Mahomes vs. Allen: Can They Deliver Another Classic?

Just two months ago, a moment captured by CBS cameras hinted at the next chapter in a burgeoning NFL legend. After a regular-season clash, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen shared a knowing exchange near midfield. Mahomes, with a confident smile, promised, “We’ll do it again, baby.” That promise comes to fruition this Sunday in the AFC Championship, reigniting a rivalry quickly becoming one of the league’s most captivating.

While Mahomes holds the edge in the games that matter most—three Super Bowl rings and a 3-0 playoff record against Allen—the regular season tells a different story. Allen has triumphed in four of their five regular-season meetings, adding a layer of complexity to this dynamic. This contrast—regular season success versus playoff dominance—fuels the comparison to another iconic quarterback rivalry: Brady vs. Manning.

Postseason Heartbreak: Allen’s Defining Challenge

Like Manning’s early struggles against Brady, Allen’s playoff journey has been marked by Mahomes-inflicted heartbreak. The 2020 AFC Championship was a Chiefs rout. The 2021 divisional round delivered the agonizing “13 seconds” game, a Mahomes-orchestrated comeback for the ages. And in 2023, a missed field goal and lost home-field advantage sealed another narrow Chiefs victory. These losses have cast Mahomes as Allen’s postseason nemesis, mirroring Brady’s early dominance over Manning. Just as Manning eventually broke through, Allen seeks his defining playoff victory over Mahomes.

Mahomes: Defining a New Era of Greatness

Mahomes is rapidly cementing his place among the NFL’s all-time greats. Three Super Bowl titles and two MVP awards put him on a trajectory to rival Brady’s unparalleled success. A win this Sunday would bring him closer to an unprecedented achievement: three consecutive Super Bowl victories, a feat even Brady never accomplished.

For Allen, this game is a chance to rewrite the narrative. A victory would not only send him to his first Super Bowl but also transform the Mahomes-Allen rivalry from a one-sided playoff story into a true clash of titans.

A Rivalry Destined for History

The Mahomes-Allen rivalry possesses all the hallmarks of a legendary quarterback duel. Mahomes, like Brady, has established a standard of excellence, while Allen, like Manning early in his career, is driven by the pursuit of postseason glory. A pivotal playoff win for Allen is crucial for this rivalry to reach its full potential.

History reminds us that postseason battles define great quarterback rivalries. Brady and Manning met five times in the playoffs, their clashes becoming iconic moments etched in NFL history. ¹ This Sunday’s game has the potential to become another such chapter.