing. In the past three seasons, Allen has rushed for 41 touchdowns, compared to Mahomes’ 7, making Allen’s total touchdowns 123 versus Mahomes’ 82.
This comparison channels memories of earlier football rivalries, with Mahomes likened to Tom Brady with his championships and comebacks, whereas Allen parallels Peyton Manning as the week-to-week superior player.
However, Mahomes supporters cite surrounding talent discrepancies. Despite both dealing with subpar receiving teams, Allen’s Bills had stronger offensive line support—ranked third by Sharp Football Analysis before the 2026 season, while Kansas City’s line ranked 23rd. Moreover, Bills’ running back James Cook led the league in rushing, while Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt’s performance lagged behind.
Alternatively, Mahomes’ advocates highlight his coaching advantage, having Andy Reid and Brett Veach, renowned for their skill and decision-making, in their corner.
The discussion over who currently stands supreme underscores the close competition between Allen and Mahomes. Yet, despite debates in sports media criticizing Allen’s capabilities, football professionals firmly place him alongside Mahomes.
Entering 2026, the football evaluators recognize Allen as slightly superior in performance. This perspective may shift as Mahomes recovers from an ACL injury, but for now, Allen has risen to the top.