Josh Allen ranked No. 1 QB by ESPN for 2026: "The most singularly unstoppable player at the position"
NFL quarterback rankings shift as Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen earns the top position, surpassing Patrick Mahomes ahead of the 2026 season.
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The brief
Josh Allen has been ranked as the NFL’s top quarterback by AP writers, ending the long-standing debate regarding his standing relative to Patrick Mahomes. Concurrent rankings from PFN place Mahomes at 6th following a down season and a major injury.
Coverage from Yahoo Sports, AP News, Spectrum News, and PFSN emphasizes a shift in evaluator sentiment. Analysts and coaches have cited performance concerns regarding Mahomes' play, even prior to his injury, while highlighting Allen's status as a top-tier threat.
Future developments hinge on on-field performance as the 2026 season approaches. Coverage does not yet specify how these rankings will impact team strategies or specific game outcomes.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 6h ago.
Quick answers
Who is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback?
AP writers have voted Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills as the top quarterback in the NFL.
Where is Patrick Mahomes ranked?
According to PFN’s Top 100, Patrick Mahomes is ranked as the 6th-best quarterback.
What factors are attributed to the shift in rankings?
Coverage highlights a major injury sustained by Mahomes and performance struggles during the previous season, while evaluators have signaled increased recognition for Allen’s capabilities.
Coverage (13)
- Skip Bayless runs to Joe Burrow's defense after NFL poll Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- Allen ranked as NFL's No. 1 QB in new poll Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- Patrick Mahomes Ranked As 6th-Best QB in NFL on PFN’s Top 100 After Major Injury During Down Season With Chiefs Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- Despite ESPN’s poll results, Patrick Mahomes is still the league’s best quarterback Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- Patrick Mahomes Ranked As 6th-Best QB in NFL on PFN’s Top 100 After Major Injury During Down Season With Chiefs PFSN · 1d ago
- Josh Allen voted the NFL’s top quarterback by AP writers Spectrum News · 1d ago
- “Really Hasn’t Been the Same”: NFL Analyst Explains Why Josh Allen Edged Patrick Mahomes for No. 1 Ranking Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- ‘Wasn’t As Good’ — Ex-NFL CB Doesn’t Mince Words On Why Josh Allen Deserves No. 1 Spot Over Patrick Mahomes in QB Rankings Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- Skip Bayless Calls Out Josh Allen After QB Earns Special Achievement Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- ‘Struggled Even Before the Injury’ — NFL Coach Gets Brutally Honest About Patrick Mahomes Ahead of 2026 Season Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- The rest of the NFL just ended the long-standing debate between Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
- Josh Allen is voted the NFL’s top quarterback by AP writers AP News · 1d ago
- Josh Allen Finally Gets the Respect He Deserves From NFL Evaluators Yahoo Sports · 1d ago
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