NFL · 2 hours ago

Ranking The Top 32 NFL Quarterbacks Right Now: 1-32

Patrick Kelleher

Host · Writer

32) Shedeur Sanders/Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 212 lbs
- Team: Cleveland Browns
- College: Colorado
- Jersey Number: 2
Deshaun Watson Player Profile
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Team: Cleveland Browns
- College: Clemson
- Jersey Number: 4
Surprise, surprise, the Cleveland Browns enter 2026 with the worst QB situation in the sport. Shedeur Sanders ended last season as the Browns' starter and comes into year 2 after an up-and-down rookie season. Deshaun Watson returns from injury, as the Browns look to get some value out of the albatross of a contract they gave him a few years back. New head coach Todd Monken has yet to name a starter for Week 1, although he has hinted at Watson currently having the slight edge over Sanders.
1) Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes Player Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
- College: Texas Tech
- Jersey Number: 15
Last season was uncharted territory for the Kansas City Chiefs in the Patrick Mahomes era, as the team missed the postseason for the first time in his career. Despite the struggles, fans would be hard-pressed to find a better QB to start a team with and lead a franchise. After all, Mahomes currently has more Super Bowl losses than missed playoff appearances. The 3X Super Bowl champion is set to be ready for Week 1, coming off an ACL injury. With added motivation, we could see a version of Mahomes we have not seen in years. Until proven otherwise, Mahomes remains the top QB in the NFL entering 2026.
2) Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen Player Profile
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 237 lbs
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- College: Wyoming
- Jersey Number: 17
Last year seemed like the prime chance. With no Kansas City, Baltimore, or Cincinnati to worry about, the path was clear for the Buffalo Bills, but they still fell short. In terms of talent and ability at the QB position, you can make a clear case that Josh Allen tops everyone. Like Lamar Jackson, Allen will also have a new head coach for the first time. Also like Jackson, Allen has little left to prove in the regular season, combining for 299 total TDs over the course of his career. After last season, the motivation has never been higher in Buffalo, and it starts by taking back the AFC East to secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
3) Lamar Jackson: Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson Player Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
- College: Louisville
- Jersey Number: 8
This season will mark the first time in Lamar Jackson's career that he has a head coach other than John Harbaugh. Much like the player who is No. 2 on this list, Lamar has little, if anything, left to prove when it comes to the regular season, with his two MVPs and three All-Pro selections speaking for themselves. He is now strictly judged on what happens in the postseason. An injury derailed part of his season last year, but when healthy, Lamar is almost guaranteed to be in the MVP conversation. He remains No. 3, but a postseason run this year could move him up the list. At 29 years old, the time is now for Lamar to strike.
4) Matthew Stafford: Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford Player Profile
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 214 lbs
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
- College: Georgia
- Jersey Number: 9
The defending league MVP lands No. 4 on our QB rankings heading into 2026. Like Cincinnati, the Rams are all in and have assembled the Avengers around Matthew Stafford. LA landed last year's defensive player of the year in Myles Garrett and is also expecting a possible return from future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Donald. Stafford led the league last season in both yards and TD passes, and LA will enter this season as the betting favorite to win it all. It feels inevitable that Stafford will ride off into the sunset with one last MVP-level campaign in 2026.
5) Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow Player Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Team: Cincinnati Bengals
- College: LSU
- Jersey Number: 9
The Cincinnati Bengals are all-in on this season. We don't know what the future holds for head coach Zac Taylor beyond this season. They also made a blockbuster trade, sending All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the No. 10 overall pick in this past year's draft. The time is now for Joe Burrow to make it happen. When healthy, he is undoubtedly a top QB in the sport. This season will go a long way in determining Burrow's future with the Bengals.
6) Sam Darnold: Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold Player Profile
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- College: USC
- Jersey Number: 14
Sam Darnold officially completed his career redemption arc last season, as he commanded Seattle's offense to their first Super Bowl victory since 2013, where they blew out the Broncos 43-8. Darnold followed up a one-year stint in Minnesota by signing a three-year contract in Seattle before last season. After questions about whether you could win postseason games with Darnold at the helm, he put all those questions to bed and helped bring Seattle its second-ever Super Bowl victory. Darnold is now a no-question top-ten QB and a Super Bowl Champion.
