As the NFL playoffs heat up, the debate over who is the superior quarterback between Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. While both quarterbacks have proven themselves as elite talents in the league, there are compelling arguments to be made that Josh Allen has the edge over Mahomes. Here’s a closer look at why Allen may be considered the better quarterback.
Statistical Superiority
When comparing their performances in the 2024 season, Allen’s numbers stand out. Over 17 games, he completed 307 passes on 483 attempts for 3,731 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions. His ability to make plays with his legs is also noteworthy; he rushed for 531 yards and scored 12 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability. In contrast, Mahomes finished the season with 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions over 16 games, along with 307 rushing yards and just 2 rushing touchdowns.
| Statistic | Josh Allen | Patrick Mahomes |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 3,731 | 3,928 |
| Touchdowns | 28 | 26 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 11 |
| Rushing Yards | 531 | 307 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 12 | 2 |
These statistics illustrate that Allen not only contributes more through the air but also significantly impacts the game on the ground.
Performance Under Pressure
Both quarterbacks have demonstrated poise under pressure, but Allen has excelled in critical situations this season. His passer rating when facing blitzes is an impressive 128.4, indicating his ability to thrive when defenses apply extra pressure. Mahomes, while also effective against blitzes with a rating of 102.7, has shown vulnerability at times this season.
Head-to-Head Matchups
In their head-to-head regular-season matchups, Allen holds a slight advantage over Mahomes with a record of 3-1. Although Mahomes has been successful in playoff encounters (3-0), it’s essential to recognize that regular-season performance often reflects a quarterback’s consistency and ability to lead their team throughout the year.
Rushing Ability
One of Allen’s most significant advantages is his rushing ability. He is not just a quarterback; he is a dynamic playmaker who can change the course of a game with his legs. His rushing prowess adds an extra dimension to the Bills’ offense that Mahomes simply does not match. This ability to extend plays and score on the ground makes Allen a more versatile threat.
Conclusion
While both Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are exceptional quarterbacks capable of leading their teams to victory, Allen’s superior statistics, performance under pressure, head-to-head success in regular-season matchups, and dynamic rushing ability position him as the better quarterback at this stage in their careers. As the playoffs unfold, fans will be eager to see how both players perform on the biggest stage, but for now, it’s clear that Josh Allen has made a strong case for being considered better than Patrick Mahomes.
