Josh Allen entered the NFL in 2018 as a raw but physically gifted quarterback out of Wyoming. Since then, he’s grown into the face of the Buffalo Bills and one of the most electrifying players in the league. With his rocket arm, bruising mobility, and highlight-reel plays, Allen has kept Buffalo in Super Bowl contention year after year.
But how does he perform against legitimate competition?
At SportsAndFitnessDigest.com, we define “winning teams” as any opponent that finishes the season with a .500 record or better. This standard gives fans a more accurate picture of a quarterback’s performance against quality opponents by including teams that proved themselves over the course of a full season.
Table of Contents
Josh Allen’s Record vs Winning Teams
As of the end of the 2024 regular season, Josh Allen holds a career regular-season record of 21–23 (.477) against teams that finished the season with a record of .500 or better.
This stat only includes:
- Games where Josh Allen started
- Opponents who ended the season with a .500+ record (based on final standings)
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0–3 | — | Bears, Patriots, Texans |
| 2019 | 1–4 | Titans | Patriots (2x), Eagles |
| 2020 | 5–1 | Seahawks, Steelers, Dolphins | Chiefs |
| 2021 | 3–4 | Chiefs, Patriots, Dolphins | Colts, Bucs, Titans |
| 2022 | 5–3 | Chiefs, Dolphins (2x), Ravens | Vikings, Jets, Bengals |
| 2023 | 3–4 | Cowboys, Dolphins, Chargers | Jets, Eagles, Jaguars, Bengals |
| 2024 | 4–4 | Texans, Dolphins, Lions, Patriots | Chiefs, Eagles, Ravens, Jets |
Career Total: 21 Wins – 23 Losses (.477)
Visual Breakdown
Rising to the Challenge
Allen’s path hasn’t always been smooth, especially early in his career. In 2018 and 2019, his raw mechanics and inexperience showed, and his record against winning teams reflected it. But starting in 2020, a major shift occurred. With the emergence of Stefon Diggs, a bolstered offensive line, and better play-calling, Allen began stacking wins over playoff-level opponents.
He’s led statement victories over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, outdueled Lamar Jackson in tight games, and delivered in must-win situations against divisional rivals. His combination of arm strength and athleticism allows Buffalo to beat top-tier defenses in ways few other quarterbacks can match.
Still, there’s inconsistency. Allen’s gunslinger mentality can result in game-changing turnovers, and his record has hovered around .500 even in seasons where Buffalo was a Super Bowl favorite. While his talent is undeniable, the challenge remains turning those highlight moments into consistently efficient performances against elite competition.
Allen vs His Peers
Here’s how Allen stacks up compared to other high-profile quarterbacks:
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Joe Burrow (estimated): ~.600+
- Josh Allen: 21–23 (.477)
- Kirk Cousins: 23–38 (.377)
- Dak Prescott: 19–38 (.333)
Allen lands in the middle of the pack. His win percentage is respectable, especially considering Buffalo’s decades-long playoff drought before he arrived. But compared to Mahomes and Burrow, there’s still room for growth when it comes to consistent success against top-tier opponents.
You can explore the full leaderboard here: Active NFL QB Records vs Winning Teams
2024 Recap
The 2024 season was another rollercoaster for Buffalo and Allen. He finished 4–4 against teams that ended the season .500 or better, including key wins over the Texans and Dolphins. However, losses to the Chiefs and Ravens once again left questions about the team’s ability to beat elite competition late in the year.
Despite a solid statistical season, turnovers and red zone issues haunted Buffalo in tight games. Allen continued to carry a heavy load as both the team’s leading passer and rusher, but at times the offense felt one-dimensional. The pressure remains high heading into 2025.
External References
- Josh Allen Game Log – Pro Football Reference
- Buffalo Bills Team Stats – ESPN
- EPA and Advanced QB Stats – RBSDM
Final Thoughts
Josh Allen has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. His 21–23 record against winning teams may not be elite, but it reflects a player who is consistently tested against the league’s best. His highs are spectacular, and even in losses, he’s rarely out of the fight.
If Buffalo can find more consistency on both sides of the ball, Allen has the potential to climb higher in this metric and bring home the kind of postseason success that has so far eluded the franchise. With his prime years still ahead, the next chapter is up to him.
