The NFL’s quarterback debate reached a fever pitch in January 2024 when Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen faced off in an instant-classic Divisional Round thriller—a 27-24 Chiefs win decided by a last-second field goal. This showdown reignited football’s most heated modern debate: Who is the NFL’s premier quarterback?
This 2,000-word definitive analysis settles the argument with:
✔ Head-to-head stats from all 5 career matchups
✔ 2023 regular season & playoff performance breakdown
✔ Clutch factor analysis in game-winning drives
✔ Teammate support & offensive system impacts
✔ Exclusive insights from NFL coaches & players
Featuring expert commentary from NFL NewsZ and Pro Football Focus’ QB studies—this is the most comprehensive Mahomes vs. Allen comparison available.
Career Trajectories: Two Path to Elite Status
Patrick Mahomes (Age 28)
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Drafted: 2017 (10th overall)
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Accolades:
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2× Super Bowl MVP
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2× NFL MVP
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6× Pro Bowl
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Signature Skill: Unparalleled off-script creativity
Josh Allen (Age 27)
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Drafted: 2018 (7th overall)
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Accolades:
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3× Pro Bowl
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2022 Passing TD leader (37)
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Signature Skill: Dual-threat dominance (40+ rush TDs since 2018)
Key Difference: Mahomes entered a ready-made system under Andy Reid, while Allen carried Buffalo through early roster deficiencies.
(For draft retrospectives, visit NFL NewsZ’s archives.)
2023 Season Showdown: By the Numbers
| Category | Mahomes | Allen |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Yards | 4,183 | 4,306 |
| Pass TDs | 27 | 29 |
| INTs | 14 | 18 |
| QBR | 63.5 (3rd) | 68.3 (1st) |
| Game-Winning Drives | 4 | 5 |
| PFF Grade | 90.1 | 91.6 |
Shocking Stat: Allen accounted for 44 total TDs (29 pass, 15 rush)—most in NFL.
(For advanced metrics, see PFF’s QB rankings.)
Playoff Performances: Who Steps Up Bigger?
Mahomes’ 2024 Playoff Run
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3-0 record en route to Super Bowl LVIII
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72% completion rate under pressure
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0 turnovers in AFC Championship
Allen’s 2024 Playoff Run
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2-1 record (loss to Chiefs)
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5 total TDs vs. Steelers
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Costly fumble in Chiefs loss
Clutch Moment: Mahomes’ 13-yard scramble on 3rd & 9 to ice the Divisional game Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen.
System vs. Talent: Breaking Down Supporting Casts
Mahomes’ Help in 2023
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WRs: Rashee Rice (rookie), Kadarius Toney (league-worst 11 drops)
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Defense: #2 scoring unit
Allen’s Help in 2023
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WRs: Stefon Diggs (fell off post-Week 6), Dalton Kincaid (emerging TE)
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Defense: #4 scoring unit
Verdict: Allen carried more offensive burden, while Mahomes benefited from elite defense.
Coaches Weigh In (Anonymous Survey)
AFC Defensive Coordinator:
“Allen’s the tougher cover because he’ll truck your LB for a TD. But Mahomes makes throws nobody else attempts.”
NFC Head Coach:
“Give me Mahomes in January. His playoff IQ is Peyton Manning-esque.”
QB Coach (Worked With Both):
*”Allen’s ceiling might be higher physically, but Mahomes processes defenses like a 15-year vet.”*
The Advanced Metrics Breakdown
| Metric | Mahomes | Allen | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-Time Throw % | 5.1% | 6.3% | Allen |
| Turnover-Worthy Play % | 2.4% | 3.8% | Mahomes |
| Passer Rating Under Pressure | 92.3 | 85.1 | Mahomes |
| Rushing Yards After Contact | 1.9/att | 3.4/att | Allen |
(Source: PFF’s 2023 QB Annual)
The Final Verdict: Who’s Better in 2024?
Choose Mahomes If You Value:
✅ Big-game pedigree (2 rings, 0 losing seasons)
✅ Error avoidance (fewer momentum-killing INTs)
✅ Improvisation magic
Choose Allen If You Prefer:
✅ Physical dominance (6’5”, 240 lbs dual threat)
✅ Higher ceiling plays (no-look dots, hurdle TDs)
✅ Carrying flawed rosters
Reality Check: Mahomes has outplayed Allen in 4 of 5 head-to-head matchups, including playoffs Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen.
Read More: NFL Salary Most Overpaid Players in 2024: The Contracts That Are Crippling Teams
What’s Next for Both QBs?
Mahomes’ 2024 Outlook
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Chiefs added Marquise Brown at WR
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Chasing Tom Brady’s 7-ring legacy
Allen’s 2024 Outlook
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Bills lost Gabe Davis, Tre’Davious White
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Must overcome Chiefs mental block
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