As the 2024 NFL season enters its final stretch, Week 17 brought significant changes to the quarterback rankings, notably for Josh Allen and Sam Darnold. While Allen’s struggles have caused him to slip, Darnold’s resurgence has seen him climb the ranks in a big way. Let’s dive into the latest movement on Mahomes Mountain, examining why Josh Allen is falling and Sam Darnold is making his case for a top spot.
Josh Allen’s Slide: Turnovers and Inconsistency
Josh Allen, typically a force in the AFC, experienced another setback in Week 17 as the Buffalo Bills struggled against the New England Patriots. While Allen has been known for his big arm and ability to make spectacular plays, his recent turnover issues have raised serious concerns. In a game that could have cemented the Bills’ playoff spot, Allen threw costly interceptions, including one in the red zone that ultimately killed a potential scoring drive.
This performance underscored his ongoing battle with consistency. Despite his impressive arm strength and ability to move the ball, his turnovers have been a recurring issue, which has led to his drop on Mahomes Mountain. Allen is no longer sitting at the top, where he’s accustomed to being. His slide down the rankings reflects the challenges he’s faced in protecting the football and making smart decisions under pressure.
Sam Darnold’s Surge: A New Hope for the 49ers
On the other hand, Sam Darnold has quietly been making his case for a spot among the league’s top quarterbacks. Darnold, often criticized for his previous inconsistencies and struggles with the Jets, has found new life with the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 17, Darnold’s performance was a major highlight. He threw for multiple touchdowns and kept the 49ers’ offense on track in a crucial win.
His poise and accuracy have steadily improved, and his ability to lead a team with a strong supporting cast is starting to turn heads. Though the 49ers’ system plays to his strengths, it’s clear that Darnold has been executing the offense effectively. His climb up Mahomes Mountain is a testament to his progress, and if he continues to play at this level, he could become one of the league’s surprise stories in the final weeks of the season.
The Battle at the Top: Patrick Mahomes and the Elite Quarterbacks
At the top of Mahomes Mountain, Patrick Mahomes continues to stand as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. Despite a somewhat shaky start to the season, Mahomes has been putting together a strong finish. In Week 17, he demonstrated why he’s still considered one of the best, leading the Chiefs to another vital win.
While Allen struggles with turnovers and Darnold climbs with efficiency, Mahomes remains steady and reliable. His ability to lead his team through adversity, make clutch throws, and perform under pressure keeps him firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of the quarterback rankings.
Conclusion: The Shake-Up on Mahomes Mountain
Week 17 was a pivotal moment in the NFL season, as Josh Allen’s inconsistency led to a slide down Mahomes Mountain, while Sam Darnold’s resurgence helped him climb up. As the final week of the regular season approaches, the movement on Mahomes Mountain reflects the ever-changing landscape of the NFL’s quarterback rankings. With the playoffs on the horizon, these shifts could have significant implications for each quarterback’s legacy and the future of their teams.
