​The most recent ESPN NFL survey, conducted by Jeremy Fowler, produced top-10 rankings across 11 quarterback positions. In a notable shift, there is a new No. 1 this year, replacing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the top of the list. The honor goes to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen topped the rankings, with the highest placement at No. 1 and the lowest recorded at No. 4. He is 30 years old, and last year’s ranking for him was No. 2. Allen has long sought to surpass Mahomes, and this year he finally managed to garner enough votes to reach the pinnacle. He benefited from strong composite voting, averaging 2.10 in ranking per ballot, which helped him overcome a first-place share of 34.1 percent — slightly below Mahomes’ 41.5 percent.
A general manager who spoke to Fowler encapsulated why Allen belongs at the very top: “He’s the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game,” the GM said, adding that Allen has reduced his turnovers over the past two seasons. By contrast, Mahomes was ranked No. 2, marking the first year he has not been listed first since 2022, when Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers was No. 1 and Mahomes was No. 2.
This year, Mahomes drew at least one vote ranking him as the best quarterback in the NFL, while at least one other voter placed him at No. 9. Fowler shared some compelling quotes from around the league that shed light on the discussion:
“I think the hits were taking a toll even before the injury,” an NFL coordinator remarked. “He’s not the biggest guy. He’s such a stud, but the violent hits he’s taken, the big-time shots, are a thing.”
Another veteran NFL defensive coach offered a candid critique of Mahomes’ overall play: “Mahomes struggled even before the injury last year — held the ball too long and forced throws when it wasn’t necessary. He still has a tendency to chase the big play instead of keeping the offense on schedule.” Yet that same coach added, “If they don’t have him, they win three games, tops [last year].”
If Mahomes needed more incentive to reclaim his status, these assessments provide ample motivation for a dramatic response. Last season, Mahomes was unable to reach the AFC Championship for the first time in his career, while Allen also failed to reach the Super Bowl, with his 30th birthday approaching this year.
The perception among NFL minds surveyed by Fowler suggests that Allen’s talent now surpasses the résumé Mahomes has built in the eyes of a broad segment of media and evaluators. This aligns with recent national narratives that have increasingly spotlighted Allen’s growth and consistency. It remains to be seen whether Mahomes can reassert his dominance, but the conversation this year clearly centers on Allen’s ascent to the sport’s peak position.
As for expectations going forward, there is no shortage of intrigue. The Chiefs will aim to show that Mahomes remains the premier quarterback in the league, while Allen and the Bills will look to leverage this momentum to make a deeper playoff run. The rankings, as released, reflect a moment in time where Allen’s all-around game and recent improvements have elevated him above Mahomes in the eyes of a substantial portion of evaluators, even as Mahomes continues to be viewed as one of the very best in the sport. This dynamic will likely fuel spirited debates through the postseason and into the next offseason.