Josh Allen is officially the top dog in the NFL quarterback rankings, according to an anonymous survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts by ESPN. Yeah, you heard that right: the guy with all the Super Bowl jewelry, Pat Mahomes, just got knocked down a peg. It’s that time in the offseason where everyone's got an opinion, but when the people running the league weigh in, you gotta pay attention. Training camps are on the horizon for the 2026 season, and with a new NFL season a little under two months away, this kind of shake-up tells you everything you need to know about who needs to step up.
Allen and Stafford Are Getting The Respect They Deserve
Honestly, most of this top-four ranking feels right. Josh Allen landing at number one? Absolutely deserved. The man is pure fire, a walking 40-touchdown machine (combining passing and rushing). He was the 2024 MVP for a reason! It's wild to think he's essentially the sole reason the Bills aren't in a full-blown rebuild; he just elevates that team to bona fide championship contenders. How do you argue with that kind of impact? And then there's Matthew Stafford at number three. I'm telling you, it’s about time the man gets his flowers! The 2025 MVP still brings that premier off-script playmaking to the field. He's got stellar anticipation and arm strength, even as he nears 40. With the Rams giving him a terrific supporting cast, Stafford isn't going anywhere from the top of this list. It’s awesome to see him finally recognized for how good he really is.Mahomes and Burrow Have Something To Prove
Now, let's talk about the guys who dropped, or, in one case, maybe shouldn't be so high. Pat Mahomes at number two is a huge statement. Look, he's probably still the best playoff quarterback in the game, but the league is clearly calling out his recent regular season play. He last averaged more than seven yards per pass attempt three seasons ago, and he hasn't even hit 4,000 yards passing in either of the last two years. You can't stay at the top if you're not putting up those numbers consistently. It’s high time someone called it out. My only real contention here? Joe Burrow at number four. The dude's a winner, no doubt, and he puts up gaudy numbers when he plays. But he's only played in 35 total games over the last three seasons! That's not a small thing. Plus, the survey points out he actively contributes to his offensive line's supposed pass-protection struggles. Being ranked this high after that kind of track record feels like an overrating to me. He, like Mahomes, has gotta prove it again this year. All in all, these rankings are a sign of the times. It's refreshing to see someone actually (and rightfully!) dethrone Mahomes from the top spot. With the new season just around the corner, these are the storylines that will define the early goings. Who rises? Who falls? We're about to find out!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.