For years, the undisputed king of the NFL was Patrick Mahomes. However, following a challenging season that ended with a torn ACL, and a surge of elite play from his peers, the debate about who holds the crown of best quarterback in the NFL is raging.
While Mahomes’ career legacy remains unquestioned, a newly released annual survey of executives, coaches, and scouts suggests the top spot has officially changed hands. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of whether Mahomes is still the best quarterback in the NFL, and why the conversation has shifted.
Is Patrick Mahomes No Longer the Best Quarterback in the NFL?
The Shift at the Top: Enter Josh Allen
For the first time in several seasons, Mahomes was surpassed in the annual poll to determine the best quarterback in the NFL. The distinction of the league’s top quarterback now belongs to Buffalo Bills superstar Josh Allen.
Allen took advantage of composite voting to edge out Mahomes, averaging a ranking of 2.10 per ballot. One NFL general manager perfectly summed up the shift, stating that Allen is “the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game.” As the only player in NFL history with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns, Allen’s dual-threat dominance has made him a heavy favorite to claim the title of best quarterback in the NFL heading into the new season.
Widespread NFL expert surveys also favored Allen for the number one spot, confirming that the change at the top is a consensus opinion among league insiders.
A Tough Year on the Throne
To understand why Mahomes might no longer be considered the best quarterback in the NFL, you have to look at the recent campaign. It was undeniably the most difficult stretch of Mahomes’ career, culminating in a devastating torn ACL late in the season. The Kansas City Chiefs struggled to find their usual offensive rhythm, missing the postseason entirely, a stark departure from their usual dominance during the Mahomes’ era.
Statistically, Mahomes saw a notable dip in his numbers before his injury, looking human for the first time in his career. Combined with the injury, his uncharacteristic struggles contributed to voters looking elsewhere when crowning the best quarterback in the NFL.
A Victim of High Expectations
One of the major factors fueling this debate is that Mahomes is battling against his own astronomical standards. When you burst onto the scene by throwing for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, and rattling off three Super Bowl championships, anything less than perfection is framed as a decline.
Even in his down years, Mahomes’ situational metrics, clutch factor, and ability to elevate a transitioning roster have kept him in the conversation for best quarterback in the NFL. Even on the recent rankings, he received the highest percentage of individual first-place at 41.5 percent and locked in firmly as the league’s number two signal-caller.
The Other Contenders
The debate over the best quarterback in the NFL isn’t just a two-man race. The league is absolutely loaded with incredible talent. The Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford vaulted to the number three spot after an impressive MVP-winning campaign.
Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson consistently put up MVP-caliber numbers and carry their respective franchises. With so much parity and generational talent, the gap between the top options is closer than ever. The title of best quarterback in the NFL is no longer a given, it must be earned anew every Sunday.
The Verdict: Has Mahomes Lost the Crown?
In terms of pure, right-now, week-to-week impact and playmaking, the consensus from coaches and executives is that Mahomes is no longer the definitive best quarterback in the NFL. Allen’s recent production and physical dominance puts him in the top spot for most people. With that said, I still believe that Allen, Jackson, or even Burrow need at least one Super Bowl victory to truly be considered better than Mahomes.
Counting out a three-time Super Bowl MVP who is highly motivated to bounce back from a knee injury would be a mistake. Mahomes may have relinquished his throne for this year, but a fully healthy comeback could easily see him reclaim his title as the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
