In the modern NFL, no personal rivalry garners more attention and heated debate than the one between Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. It’s a battle of two extremes, two styles, and two intertwined destinies. Ahead of the 10th meeting between these two superstars, CBS Sports pundit Danny Kanell takes a detailed look at who is the best quarterback of the moment.

Arm Strength: “The Cannon” Josh Allen

When it comes to pure arm strength, Kanell has no hesitation in handing the crown to Josh Allen. “Josh Allen probably has the best arm in the league,” he said. Allen can hurl a ball 85 yards like an arrow through the air, with such incredible velocity that it can “go through a wall.”

Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes has what is known as a flexible “rubber arm” that can throw from any angle, but in terms of sheer (pure) power, Allen is in a class of his own.

Precision: The Art of Mahomes

If Allen is power, Mahomes is flair. Kanell rates Mahomes higher for his ability to put the ball in “unthinkable” places. Whether it’s a lob over a defender or a short, crisp pass to a running back, Mahomes always feels like he’s “putting the ball in” the receiver’s hands. In a league where success and failure are measured in inches, Mahomes’ surgical precision is the ultimate weapon.

Mobility: “The Tank” Josh Allen

Both are mobile quarterbacks, but in different ways. Mahomes has an elusiveness that helps him escape pressure in the pocket. But Josh Allen is a real weapon in designed runs. With his size and power, Allen is like a heavy running back, ready to smash through anything. He is the more dangerous dual threat in this aspect.

DAWG and Football IQ: Mahomes’ Stage

This is where the difference really comes into focus. Kanell calls Mahomes a “BIGGER DAWG”—a guy who is fearless. He recalls the Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay, where Mahomes, despite being chased and battered all game, still threw world-class passes while on the ground. That’s the spirit of a conqueror, someone his teammates trust to make it happen regardless of the score.

In terms of football IQ, the “telepathic” understanding between Mahomes and coach Andy Reid is something that Allen, who has been through many offensive coordinators, cannot match. Mahomes understands every tactical idea and even participates in creating running patterns, making him a “coach on the field.”

Last Minute: Who to Choose?

The final and most important question: Who do you want to have the ball with 1 minute left and your team behind? Kanell’s answer is emphatic: Patrick Mahomes.

“Whether it’s a minute, 30 seconds, or 13 seconds, anything is possible for Mahomes,” Kanell asserted. His ability to withstand pressure and find a way to win in the most desperate of situations has made him a nightmare for any defense. Josh Allen has had his moments, but he hasn’t reached the same “unstoppable” stature as his counterpart on the other side of the line.

Match Prediction

While Allen has typically dominated their regular season encounters (4/5 wins), Mahomes has been the Bills’ “bogeyman” in the Playoffs (4/4 wins). However, with the Chiefs having a slow start to the season and desperately needing to assert their position, Kanell believes Mahomes and his teammates will enter this match with an early playoff mindset. High concentration combined with a more balanced lineup will help the Chiefs win right at the Bills’ lair.

The battle between Mahomes and Allen isn’t just about numbers, it’s about legacy. And on Sunday, a new chapter of history will be written.