Josh Allen has been voted the NFL’s top quarterback in an Associated Press preseason survey. The Buffalo Bills star replaced Patrick Mahomes after receiving five first-place votes, according to the Baltimore Chronicle.
The result reflects Allen’s consistency, mobility and influence on Buffalo’s offense. However, the ranking also increases pressure on him to deliver a Super Bowl run.
Josh Allen leads the AP quarterback ranking
Eight AP football writers ranked their five best quarterbacks entering the 2026 NFL season. First place earned 10 points, while lower positions received five, three, two and one point.
Allen appeared on every ballot. He also received one second-place vote, one third-place vote and one fourth-place vote.
The leading five quarterbacks were:
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Mahomes received two first-place votes but finished behind Allen. Stafford earned the remaining first-place vote and secured third position.
Why Josh Allen ranked above Patrick Mahomes
Allen followed his 2024 MVP season with another strong campaign in 2025. He recorded 3,668 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His passer rating reached 102.2.
The quarterback also produced 579 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability remains the central argument behind his No. 1 position.
| Quarterback | 2026 AP rank | Key 2025 figure |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | 1 | 3,668 passing yards |
| Patrick Mahomes | 2 | 3,587 passing yards |
| Matthew Stafford | 3 | 4,707 passing yards |
| Lamar Jackson | 4 | 103.8 passer rating |
| Joe Burrow | 5 | Eight games played |
Mahomes suffered a torn left ACL during Week 15 of the 2025 season. Kansas City finished 6-11, ending its first losing campaign under Andy Reid.
Despite that setback, Mahomes retained significant support from AP voters. His three Super Bowl MVP awards continue to shape how experts evaluate him.
Super Bowl pressure remains on Allen and Buffalo
Buffalo has reached the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. However, the franchise has not returned to the Super Bowl since the 1993 season.
The Bills lost their five-year AFC East title streak in 2025. Denver then eliminated Buffalo during the divisional round.
Allen’s individual standing is no longer disputed among AP writers. The next challenge involves converting that recognition into postseason success.
Earlier we wrote about Baltimore Orioles 2026 draft picks: Eric Booth Jr. leads four-player Day 1 class