Mahomes vs. Allen: Why Chiefs-Bills Remains the NFL’s Top Rivalry in 2025
The frigid air of the AFC Championship in January 2025 did little to cool down what has become the NFL’s hottest rivalry: Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. In a nail-biting finish that saw the Chiefs edge out a 32-29 victory, Mahomes once again advanced to the Super Bowl, further solidifying the Chiefs’ dominance in the playoffs against Buffalo. But beyond the box score, this game was another chapter in a rivalry defined by exceptional quarterback play, high stakes, and a palpable sense of mutual respect and fierce competition. As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on when these two titans will clash again.
A Clash of the AFC Titans
Since 2020, the Mahomes-Allen rivalry has captivated NFL fans. Both quarterbacks possess rare talent, combining incredible arm strength with surprising mobility. They can make plays inside and outside the pocket, extending drives and turning seemingly impossible situations into highlight-reel moments. This dual-threat ability makes them incredibly difficult to defend, forcing defensive coordinators to game plan meticulously and adapt on the fly.
In the 2024-2025 regular season, Patrick Mahomes showcased his enduring skill, amassing 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a 93.5 passer rating. While these numbers are impressive, they also reflect a season where the Chiefs offense faced challenges, particularly in the receiving corps. The reliance on Travis Kelce, even as the star tight end ages, was evident.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, had an MVP-caliber season, racking up 4,306 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and adding 15 rushing touchdowns to his tally. His ability to contribute significantly in the running game adds another dimension to the Bills’ offense, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Allen’s 2024-2025 performance earned him his first MVP award and a spot in his third Pro Bowl.
Regular Season Supremacy vs. Playoff Dominance
One of the most intriguing aspects of this rivalry is the contrasting fortunes of Mahomes and Allen in the regular season versus the playoffs. In regular-season matchups, Allen holds a 4-1 record against Mahomes. However, when the stakes are highest, Mahomes has consistently emerged victorious, boasting a 4-0 record against Allen in the playoffs.
This dichotomy highlights the different dimensions of the two quarterbacks. Allen’s regular-season success demonstrates his ability to lead his team through the grind of the NFL schedule, consistently putting up impressive numbers and securing crucial wins. Mahomes, however, elevates his game in the playoffs, displaying an uncanny ability to perform under pressure and make the plays necessary to win championships.
In their most recent playoff encounter, the 2025 AFC Championship, Mahomes completed 26 of 39 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a narrow victory. Allen, despite a valiant effort, fell just short, unable to overcome the Chiefs’ defense in the game’s final moments.
The Impact Beyond the Field
The Mahomes-Allen rivalry extends beyond the gridiron, influencing team strategies, player development, and fan engagement. Both quarterbacks have elevated their respective franchises, transforming them into perennial Super Bowl contenders. Their leadership and competitive spirit have inspired their teammates and energized their fan bases.
The Bills, under Allen’s guidance, have become one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in the league. Their high-powered offense and aggressive defense make them a threat to any opponent. The Chiefs, with Mahomes at the helm, have established themselves as a modern-day dynasty, consistently competing for championships and setting a new standard for quarterback play.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As the NFL schedule makers plot out the 2025 season, the inevitable question is: When will Mahomes and Allen face off again? The league recognizes the magnitude of this rivalry, and their matchups are always circled as must-see TV.
The Chiefs are set to travel to Buffalo for what promises to be an epic showdown. While Mahomes holds the overall head-to-head advantage, he is just 1-4 against Allen in the regular season. The Bills have won their last four regular-season games at Arrowhead Stadium, demonstrating their ability to compete in hostile environments.
The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Allen to finally break through against Mahomes in the playoffs. With an MVP season under his belt and a talented supporting cast, Allen will be determined to lead the Bills to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1990s.
Mahomes, however, will be equally motivated to maintain his playoff dominance over Allen and secure another Super Bowl title for the Chiefs. Despite facing challenges in the regular season, Mahomes has proven time and again that he is at his best when the stakes are highest.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Mahomes-Allen rivalry is more than just a series of games; it’s a clash of two generational talents, a battle for AFC supremacy, and a showcase of the best that the NFL has to offer. As they continue to compete at the highest level, their rivalry will undoubtedly produce more memorable moments, thrilling finishes, and lasting legacies. Whether it’s Allen’s regular season dominance or Mahomes’s playoff magic, this rivalry is set to continue to be the top NFL rivalry for years to come.