Josh Allenās name is synonymous with the Buffalo Billsā resurgence in the modern NFL. Since taking over the starting quarterback position, he has delivered highlight-reel plays, clutch drives, and a level of consistency that has turned a perennial also-ran into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Naturally, fans and analysts alike track his career with meticulous detail, and one of the most fundamental statistics used to evaluate a quarterback is the number of games he has started. Understanding Josh Allenās start record provides context for his development, his durability, and his status as the franchise cornerstone.
The Official Count: Regular Season Starts
As of the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, Josh Allen has officially started 67 games in the NFL regular season. This number represents every game he has been the Billsā designated signal-caller since he was drafted in 2018. Achieving this milestone in just his sixth season is a testament to both his talent and the trust the organization has placed in him. He surpassed the 50-start mark during the 2022 campaign and has shown no signs of slowing down, indicating he will likely add to this total significantly in the years to come.
Breaking Down the Seasons
Looking at the year-by-year breakdown helps illustrate Allenās rapid ascent to becoming one of the leagueās premier players. In his rookie year in 208, he started 13 games after an injury to the incumbent starter. The following season, he became the full-time starter and never looked back. The detailed list of his starts per season is as follows:
2018 (Rookie): 13 starts
2019: 16 starts
2020: 16 starts
2021: 17 starts
2022: 17 starts
2023: 16 starts
Playoff Starts: The Pressure Moments
While regular season stats tell a large part of the story, they don't capture the pressure-cooker environment of the postseason. Josh Allen has proven to be a different caliber of quarterback when the stakes are highest. Including the 2023 season, he has started 9 playoff games. This is a remarkable achievement for a quarterback in his relative prime, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stages. His playoff resume includes thrilling victories and tough losses, all while carrying the weight of expectations for a franchise that has not won a championship since 1965.
Postseason Game Log
Allenās playoff start count is comprised of the following series:
2019: 1 start (Wild Card loss)
2020: 2 starts (Divisional loss)
2021: 2 starts (Divisional loss)
2022: 2 starts (Conference Championship loss)
2023: 2 starts (Divisional win, Championship loss)
The Durability Factor
One of the most impressive aspects of Josh Allenās start total is his durability. In an era where quarterback health is paramount and load management is common, Allen has remained remarkably healthy. He has played through significant injuries, including a partially torn labrum in 2020 and various other knocks sustained over the years. His ability to stay on the field for every game of a season demonstrates a unique combination of physical toughness and professional commitment. This durability is a critical component of his value to the team and a key reason the Bills have been able to build their entire franchise around him.
