Patrick Mahomes is voted the NFL’s top quarterback by AP writers

Patrick Mahomes has been voted the No. 1 quarterback in the NFL by The Associated Press in a preseason survey of eight AP Pro Football Writers. This marks his position atop the rankings, though he faced more competition than in 2023 and 2024 when he was a unanimous choice. The ranking is based on current status entering the 2025 season, using a points system where first-place votes are worth 10 points, and second through fifth-place votes are worth 5, 3, 2, and 1 point respectively.

Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP, received five first-place votes to secure the top spot. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen finished second, earning two first-place votes. Joe Burrow received the remaining first-place vote and placed third. Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson ranked fourth, and Jalen Hurts, who notably outplayed Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl 59 victory over the Chiefs, came in fifth. Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud also received votes.

Despite posting a career-low 3,928 passing yards and tying his fewest touchdown passes (26) last season, Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance and fifth in his seven years as the starting quarterback. Entering his age-30 season, Mahomes now has the opportunity to become only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win four Super Bowls.