What happened: NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms has ranked Josh Allen as the NFL's No. 1 quarterback entering the 2026 season. Allen's placement at the top of the annual "Top 40 QB" list follows a 2025 campaign where he remained one of the league's most productive dual-threat weapons. He beat out Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson for the top honor, while perennial favorite Patrick Mahomes dropped to fourth following a late-season injury.

Why it matters: The ranking serves as a significant counterpoint to a recent NFL on CBS list that drew fan criticism for Allen's perceived low placement. Simms cited Allen's "unstoppable" physical ability and 2024 MVP pedigree as the primary reasons for his No. 1 status. The shift at the top also reflects a recalibration of the league's hierarchy as Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL suffered late in the 2025 season.

What to watch: Simms is expected to reveal the full context of his top five rankings in an upcoming podcast episode later this week.