7) Drake Maye: New England Patriots
Drake Maye Player Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: New England Patriots
- College: North Carolina
- Jersey Number: 10
Another QB from the 2024 draft class who took a giant leap with a new coaching staff in Year 2 was Drake Maye. Maye finished second in the final MVP voting behind the Rams' Matthew Stafford, and helped lead New England back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season. Maye finished last season ahead of everyone in total QBR and top-four in both yards and TD passes. With A.J. Brown now added to the fold, there is no reason why Maye can't see even more success in 2026.
8) Caleb Williams: Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams Player Profile
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 226 lbs
- Team: Chicago Bears
- College: USC
- Jersey Number: 18
Caleb Williams showed his true capabilities in Ben Johnson's offense and reminded fans why he was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Last season feels like just an appetizer for what Williams can become, as he led the Bears to their first NFC North title since 2018 and their first playoff victory since 2010. Williams enters 2026 as a clear top-ten QB with even more potential upside.
9) Baker Mayfield: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield Player Profile
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- College: Oklahoma
- Jersey Number: 6
For the first half of last season, Baker Mayfield had a legitimate case to be named league MVP. He finished tenth in yards and tied for seventh in TD passes by season's end. Even with the departure of future Hall-of-Famer Mike Evans, Mayfield will still have plenty of weapons to spread the ball to and see repeated success, especially in a weak NFC South.
10) Jalen Hurts: Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts Player Profile
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
- College: Oklahoma
- Jersey Number: 1
It would feel disingenuous to leave off the QB who just won Super Bowl MVP 17 months ago, outside of the top-ten. However, this is an extremely important year for Jalen Hurts. With Saquon Barkley one year older, A.J. Brown officially on the New England Patriots, and Nick Sirianni's seat getting warmer, the time is now for Hurts to remind fans why he is a former Super Bowl MVP.
11) Justin Herbert: Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert Player Profile
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 236 lbs
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
- College: Oregon
- Jersey Number: 10
Justin Herbert is still looking to break through in the postseason, but when healthy and on the field, he always gives the Chargers a chance to win the game. His stats over the past couple of seasons do not jump off the page, especially compared to his first few seasons. However, this is now Year 3 with Jim Harbaugh's system. The familiarity, combined with improved weapons, will require results.
12) Dak Prescott: Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott Player Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 236 lbs
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
- College: Mississippi State
- Jersey Number: 4
For all the Cowboys' deficiencies over the past couple of seasons, the offense has seen plenty of success, led by Dak Prescott. Despite his lack of postseason success to this point, Prescott has consistently put up productive numbers and is absolutely a top-12 QB entering 2026. He finished last season with 4,552 yards and 30 TD passes, good for third and fourth in the league.
13) Brock Purdy: San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy Player Profile
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Team: San Francisco 49ers
- College: Iowa State
- Jersey Number: 13
Despite missing eight games last season, Brock Purdy still finished last season with 20 TDs and ranked second in total QBR. Playing in the gauntlet that is the NFC West, Purdy will again have to elevate the 49ers' offense. Health will be the key, as it felt like San Francisco was dealing with a new significant injury every week. When healthy, Purdy has proven himself to be a top-half QB and a true leader in Kyle Shanahan's offense. If San Francisco makes another deep playoff run, Purdy's stock will continue to rise.
14) Jayden Daniels: Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels Player Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Team: Washington Commanders
- College: LSU
- Jersey Number: 6
Injuries derailed Jayden Daniels' second season in Washington. Many fans may have forgotten his brilliance during his rookie season, when he led the Commanders to their first NFC Title Game since the 90s and took home the Rookie of the Year award. Daniels quickly established himself as one of the top dual-threat QBs in the NFL. Health depending, Daniels will be sure to have a chip on his shoulder as he enters Year 3, trying to remind fans what makes him a dynamic player.
15) Jared Goff: Detroit Lions
Jared Goff Player Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 217 lbs
- Team: Detroit Lions
- College: California
- Jersey Number: 16
After finishing last year on a disappointing note, Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions will make it a mission to return to the postseason and make another deep run. Detroit's struggles last season came down to its inability to get big stops on defense. Goff still finished 2025 second in the league in both yards and TD passes, and has proven you can make deep playoff runs with him under center. Entering 2026, Goff still has unfinished business.
