Josh Allen vs. Mahomes: The stats show who the REAL King of the AFC is

The battle for AFC supremacy has long been defined by elite quarterbacks, but in recent years, two names have dominated the conversation: Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Both signal-callers have led their respective franchises—the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs—to deep playoff runs, setting records along the way. However, the question remains: Who is the true king of the AFC?

Statistically, Allen has made a compelling case for himself, excelling in several key metrics, including total touchdowns per game, rushing yards per season, and clutch-time passer rating. Yet Mahomes’ postseason dominance and Super Bowl victories continue to cement his legacy. This article will break down career stats, head-to-head matchups, clutch performance, and rushing ability to determine who truly reigns supreme in the AFC.

Career Statistics: Allen vs. Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes’ Career Stats

• Games Played: 112
• Completions: 2,778 out of 4,171 attempts
• Passing Yards: 32,352
• Touchdowns: 245
• Interceptions: 74
• Passer Rating: 102.1
• Average Passing Yards per Game: 288.9
• Sacks Taken: 184

Mahomes’ numbers showcase his efficiency, arm strength, and ability to protect the football. His passer rating of 102.1 ranks among the highest in NFL history, proving his consistency in delivering elite performances.

Josh Allen’s Career Stats

• Games Played: 111
• Completions: 2,296 out of 3,628 attempts
• Passing Yards: 26,434
• Touchdowns: 195
• Interceptions: 84
• Passer Rating: 93.4
• Average Passing Yards per Game: 238.1
• Sacks Taken: 179

Allen’s statistics highlight his dynamic skill set—combining a strong arm with elite mobility. While his passer rating (93.4) is lower than Mahomes’, his ability to create plays both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the NFL.

Head-to-Head Matchups: Who Has the Edge?

One of the best ways to measure greatness is to compare how two players fare when facing each other directly. Mahomes and Allen have met eight times, with regular-season and playoff results telling different stories.

Regular-Season Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matchups: 5
• Josh Allen Wins: 4
• Patrick Mahomes Wins: 1

Allen has outperformed Mahomes in regular-season games, proving he can go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs’ superstar when the stakes are lower.

Playoff Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matchups: 3
• Patrick Mahomes Wins: 3
• Josh Allen Wins: 0

However, the postseason paints a different picture. Mahomes has never lost to Allen in the playoffs, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The most famous encounter came in the 2021 AFC Divisional Round, where Mahomes led a game-tying drive in just 13 seconds, ultimately winning in overtime.

What This Means

While Allen has dominated Mahomes in the regular season, Mahomes’ postseason excellence and Super Bowl success solidify his status as the quarterback to beat in the AFC.

Clutch Performance: Who Delivers in the Biggest Moments?

The best quarterbacks are those who perform under pressure. Clutch-time passer rating, game-winning drives, and playoff heroics all factor into the discussion.

Patrick Mahomes’ Clutch Resume

• Super Bowls Won: 3 (as of 2025)
• Game-Winning Drives: Countless, including the 13-second drive vs. Bills (2021 Playoffs)
• Overtime Record in Playoffs: Undefeated

Mahomes’ ability to lead comebacks, perform in overtime, and excel in the biggest games is unmatched in the AFC.

Josh Allen’s Clutch Resume

• Game-Winning Drives: Numerous in the regular season
• Playoff Success: Strong performances, but has yet to beat Mahomes in the postseason
• Clutch-Time Passer Rating: Higher than Mahomes in the regular season, but lower in the playoffs

Allen has proven himself in clutch situations outside of the postseason, but his inability to defeat Mahomes when it counts most is a critical weakness.

Rushing Ability: Who is the Better Dual-Threat QB?

Both quarterbacks bring a unique element to their offense—but when it comes to mobility, Allen stands out.

Josh Allen’s Rushing Stats

• Rushing Yards Per Season: 500+
• Rushing Touchdowns Per Season: 6-10
• Yards Per Carry: 5.2
• Designed Runs Per Game: Among the highest for NFL quarterbacks

Allen is built like a linebacker (6’5″, 237 lbs), allowing him to break tackles and extend plays in ways few quarterbacks can. His ability to execute designed QB runs and scramble effectively makes him a serious rushing threat.

Patrick Mahomes’ Rushing Stats

• Rushing Yards Per Season: 300+
• Rushing Touchdowns Per Season: 2-5
• Yards Per Carry: 4.8
• Scramble Ability: Elite, often extending plays to make impossible throws

Mahomes is a pass-first quarterback who uses his legs when necessary, often to escape pressure and create highlight-reel plays.

Who Wins the Rushing Battle?

While Mahomes is mobile, Allen’s physicality, speed, and red-zone rushing ability give him a significant edge in this category.

Legacy and Future Projections

Looking ahead, which quarterback is better positioned for long-term dominance?

Patrick Mahomes’ Outlook

• Already has multiple Super Bowl rings
• Plays in a stable organization (Chiefs) with Andy Reid
• Proven track record in the postseason

Mahomes has already built a Hall of Fame-worthy resume, and with a solid supporting cast, he is likely to remain atop the AFC for years to come.

Josh Allen’s Outlook

• Super Bowl appearance still missing from resume
• The Bills remain competitive but lack postseason breakthroughs
• Has the tools to become an MVP-caliber quarterback

If Allen breaks through in the playoffs, he could close the gap on Mahomes. However, until that happens, Mahomes remains the AFC’s top quarterback.

Final Verdict: Who is the AFC’s True King?

After analyzing their career stats, head-to-head matchups, clutch performances, and rushing abilities, here’s the conclusion:

Why Mahomes is Still No. 1

• More Super Bowl wins (3+)
• Unbeaten against Allen in the playoffs
• Unmatched clutch performances

Why Allen is Closing the Gap

• Better regular-season numbers in some areas
• More rushing yards and dual-threat capability
• Can still prove himself with a Super Bowl win

For now, Patrick Mahomes remains the king of the AFC. However, if Josh Allen can finally overcome Mahomes in the postseason and win a championship, the debate will be far from over.

Until then, Mahomes continues to set the standard, and Allen remains his greatest challenger.

Who do you think is the real AFC king?