Tom Brady is long gone from the AFC playoffs as the "final boss" quarterback. Patrick Mahomes took over that title. But for the first time in eight year, Mahomes won't be looming as the quarterback to beat to get to the Super Bowl. Neither will be fellow multiple NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and fellow recent AFC champion Joe Burrow.
That has created an interesting shakeup for the 2025-2026 conference tournament. Although most of the QBs in the field have been in the playoffs before, no Mahomes in particular creates a big opportunity. The Chiefs had won four of the past five AFC titles, with one-year interruption from Burrow's Bengals.
That means none of the QBs in the playoffs have experienced a chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy. Here's looking at the impact on the seven still alive to make a run at Super Bowl 60 without Mahomes, Jackson and Burrow:
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What no Mahomes, Jackson or Burrow means for AFC QBs
Josh Allen
Allen is the most recent MVP in the mix, having won last season. His Bills have met tough playoffs ends to Mahomes' Chiefs and Burrow's Bengals in the past, although they also have handled Jackson's Ravens with aplomb. The pressure is on Allen most to come through to the Super Bowl with his biggest QB nemeses out of the way. He will need to lift a weaker Buffalo team through three tough road games, given its sudden wild-card status.
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers, without Mahomes and Jackson, is the only multiple NFL MVP playing in the AFC. The 42-year-old is still chasing his first Super Bowl since winning with the Packers 15 years ago and hasn't won a playoff game since the NFC divisional round five years ago. There are little expectations the Steelers, the weakest team in the field at 10-7, can end a five-game playoff losing streak and go on a deep run. But Rodgers' competitive fire can't be counted out as a potential sneaky return as the "big bad."
Drake Maye
Maye has a good chance to join the MVP club in his second season starting, much like Mahomes and Jackson. He's thrived in Josh McDaniels' offense as a young passer, making many feel he's developing into the Patriots' new Brady. He finishes his quick start turn and establishes himself as the new Mahomes main adversary with a Super Bowl run.
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Bo Nix
Nix is now the leader of the new AFC West champions. The Broncos also have the usual position of the Chiefs, the top seed and home-field advantage, making them the default favorites in a crowded field. Nix has shown off plenty of fourth-quarter comeback magic, but he has plenty of doubters in his play, despite making the playoffs working well for Super Bowl champion Sean Payton in his first two seasons. Nix can silence those critics and give Mahomes his ultimate future foe in the division.
Trevor Lawrence
After Mahomes' emergence and Burrow building on his immense college success as the No. 1 pick in 2020. Lawrence was supposed to be the next can't-miss franchise guy, taken No. 1 overall in a 2021 QB draft class that ended up being disappointing overall. Lawrence had those key questions but he hit the offensive jackpot with Liam Coen around the ideal scheme and support for his immense physical and arm talent. Lawrence has a chance to replace Burrow as the most threatening young-ish gun to Mahomes' throne.
C.J. Stroud
The Texans have won playoff games in each of their two previous playoff experiences with Stroud, as AFC South champions playing at home for his rookie and second seasons. Houston has recovered well from pushing Mahomes with Deshaun Watson in the past. Stroud can also silence a lot of critics and get more recognition as a top AFC passer with a Super Bowl run, even when lifted by an elite defense.
Justin Herbert
Herbert has had his chances to be Mahomes' biggest rival with the Chargers but it hasn't materialized. He is also a far cry from Burrow's top-flight status from the same 2020 draft class. He keeps chasing his great rookie season, battling plenty of systemic and personnel changes in his career. He also has had two nightmare playoff trips, losing to Lawrence's Jaguars and Stroud's Texans. With no Mahomes, Herbert can erase that narrative in a hurry by helping Jim Harbaugh get to his second Super Bowl.