16) Trevor Lawrence: Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence Player Profile
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
- College: Clemson
- Jersey Number: 16
Trevor Lawrence was touted as a "generational" QB prospect when the Jaguars selected him with the 1st overall pick in the 2021 draft. Early inconsistencies and franchise instability stalled Lawrence's development at the start of his career. It appears the Jaguars finally got the coaching hire right, as Liam Coen led Jacksonville to its most successful season since 2017. Entering Year 2 of Liam Coen's system, Lawrence is just outside the top half of the QB rankings, but has the opportunity to build off a career year and prove why he was so highly touted.
17) Jordan Love: Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love Player Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 219 lbs
- Team: Green Bay Packers
- College: Utah State
- Jersey Number: 10
Jordan Love is set to enter his fourth season as the starter in Green Bay. Their season came to an end at the hands of the Chicago Bears in last year's Wild Card Round, but there is no reason to believe the Packers will not be right back in the mix come season's end. Love looks to continue improving and build on 2025, when he finished second in the league in QBR.
18) Bo Nix: Denver Broncos
Bo Nix Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 217 lbs
- Team: Denver Broncos
- College: Oregon
- Jersey Number: 10
Bo Nix enjoyed a breakout in his 2nd season under Sean Payton, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards, 25 TDs, and leading Denver to its first AFC Title game since 2015. An injury at the end of the divisional round game took away his chances of taking down the Patriots. Returning from an injury, Nix will have an extra chip on his shoulder and will be in prime position to continue moving up these rankings.
19) C.J. Stroud: Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud Player Profile
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 218 lbs
- Team: Houston Texans
- College: Ohio State
- Jersey Number: 7
After a breakout rookie season in 2023, the league has made adjustments to C.J. Stroud. Houston's No. 1-ranked defense masked many of the offensive deficiencies. This is a huge year for Stroud, as the Texans must decide whether to extend him long-term.
20) Bryce Young: Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young Player Profile
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 204 lbs
- Team: Carolina Panthers
- College: Alabama
- Jersey Number: 9
After a disappointing first two seasons, Bryce Young started showing his true potential in Year 3, helping lead Carolina to their first playoff appearance since 2017 after winning the NFC South. Like Stroud, Young is due for an extension soon, and this year will go a long way in determining his future.
21) Aaron Rodgers: Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: California
- Jersey Number: 8
This will be the final season of Aaron Rodgers' Hall-of-Fame career. He also has one last chance to reunite with Mike McCarthy, who was his head coach in Green Bay from 2005-2018. While the mobility might not be what it once was, Rodgers can still throw the football as well as anyone across the league. This season will be a deserved farewell tour for one of the greats of this generation.
22) Daniel Jones: Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones Player Profile
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- College: Duke
- Jersey Number: 17
Another significant injury derailed Daniel Jones' season in early December, but all indications suggest Jones will be ready to go for the Colts' Week 1 opener. Before the injury, Jones was having a career year under Shane Steichen and had the Colts at the top of the AFC. If Jones can play a full season, he will move up these rankings very quickly as the season rolls on.
23) Jaxson Dart: New York Giants
Jaxson Dart Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Team: New York Giants
- College: Ole Miss
- Jersey Number: 6
The Jaxson Dart stock continues to rise as he enters his second season in the NFL. John Harbaugh will lead the way after spending the last 18 seasons as the Baltimore Ravens head coach. Harbaugh's influence will be evident as he will emphasize a tough, physical style. He will also help Dart avoid hits and play smarter as a runner. The upside heading into Year 2 is undeniable.
24) Kyler Murray: Minnesota Vikings
Kyler Murray Player Profile
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 207 lbs
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- College: Oklahoma
- Jersey Number: 1
Injuries and a lack of franchise stability have caused Kyler Murray to take somewhat of a step backward over the past couple of seasons. If we, as fans, believe in trends, veteran QBs going to Kevin O'Connell's offense in Minnesota to find their form again has proven successful, as all signs currently point to Murray edging out J.J. McCarthy for the starting spot in Week 1. Murray's talent is undeniable, and a year in Minnesota could go a long way in reestablishing his place among the league's QBs.
