Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been ranked as the NFL's best quarterback, surpassing Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a new ESPN survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts heading into the 2026 season. Allen received an average ranking of 2.10 per ballot, while Mahomes, who held the top spot a year prior, fell to second. Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson completed the top five.
According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, Allen "had to fight for every vote" to overtake Mahomes. One NFL general manager noted Allen's unique dual-threat ability, highlighting him as the only player in NFL history with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns.
While Mahomes' legacy, marked by multiple Super Bowl titles and playoff appearances, remains superior, the survey focused on current performance. Between the 2023 and 2025 seasons, Allen has slightly outperformed Mahomes in passing yards and efficiency, throwing for 11,705 yards and 82 touchdowns with a 98.6 passer rating, compared to Mahomes' 11,698 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and a 91.9 passer rating. The most significant statistical difference lies in their rushing production, where Allen has accumulated 41 rushing touchdowns over the same period, compared to Mahomes' seven, resulting in 123 total touchdowns for Allen versus 82 for Mahomes.
Factors beyond individual statistics are also part of the discussion. The Buffalo Bills' offensive line was ranked third in the NFL entering the 2026 season by Sharp Football Analysis, while the Kansas City Chiefs' line was ranked 23rd. Additionally, the Bills' running game has been more potent, with James Cook leading the league in rushing last season. However, Mahomes benefits from playing under head coach Andy Reid and alongside general manager Brett Veach.
The survey's findings contrast with some media narratives surrounding Allen, which have sometimes characterized him as overrated. The survey indicates that the evaluators who assess players professionally see Allen as on par with, and slightly ahead of, Mahomes at this time. The article suggests that while Mahomes' legacy is secure, Allen's current on-field performance warrants his No. 1 ranking.