Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes: the NFL’s next Great QB Rivalry “We’ll do it again, baby”

The NFL is witnessing the rise of a potential all-time great quarterback rivalry between Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. With a history of dramatic matchups and contrasting postseason records, this duel is drawing comparisons to the legendary Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning rivalry. Could this era-defining matchup shape the future of football greatness?

Mahomes vs. Allen: A Growing Rivalry

Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have faced off multiple times, crafting a compelling storyline of fierce competition mixed with mutual respect. While Allen has led the Bills to victory in four of their last five regular-season games against Mahomes, it’s the postseason that tells a different story. Mahomes holds a commanding 3-0 record in the playoffs, giving him the clear upper hand where it matters most.

Their postseason battles have been unforgettable. In the 2020 AFC Championship Game, the Chiefs defeated the Bills 38-24. The following year brought the infamous “13 seconds” game, in which Mahomes orchestrated a miraculous comeback to win in overtime. The trend continued in the 2023 Divisional Round, where the Bills lost 27-24 after squandering home-field advantage. These high-stakes losses have left Allen searching for his defining moment while solidifying Mahomes’ status as a playoff legend.

A Comparison to Brady vs. Manning

Many draw parallels between Mahomes vs. Allen and the legendary Brady vs. Manning rivalry. Like Mahomes, Brady dominated the early stages of his career, collecting Super Bowl wins and excelling under pressure. Manning, despite his immense talent, faced early struggles against Brady in meaningful games, much like Allen has against Mahomes.

For Josh Allen, this comparison is both inspiring and daunting. While Allen has shown flashes of brilliance, he has yet to win an MVP award, appear in a Super Bowl, or claim a postseason victory over Mahomes. Meanwhile, Mahomes continues to rewrite the record books, aiming to become the first quarterback in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. For this rivalry to mirror the greatness of Brady vs. Manning, Allen must deliver a statement win that shifts the balance of power.

What’s at stake for Josh Allen?

Sunday’s AFC Championship Game is a pivotal moment for Josh Allen’s legacy. A victory against Mahomes would not only end the Chiefs’ quest for a historic three-peat but also give Allen his first opportunity to compete in a Super Bowl. It’s a chance for Allen to elevate his career and redefine this budding rivalry.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. If Allen and the Bills fall short once again, their reputation as playoff underachievers will only grow. For this matchup to truly rival the drama and legacy of Brady vs. Manning, Allen must find a way to overcome Mahomes on the NFL’s biggest stages. Anything less risks relegating the Bills to the role of perennial contenders who can’t clear the Chiefs’ hurdle.

Conclusion

The Mahomes vs. Allen rivalry has all the elements to become one of the NFL’s most iconic stories. Whether it’s the Chiefs’ pursuit of a dynasty, the Bills’ quest for redemption, or the head-to-head battles between two of the league’s most talented quarterbacks, this duel is captivating fans across the world.

For now, Mahomes stands as the dominant force, while Allen must prove he can deliver in the moments that matter most. The comparisons to Brady vs. Manning are compelling, but only time will tell if this rivalry reaches those legendary heights. As Mahomes once said to Allen, “We’ll do it again, baby,” and fans everywhere hope this showdown becomes the defining narrative of a new NFL era.