For the first time in four years, Patrick Mahomes is no longer the NFL's top-ranked quarterback — according to the people who know best.
ESPN released its seventh annual quarterback rankings Monday, compiled from surveys of league executives, coaches, and scouts, and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has taken the crown. The 30-year-old Allen averaged a composite ranking of 2.10 per ballot, edging out Mahomes (who had a higher first-place vote share at 41.5%) to claim the No. 1 spot for the first time in his career.
The ranking reflects the shifting tides of the NFL's quarterback hierarchy. Allen has been an MVP finalist in five of the last six seasons and has consistently elevated a Bills team that remains among the AFC elite. His dual-threat ability, arm strength, and durability have made him the gold standard among league evaluators.
The Top 10
- 1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills — Highest rank: 1 | Lowest: 4 | Age: 30
- 2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs — Highest: 1 | Lowest: 4 | Age: 30
- 3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams — Reigning MVP climbs into top tier
- 4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals — Still elite when healthy
- 5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens — Drops after down 2025 campaign
- 6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys — Consistent top-10 presence
- 7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers — Talent remains undeniable
- 8. Drake Maye, New England Patriots — Breakout sophomore season vaults him up
- 9. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions — Reliable veteran presence
- 10. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — Young star rounds out the list
What Changed?
The biggest shift from last year's rankings is the emergence of a clear top tier. While 2025 featured a "Big Four" of Mahomes, Allen, Burrow, and Jackson, this year's voting saw Allen and Mahomes separate themselves, with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford crashing the party and stealing top-tier votes.
Stafford's leap into the top three was one of the more surprising developments. After leading the Rams to a 12-5 record and winning his second MVP award, the 38-year-old has firmly re-established himself as an elite quarterback after years of being undervalued by national evaluators.
Mahomes' drop to No. 2 comes after an injury-shortened 2025 season. The Chiefs went 6-11 without him for significant stretches, and while evaluators still rave about his arm talent and creativity, concerns about his ACL recovery and whether he can return to his MVP form have created enough doubt to drop him behind the more durable Allen.
The Rising Star: Drake Maye
Perhaps the most notable name in the top 10 is Drake Maye at No. 8. After finishing as the AP MVP runner-up in his second season, the Patriots quarterback has vaulted into the conversation as one of the league's premier signal-callers. Maye threw for 4,394 yards last season and led the NFL with a 72% completion rate, earning respect from evaluators across the league.
Betting Angle
Allen enters 2026 as a +700 favorite to win his second MVP award, while Mahomes sits at +850 despite injury concerns. Stafford's +1200 odds reflect his MVP win but also skepticism about whether he can replicate that performance at age 38. Burrow (+1400) remains a popular value pick if he can stay healthy for a full season.
The complete ESPN rankings covered 11 positions across the league. Training camps open later this month, and these rankings will be tested when the pads come on.
Lauren Mitchell
Lauren Mitchell covers sports with a focus on roster movement, coaching trends, player development, and the bigger storylines behind each matchup.