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The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, and anticipation is reaching a fever pitch ahead of the new campaign. The Baltimore Ravens will look to gain revenge against the Kansas City Chiefs in the kickoff game, heading to Arrowhead fresh off of being defeated by the reigning champions in the AFC Championship game back in January. The Ravens were favored for victory in that particular clash, but the experienced Chiefs managed to get over the line en route to yet another Lombardi, their second in a row and third in five years.
Now, attention is firmly on KC in their bid to become history makers. This season, they have the chance to achieve something no team has ever managed by winning three straight Super Bowls, and the bookies fancy them to do it. The latest NFL Vegas odds currently make the Missouri outfit a +500 favorite for the Lombardi next term, but they will face stiff competition from the San Francisco 49ers, the team that they beat in the most recent Big Game at Allegiant Stadium back in February.
At the forefront of all the top teams is a marquee quarterback. The role is said to be the hardest in all of sports, but some players thrive under the pressure better than others. Here are the three best men under center in the NFL today.
Best Quarterbacks in the NFL in 2024
Patrick Mahomes
There are two main men responsible for the Chiefs becoming the NFL’s latest dynasty. One of them is head coach Andy Reid. The second is the mercurial Patrick Mahomes.
The former Texas Tech standout has redefined the quarterback position with his extraordinary arm talent, improvisational skills, and football IQ. Since taking over as starting quarterback in 2018, “Showtime” has compiled an enviable list of accolades. He led his side to back-to-back Super Bowls in 2019 and 2020, winning the first against the Niners before falling short against the veteran GOAT Tom Brady in the second. After a year off in 2021, he has led his team to consecutive Big Games once more, and this time around, won both of them.
Mahomes’ impact on the Chiefs cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, KC has been a perennial title contender, reaching at least the AFC Championship game in each of the last six seasons and winning four of them.
His ability to make jaw-dropping plays, both in and out of the pocket, has revolutionized the game, inspiring a new generation of quarterbacks. He has already surpassed 25,000 passing yards and 200 touchdown passes, and if he spearheads the three-peat this season, he may have already passed the aforementioned Brady as the greatest of all time by the age of 28.
Joe Burrow
If there is one man, however, that could be the kryptonite to Mahomes’ Superman, then it’s Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The former Heisman winner has faced off against his nemesis four times since being selected with the first overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft, and he has won three of them. The ex-LSU man led the Tigers to the national championship in 2019, and in his second season as a starter in the big league, he led the Bengals to a first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years.
That ultimately ended in defeat thanks to Cooper Kupp’s late, great touchdown, but not before Joe Burrow proved to the world that he is one of the coldest quarterbacks we have ever seen. However, despite his unquestionable brilliance, several fitness issues do hang over the 27-year-old. In his maiden campaign, he was crocked with a devastating knee injury, and last season, he suffered a season-ending wrist injury that ended Cincy’s playoff hopes.
This season, Burrow is back fully fit and he has his eyes on one thing and one thing only. The first Lombardi Trophy in Bengals history. He has come close before, reaching back-to-back AFC Championship games, winning the first and losing the second. Now, it’s the championship or bust. His poise in the pocket, accuracy, and leadership have transformed Cincy into an AFC heavyweight, and all that awaits to cement his legacy is a first championship.
Josh Allen
Josh Allen’s evolution from a raw prospect to one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks is a testament to his work ethic and physical gifts. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, the former University of Wyoming star’s combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism has made him a nightmare for defenses.
Before his drafting, the New York State side had appeared in the playoffs just twice since the turn of the millennium. Fast forward to 2024 and the Bills have reeled off four straight AFC East titles. However, a deep postseason run remains elusive.
Allen’s accolades include multiple Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod, reflecting his status as one of the league’s top performers. His ability to make plays with both his arms and his legs has redefined what it means to be a modern quarterback. With over 20,000 passing yards and 150 touchdown passes – along with numerous rushing touchdowns – the 28-year-old’s versatility and impact on the game are undeniable.
Now, however, he has to find a way past the aforementioned Mahomes and Burrow to cement his legacy. In three of the last four seasons, the former of that duo has eliminated Allen’s Bills from the playoffs. The other occasion? Burrow’s Bengals.
