Is Patrick Mahomes Still the Best Quarterback in the NFL?

By Jason Bolton June 17, 2025 09:35

Patrick Mahomes has long been considered the NFL’s premier quarterback, but as the 2025 season approaches, the question arises: Is he still the best quarterback in the league? Recent rankings and expert analyses suggest the answer is more nuanced than ever.

Mahomes’ Current Standing

Pro Football Focus (PFF) continues to rank Mahomes as the top quarterback entering 2025, citing his unique blend of poise, playmaking ability, and postseason success. According to PFF, Mahomes holds the highest overall grade among quarterbacks since entering the league, though his passing grade over the past two seasons has dipped slightly to 86.0, a step down from his peak years between 2018 and 2022. Despite this, PFF still places him above other elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, emphasizing that no one blends clutch performance and skill quite like Mahomes.

The Emerging Competition

However, not all analysts share this view. Former NFL quarterback and analyst Chris Simms ranks Mahomes fourth behind Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow. Simms points to Mahomes’ recent playoff performances, particularly the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, as evidence that while Mahomes is "awesome," he has benefited from a strong supporting cast that sometimes masks inconsistencies in his play. Simms argues that quarterbacks like Burrow and Allen have demonstrated a higher level of consistent statistical performance and film study grades in recent years.

Joe Burrow, for example, boasts a 93.5 passing grade and a 95.2 overall grade over the past three seasons, leading all quarterbacks in those metrics. His 51.3% success rate on plays also ties him with Josh Allen for second-best in the league, highlighting his efficiency and impact. Lamar Jackson, coming off the best season of his career, posted one of the highest-graded quarterback campaigns in PFF history in 2024, with a 94.9 overall grade. Meanwhile, Josh Allen earned his first MVP award in 2024 and maintains the highest overall grade over the past three seasons at 95.4.

Supporting Cast and Team Dynamics

One factor influencing Mahomes’ evaluation is the changing supporting cast around him. The Chiefs have faced challenges with injuries and roster turnover, especially at wide receiver, where Travis Kelce remains a key weapon but others like Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown are still proving their chemistry with Mahomes. Some analysts worry that these changes could limit Mahomes’ ability to dominate games as he once did.

Conversely, quarterbacks like Burrow and Allen have benefited from more stable or improving offensive weapons and coaching staffs, which has helped elevate their play and team success.

The Verdict

While Mahomes remains a generational talent and arguably the most electrifying quarterback in the NFL, the gap between him and other top quarterbacks has narrowed considerably. As Chris Simms put it, “He’s mastered winning, he’s an all-time great, he’s awesome,” but the league’s elite group now includes Burrow, Jackson, and Allen, who have pushed the boundaries of quarterback play in recent seasons.

Ultimately, whether Mahomes is still the best quarterback depends on the criteria if playoff success and clutch moments weigh heavily, Mahomes retains the edge. If recent statistical dominance and consistency are prioritized, Burrow, Jackson, and Allen present compelling cases to claim the top spot.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 season will be pivotal for Mahomes to reaffirm his status. With a healthier and more cohesive offense, the Chiefs hope to return to Super Bowl contention. Meanwhile, the rising stars like Burrow and Jackson aim to challenge Mahomes’ throne, making this quarterback rivalry one of the most exciting storylines in the NFL.

In the words of PFF, “No one blends poise, playmaking, and postseason performance like Mahomes,” but the field is closing fast. The coming season promises to answer definitively who truly is the best quarterback in the NFL.