Patrick Mahomes topped Sports Illustrated’s 2026 preseason quarterback rankings despite a torn left ACL in Week 15, after still posting a +65.2 EPA in 14 games during Kansas City’s 6-11 season.
Josh Allen placed No. 2 and Matthew Stafford No. 3, with the ranking framing the top tier as a Mahomes-Allen debate between résumé and recent production while rewarding Stafford’s 4,707-yard, 46-touchdown MVP season.
The list also reflects major offseason movement: only four new starters changed teams, including Geno Smith to the Jets, Malik Willis to the Dolphins and Kyler Murray to the Vikings, while rookie Fernando Mendoza is expected to take over in Las Vegas.
Sam Darnold, fresh off leading Seattle to a Super Bowl LX title, ranked only 17th, underscoring the report’s emphasis on broader quarterback value over team results alone heading into 2026 training camps.