**Josh Allen vs. Joe Burrow: Is the MVP QB Really Ahead?**
Josh Allen’s position among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks has never been more polarizing. After years of inconsistency and criticism for turnovers, Allen silenced many doubters with a stellar 2024 campaign. He led the Buffalo Bills to the AFC Championship Game, won the league MVP, and finished the year with 4,300 total yards, 40 touchdowns, and just six interceptions—all while dealing with a lack of elite offensive support and posting the league’s lowest sack rate.
Despite that, not everyone agrees Allen should be ranked as the league’s second-best quarterback behind Patrick Mahomes.
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Adam “Pacman” Jones: “Ain’t No Way”
Former NFL cornerback and Bengals icon Adam “Pacman” Jones was one of the most vocal critics of Allen’s ranking over Cincinnati star Joe Burrow. His frustration stemmed from what he saw as Burrow’s superior body of work, including a historic eight-game stretch with 250+ passing yards and three touchdowns in each contest.
“Ain’t no way in the world you gonna tell me Josh Allen should be above Joe Burrow,” Jones said in a social media video. “Josh Allen ain’t made a throw in that one playoff. He ain’t been to one Super Bowl.”
Burrow’s 2024 season backs up Jones’ loyalty. He led the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), completed 70.6% of his passes, and won the Comeback Player of the Year award for the second time. His remarkable consistency and leadership have made him one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the league.
### Nick Wright’s Case for Allen
Meanwhile, sports commentator Nick Wright argued that Allen earned his No. 2 spot through performance, not hype. Speaking on FS1’s *First Things First*, Wright pointed out Allen’s ability to elevate the Bills in the face of adversity, despite being surrounded by fewer weapons than other top quarterbacks.
“For him to win league MVP with those weapons around him, to do what he did—get his team to a second career conference championship game—that, to me, elevated him ahead of Joe,” said Wright. “I’ve always been a Joe Burrow guy… I just think Josh Allen, at this point, is a better player.”
According to Wright, Allen’s season wasn’t just about stats—it was about impact. His leadership and resilience under pressure, especially in big moments, set him apart.
### The Real Debate
The Allen vs. Burrow debate highlights deeper questions about how we evaluate quarterbacks. Do we focus strictly on stats and accomplishments? Or do we give more weight to intangibles like leadership, physical tools, and the ability to carry a team?
Allen’s raw athleticism, dual-threat capability, and growth as a decision-maker have certainly elevated his game. But Burrow’s surgical precision, calm demeanor, and record-breaking consistency continue to command respect. While Allen’s MVP win may have tipped the scales for now, many—including NFL veterans—believe Burrow’s Super Bowl appearance and steady rise still give him the edge.
As the 2025 season approaches, both quarterbacks have the chance to prove who truly deserves the No. 2 spot behind Mahomes—or maybe even challenge for No. 1. For now, the debate remains alive and heated.