The rivalry between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen has taken a dramatic turn as analysts suggest the Buffalo Bills star has now surpassed the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback as the NFL’s premier signal-caller. This shift has been unfolding over recent seasons, fueling debate about who truly leads the league in quarterback excellence.
Josh Allen came close last season to toppling Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC divisional round, losing by just three points. Despite the narrow defeat, experts argue that Allen’s performance signals a new era where he stands as the player to beat across football.
Changing of the Guard: Why Josh Allen Is Rising Above Mahomes
Sam Monson, a respected NFL analyst, recently declared that Allen has overtaken Mahomes to become the best quarterback currently in the league. On the sports analysis show Check the Mic, Monson stated,
“The best quarterback right now is [Bills] Josh Allen… he’s become the guy. For years, it was [Patrick] Mahomes. Obviously, Brady [in the previous] generation, once they went, Mahomes took over.” —Sam Monson, NFL Analyst
Monson acknowledged Mahomes’ spectacular early career, filled with highlight-worthy plays, but pointed out a decline in his killer instinct over the past two seasons. He added,
“The start of Mahomes’ career was absolutely mind-blowing. The last couple of years, though, he’s not been that guy. Really it’s been Josh Allen.” —Sam Monson, NFL Analyst
While Chiefs fans highlight Mahomes’ remarkable achievements, including four straight Super Bowl appearances and three victories, Allen’s dynamic playing style and improved vision earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player honor in 2024, underscoring his rise.
Former NFL quarterback turned analyst Chris Simms ranks Mahomes fourth in his yearly quarterback list, noting that Mahomes heavily benefited from the Chiefs’ strong defense in several games last season. This viewpoint contrasts Monson’s, reflecting a divided opinion on who currently holds the crown.
The Complex Rivalry and Off-Field Friendship Between Mahomes and Allen
Though Mahomes and Allen fiercely compete on the field, their off-field relationship tells a different story. The two quarterbacks reportedly share a strong camaraderie away from the spotlight despite public expectations of animosity.
Before a celebrity golf event in Las Vegas, Allen told People magazine,
“I know people want us to kind of hate each other for what we do and who we play for and how many times we’ve played against each other. But it’s hard to hate such a good dude.” —Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills QB
Mahomes has similarly spoken about their connection, remembering their first meeting at the Masters Tournament where they immediately hit it off, showing respect beyond their rivalry on the field.
Patrick Mahomes on the Meaning of Fatherhood
While Allen recently married his celebrity partner, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahomes has been a family man since marrying Brittany Mahomes, his high school sweetheart, in 2022. Their daughter, Sterling, was born less than a year before their wedding.
In interviews, Mahomes revealed how becoming a father changed his perspective, especially his close bond with his daughter. He reflected,
“Growing [up], I wanted to have a boy first, then I had a girl & it’s like God knew exactly what to do with me. He helped me mature as a man. It’s a different bond with a daughter because you’ve got to be that protector.” —Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs QB
This heartfelt sentiment has sparked conversations about fatherhood and masculinity in the sports community, highlighting the softer side of one of football’s greatest stars. Allen and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce might soon find themselves seeking advice from Mahomes on balancing family life with a demanding career.
Implications for the NFL Quarterback Landscape
The ongoing debate over who leads the NFL between Mahomes and Allen signals a shift in quarterback dynamics, illustrating the intense and evolving competition at the game’s highest level. Allen’s emergence as a top contender has intensified rivalry narratives and added new excitement to the sport’s future.
As both quarterbacks continue to perform at elite levels, fans and experts alike await their next encounters with anticipation, knowing each matchup could redefine the leadership hierarchy of NFL quarterbacks.