Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) sits out a portion of the fourth quarter after the Bills held a large lead over then Jets during second half action at the Bills home game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 29, 2024.

Josh Allen is a name that fans of football know well, often sparking debates about where he ranks among the elite quarterbacks of today. With a regular season record of 76-34 and three Pro Bowl appearances, it’s clear that Allen’s talent on the field is undeniable. Yet, when you delve into the nitty-gritty of his career, there’s a notable absence of a Super Bowl appearance in his impressive resume.

Currently sitting at a playoff record of 7-6, Allen has reached the AFC title game twice in seven seasons but has yet to make that coveted trip to the Super Bowl. CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr recently placed Allen second on a list of the best quarterbacks who have never won a Super Bowl, right behind Lamar Jackson. This ranking, while a compliment, also highlights the glaring gap in Allen’s otherwise stellar career.

Let’s break down some of Allen’s eye-popping postseason stats: he holds the record for the highest passer rating in a single postseason at 149.0, with an overall playoff passer rating of 101.7, which ranks him sixth in NFL history. Across those games, he’s amassed 25 touchdowns to just four interceptions, totalling 33 touchdowns and securing five playoff wins. Yet, the shadow hanging over these impressive numbers is his 0-4 record against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the playoffs. To add salt to the wound, Allen possesses the most playoff victories without ever reaching a Super Bowl, and for a competitor of his caliber, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

At just 28 years old, time seems to be on Allen’s side as he continues his quest for the elusive Super Bowl ring. Nonetheless, this season’s narrative boiled down to one critical question: could the Bills and Allen finally get past their postseason roadblock?

The answer, unfortunately, remained elusive as Mahomes and the Chiefs once again stood in the way, marking Allen’s fourth consecutive playoff defeat at their hands. It’s a storyline that seems to repeat itself, and overcoming such a psychological and strategic hurdle is no simple task.

While Allen’s prowess on the field is unquestionable, his lack of postseason success compared to his regular season accomplishments has become a point of contention in assessing his legacy. Much like Lamar Jackson, another quarterback with outstanding individual achievements yet no Super Bowl to his name, Allen’s career will always be seen through the lens of ‘what could be’ until he notches that Super Bowl victory. He’s undoubtedly one of the brightest talents of this era, but to cement his status among the all-time greats, Allen knows that hardware is the ultimate validation.