As the 2025 NFL season draws near, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has reignited one of the league’s most compelling modern rivalries — and he’s doing it with purpose, clarity, and a hunger to finally rewrite the story that’s haunted Buffalo fans for years.

In a new, unfiltered interview with NFL Total Access, Allen addressed the unspoken tension between himself and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, calling their matchups a “measuring stick,” and laying out his mission to overcome what has become an all-too-familiar postseason obstacle.

“It’s no secret. We’ve fallen short. But this year, we’re not backing down. I’m coming for that Super Bowl — and I know who I’ve got to go through to get there,” Allen said, his tone serious and direct.

The Allen-Mahomes Rivalry: NFL’s Next Brady vs. Manning?

Over the last five seasons, few quarterback duels have captivated fans like Allen vs. Mahomes. Their matchups have delivered fireworks — especially in the playoffs — but for all of Allen’s growth and greatness, Mahomes has consistently stood in the way.

In the 2020 AFC Championship Game, the 2021 Divisional Round (a 42-36 OT thriller), and the 2023 Wild Card game, Mahomes and the Chiefs have sent the Bills packing every time.

“It hurts, man,” Allen admitted. “Every year, we put everything into it. And every year, we’ve had to watch them raise that trophy or keep marching on while we go home. That burns. It fuels everything I do.”

Allen’s comments have resonated with a Bills fanbase that’s grown frustrated with being so close, yet always coming up short in the biggest moments. Now, the 2025 season offers a fresh opportunity — and perhaps, Allen’s most talented team yet.

Changing the Narrative in Buffalo

Buffalo has made bold offseason moves to support Allen’s mission. With a revamped offensive line, the return of Stefon Diggs, and the addition of rookie phenom tight end Marcus Lane, the Bills have retooled their roster with one goal in mind: beat the Chiefs.

Coach Sean McDermott backed Allen’s fire in a post-practice media session Wednesday.

“Josh isn’t just talking — he’s leading,” McDermott said. “He’s locked in like never before. He knows what’s at stake.”

Defensive captain Matt Milano added:

“We all feel it. We all know who we need to beat to reach the top. And we’ve got the guy who can do it.”

Mahomes Responds with Respect

When asked about Allen’s comments during a separate press conference, Patrick Mahomes took the high road but acknowledged the mutual drive.

“I’ve got a ton of respect for Josh. He’s one of the best in the game, and I know how bad he wants it. That’s what makes playing against him so intense — we both leave it all out there.”

Mahomes, who has already won three Super Bowl rings and two MVPs, remains the standard. But even he recognizes that the rivalry has become one of the league’s most talked-about narratives.

“If we meet in the playoffs again, it’s going to be a battle. No doubt.”

The Bigger Picture

Josh Allen’s bold statement isn’t just about Patrick Mahomes — it’s about a mindset shift in Buffalo. For decades, the Bills have played with a chip on their shoulder, haunted by the ghosts of four straight Super Bowl losses in the ‘90s and more recent playoff heartbreaks.

Now, Allen wants to be the one who changes the story.

“I didn’t come to Buffalo to play second fiddle,” he said. “I came here to win championships. And I know we’ve got what it takes. It’s just time to prove it.”

Allen also made it clear that the team isn’t afraid of the Chiefs — or any other AFC contender.

“Respect to Kansas City. Respect to Mahomes. But our window is open, and we’re going through it. This is our year to take the throne.”

Looking Ahead

The Bills and Chiefs are set to meet during the regular season in Week 13 at Arrowhead Stadium — a game that’s already being billed as a potential AFC Championship preview. With both teams expected to be among the league’s best, all eyes will once again turn to Allen and Mahomes.

But for Allen, the stakes go beyond just one game. He’s chasing history. Redemption. Legacy.

Final Thoughts

In a league driven by headlines and hype, Josh Allen just delivered a message with real substance. He’s not running from the rivalry. He’s embracing it. And he’s drawing a line in the turf: This season, things will be different.

Whether he finally breaks through or not remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the battle for AFC supremacy just got a lot more personal.