Since 2020, few debates in the NFL have stirred more conversation than the one surrounding Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Two elite quarterbacks, both squarely in their primes, both capable of jaw-dropping plays on any given Sunday-and both at the center of one of the most compelling modern rivalries in football: Bills vs. Chiefs.
Yes, the league is packed with talent under center. Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert have all made their mark.
And the next wave-Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye-is already knocking on the door. But when it comes to the top of the quarterback hierarchy, it’s Allen and Mahomes who have defined the last few seasons.
And the numbers, the moments, and the matchups back that up.
Let’s talk rivalry. Since 2021, the Bills have had the upper hand in the regular season.
Buffalo has consistently handled Kansas City in October and November. But come playoff time, it’s been a different story.
In four of the last five postseason meetings between these two teams, it’s been Mahomes and the Chiefs advancing, while Allen and the Bills are left searching for answers. It’s a dynamic that’s added fuel to an already fiery quarterback comparison-one that’s not just about stats, but about moments, resilience, and postseason pedigree.
But this season, the script has flipped in a dramatic way. The Chiefs have been eliminated from playoff contention, and Patrick Mahomes is officially done for the year after tearing his ACL last Sunday against the Chargers.
It’s a brutal blow for Kansas City, and a rare sight in the Mahomes era-January football without No. 15.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen and the Bills are still very much alive. Buffalo is pushing for the AFC East crown and looks poised to make yet another postseason appearance. And with Mahomes sidelined, Allen has a fresh opportunity to lead his team deep into the playoffs-and perhaps reshape the narrative that’s followed him for the last few years.
Earlier today, Colin Cowherd added his voice to the conversation, and he didn’t hold back. On The Herd, Cowherd said, “The last two years, Mahomes is not even in Josh’s league.
It ain’t close.” That’s a bold statement-but it’s rooted in some eye-opening data.
Cowherd broke down their performances specifically in second halves and overtime over the past two seasons. And the numbers favor Allen.
He’s posted a higher completion percentage, a better touchdown-to-interception ratio, and a significantly stronger passer rating in those clutch moments. In other words, when the game tightens up and every play counts, Allen has consistently delivered at an elite level.
Now, let’s be clear-Mahomes’ team success is undeniable. He’s got a Super Bowl ring, multiple AFC titles, and a résumé that already screams Hall of Fame.
But Allen’s individual performance over the last two seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s been the engine of Buffalo’s offense, often asked to do more with less.
While Mahomes has had the benefit of a future Hall of Famer in Travis Kelce and a consistently elite defense under Steve Spagnuolo, Allen has had to carry a heavier load-sometimes without the same level of support.
That’s what makes this conversation so layered. Mahomes has the rings and the playoff wins.
Allen has the raw production, the dual-threat explosiveness, and the ability to put a team on his back. And while the postseason results haven’t always gone his way, it’s hard to ignore just how much he’s meant to the Bills’ success.
So, is Josh Allen the better quarterback right now? That depends on what you value-team success or individual brilliance.
But one thing’s for sure: Allen has closed the gap, and in some areas, he’s pulled ahead. With Mahomes sidelined and Allen gearing up for another playoff run, the stage is set for a new chapter in this rivalry-and maybe, just maybe, a shift in the quarterback power rankings.