Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes is still recovering from a torn ACL, but that injury hasn't stopped the rest of the NFL from absolutely recognizing his game-wrecking power. In ESPN's Jeremy Fowler's annual top-10 poll, Mahomes landed at the No. 2 quarterback spot across the entire league, just behind Buffalo Bills phenom Josh Allen. Seriously, a torn ACL and he's *still* up there, putting the league on notice even before the 2026 campaign kicks off.
Even Injured, Mahomes Commands Respect
You hear that? A torn ACL. Most guys would be lucky to crack the top 20, let alone sit comfortably at second place overall. The pure respect Mahomes commands, even on the mend, is absolutely wild. An NFL quarterbacks coach didn't pull any punches either, saying Mahomes "still puts fear in people like no other quarterback , gives you a shot in every game." Think about that for a second. Fear. Not just skill, but outright terror opponents feel when they know Mahomes is stepping onto the field. That's a different level of respect entirely. The same coach went on to highlight his "skill set combined with his will to win" as what "puts him at the top." Even if the poll puts him at two, the sentiment from the coaches is clear: Mahomes is a problem, injury or not.The League's Top Guns Ready for 2026
Looking at the full top 10 list ahead of the 2026 campaign, it's a lineup of absolute studs who are ready to light up Sundays. Josh Allen leads the pack for the Buffalo Bills, a truly deserving No. 1. Then you've got Mahomes at No. 2, proving his injury isn't dimming his shine. After those two titans, we see Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams holding down the No. 3 spot. Following him are Joe Burrow for the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 4 and the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson rounding out the top five. Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Drake Maye representing the New England Patriots fill out the next tier. The list wraps up with Jared Goff from the Detroit Lions and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears at No. 9 and No. 10 respectively. It's a stacked list of talent, but the big takeaway for me is how much pull Mahomes still has, even when he's not 100 percent.What This Poll Means for the Season Ahead
So, what does this early poll mean for the upcoming 2026 season? It means the league knows exactly who the threats are. Mahomes, even rehabbing, remains a force who can change any game. While the coaches are already ranking the best of the best, it sets the stage for what we can expect when these guys hit the gridiron. Every single one of these quarterbacks is going to be fighting to prove they belong, and honestly, to prove they should be number one. Get ready, football fans, because the 2026 campaign is shaping up to be an absolute showstopper, and these rankings are just the first shot fired.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.