Patrick Mahomes finished second in the annual NFL quarterback ranking, losing the top spot to Buffalo Bills signal-caller Josh Allen in a survey of league analysts and coaches. The results, released today, mark the first time since 2022 that Mahomes hasn’t topped the list, underscoring Allen’s breakout season as the league’s most dominant passer.

What happened in the survey? The annual ranking, conducted by NFL Network and ESPN, polled 100 analysts, coaches, and executives to determine the league’s best quarterback. Allen, who led the Bills to a 14-3 record this season, earned 38% of the vote, while Mahomes—despite guiding the Kansas City Chiefs to a 13-4 record and a first-round playoff berth—garnered 32%. Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott rounded out the top three with 18%.

Why the shift for Mahomes? Mahomes’ dip in the rankings stems from a mix of factors. Allen’s **2026 MVP-caliber season**—where he threw for **4,800 yards, 42 touchdowns, and a 98.3 passer rating**—has redefined the quarterback hierarchy. Meanwhile, Mahomes’ **playoff struggles** (a first-round exit last year) and **offseason injuries** have slightly dimmed his luster, even if his regular-season numbers remain elite.

How does this compare to past rankings? This is only the second time in Mahomes’ career he hasn’t finished first. The last was in **2020**, when Aaron Rodgers led the league in passing yards and touchdowns. Since then, Mahomes has dominated the conversation, winning **three MVP awards** and leading the Chiefs to **two Super Bowl titles**. His 2026 finish, while still elite, signals a rare moment of vulnerability in an otherwise unstoppable career.

What’s next for Mahomes? The Chiefs star still holds the **NFL’s single-season passing yards record (5,250 in 2022)** and remains the **active leader in career touchdown passes**. His offseason will be critical—if he can **stay healthy and elevate his playoff performance**, he’ll likely reclaim the top spot in next year’s survey. For now, though, Allen’s crown stands as a testament to the Bills’ rise as the league’s new powerhouse.