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Mayfield or Allen? Former QB makes his pick ahead of matchup

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen? Former QB makes his pick ahead of Week 11 matchup

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 11:54 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills are set for a huge Week 11 showdown as both teams come in with 6-3 records.

Both are also coming off losses in Week 10 with the Buccaneers falling short to the red-hot New England Patriots and the Bills losing to the Miami Dolphins for the first time since 2022.

Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen have had their bright spots this season, but one signal-caller has stood out more to former NFL QB and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky.

Dan Orlovsky is higher on Baker Mayfield entering matchup

"I'm gonna say right now, Baker Mayfield," Orlovsky said when asked which QB he is higher on during Thursday's edition of "First Take." "... Josh has not played good this year outside of a moment here or there. I've been adamant about that. I think Josh is playing at a point where he just doesn't have a ton of help around him because of some of the injuries and disappointments with some of the younger players.

"... Baker has played at an MVP level, certainly at the start of this season, the first six or seven games, without Mike Evans, without Chris Godwin and with a rookie (Emeka) Egbuka who's played absolutely sensational, a revolving door at offensive line. And so, I would sit here and tell you I think Baker's played better than Josh. I think Baker's played at a higher clip with basically the same amount of support around him given the injuries. I love both players, people know that. But right now, just the way that he's playing, I'd go Baker."

.@danorlovsky7 is higher on Baker Mayfield than Josh Allen ahead of their week 11 matchup pic.twitter.com/El1GfmdoXs
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 13, 2025

Mayfield has passed for 2,192 yards with 16 TDs and only two interceptions, accounting for multiple TDs in six games. His completion percentage has dipped in recent weeks since he completed a season-best 87.9% in a Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Still, you cannot deny the MVP level that he has been playing at with four game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and overtime this season, tying him with Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix and Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams.

Allen, the 2024 league MVP, has passed for 2,139 yards with 15 TDs and five interceptions. Although Allen has added seven scores on the ground and also accounted for multiple TD passes on six occasions, all five of his interceptions have come within the last six games.

After going off for 46 total TDs and only throwing six interceptions all of last season, including the postseason, Allen's play has been disappointing. Aside from a Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills currently do not have another win against a team with a record above .500.

While Mayfield has been sacked 19 times, he has thrived in dire moments despite having a depleted receiving corps. With wins over the Seahawks (7-2) and San Francisco 49ers (6-4), Mayfield has led his team to some key victories and has definitely had more signature moments so far.

However, Allen seems to find that extra gear and will his team to a win even when the outlook is not the brightest. Sunday may need to be another one of those moments against a Buccaneers team that has looked as strong as any at times.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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