Nick Wright's "quarterback mountain" has a new leader entering Week 3 of the NFL season, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen taking the top spot. Allen's ascent displaces Trevor Lawrence, who held the No. 1 position for just one week.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, who had been a contender for the top spot, now resides in second place. Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams also occupies a spot on the second row, with Wright expressing confidence that Mahomes will climb back up the rankings.
The list also sees several notable quarterback injuries impacting its composition. Aaron Rodgers, Jameis Winston, Cam Ward, Malik Willis, Jayden Daniels, Jaxson Dart, and Sam Darnold have all been removed from the mountain due to various injuries. Caleb Williams remains eligible despite his team's performance, as he has not yet missed a game.
In the lower tiers of the rankings, quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Justin Herbert, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Michael Penix Jr., Marcus Mariota, and Deshaun Watson are discussed. Watson makes the mountain for the first time this season, while Penix is included due to Wright's belief in his potential.
Jordan Love and Drew Lock are positioned on the sixth row. The performance of Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos is also highlighted, with Wright noting his improved play in the fourth quarter of a recent game. Kyler Murray moves up from outside the mountain, with Wright stating he is back and expected to be fine.
The fifth row features several young quarterbacks in transition, including Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Bryce Young, Tyler Shough, and C.J. Stroud. Wright expresses concern over Maye's early season struggles, while Stroud is noted as having played adequately despite his team's low scoring output.
Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Jared Goff occupy the fourth row. Goff's inclusion is attributed to his team's consistent scoring and his strong performance against the Bills.
The third row sees Trevor Lawrence and Lamar Jackson. Lawrence's reign at the top was short-lived, and Jackson drops slightly due to a disappointing second half and a late interception. Brock Purdy is praised for his consistent performance despite receiving injuries.
Wright emphasized Allen's suitability for the current part of the season, stating, "There is no player, maybe in the history of the NFL, certainly in the league right now, you would rather have quarterbacking your team when it's pumpkin spice latte season. That is Josh Allen."