25) Cam Ward: Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 219 lbs
- Team: Tennessee Titans
- College: Miami
- Jersey Number: 1
Despite a poor rookie record, Cam Ward showed plenty of promise and natural talent in his first season. He will now have the chance to continue his development under new Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll. The team added plenty to their wide receiver room by signing Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and using the No. 4 overall pick in this past year's draft on Carnell Tate. Ward feels like a prime candidate to leap in Year 2.
26) Kirk Cousins: Las Vegas Raiders
Kirk Cousins Player Profile
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 209 lbs
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
- College: Michigan State
- Jersey Number: 8
Klint Kubiak recently announced that veteran Kirk Cousins will serve as the starting QB for Vegas in their Week 1 matchup, allowing rookie Fernando Mendoza to sit and learn behind the former pro-bowler. Cousins took over last season for the injured Michael Penix in Atlanta and proved he is still capable of managing a game and running an offense. Cousins may be entering the twilight of his career, but his influence on Mendoza cannot be understated.
27) Tyler Shough: New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough Player Profile
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 219 lbs
- Team: New Orleans Saints
- College: Louisville
- Jersey Number: 6
Perhaps the biggest pleasant surprise that came out of New Orleans last season was the late emergence of 2nd-round pick Tyler Shough. When Shough was handed the reins of the offense, he showed plenty of potential as a guy you can build around. The Saints are invested in doing exactly that after using the No. 8 pick in the draft on wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and signing Chris Olave to a long-term extension. The Shough/Kellen Moore combo in New Orleans has plenty of hope heading into Year 2.
28) Geno Smith: New York Jets
Geno Smith Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 221 lbs
- Team: New York Jets
- College: West Virginia
- Jersey Number: 7
Geno Smith is considered a late bloomer. It was not until the 10th season that he earned the chance to start with the Seattle Seahawks, after a turbulent start with the Jets, Giants, and Chargers. Entering 2026, Geno now returns to the place it all began, in hopes of righting the wrongs and breaking the Jets' playoff drought. Despite last season's struggles, Geno is just two years removed from a playoff birth.
29) JacobyBrissett: Arizona Cardinals
Jacoby Brissett Player Profile
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 235 lbs
- Team: Arizona Cardinals
- College: North Carolina State
- Jersey Number: 7
Injuries and inconsistencies from Kyler Murray over the past few seasons have made Jacoby Brissett the unchallenged starting QB in Arizona heading into 2026. Brissett has a trio of dynamic weapons in the form of Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and rookie No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love. Brissett will have to earn every victory this season in the gauntlet NFC West.
30) Malik Willis: Miami Dolphins
Malik Willis Player Profile
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: Miami Dolphins
- College: Liberty
- Jersey Number: 2
The Miami Dolphins surprised many with the contract they offered to Malik Willis this offseason, which showed the Dolphins' commitment to Willis for the next few seasons. Willis was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans before finding a home in Green Bay as Jordan Love's backup the past two seasons. Willis showed promise when filling in for Love and was able to parlay his success in Green Bay into a new deal in Miami. Tough times loom ahead, but Willis has a chance to continue his growth and development in 2026.
31) Tua Tagovailoa/Michael Penix Jr.: Atlanta Falcons
Tua Tagovailoa Player Profile
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Alabama
- Jersey Number: 1
Michael Penix Jr. Player Profile
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Washington
- Jersey Number: 9
One of the older sayings amongst many football fans is "if you have two quarterbacks, you don't have a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. had his season end prematurely last season. Even before the injury, Penix was not performing to the level Atlanta needed. The Falcons brought in free agent Tua Tagovailoa early in the offseason, allowing Tua to compete with Penix for the starting spot in 2026. The silver lining for whoever lines up under center is the plethora of weapons they will have to work with, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
32) Shedeur Sanders/Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders Player Profile
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 212 lbs
- Team: Cleveland Browns
- College: Colorado
- Jersey Number: 2
Deshaun Watson Player Profile
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 223 lbs
- Team: Cleveland Browns
- College: Clemson
- Jersey Number: 4
Surprise, surprise, the Cleveland Browns enter 2026 with the worst QB situation in the sport. Shedeur Sanders ended last season as the Browns' starter and comes into year 2 after an up-and-down rookie season. Deshaun Watson returns from injury, as the Browns look to get some value out of the albatross of a contract they gave him a few years back. New head coach Todd Monken has yet to name a starter for Week 1, although he has hinted at Watson currently having the slight edge over Sanders.
1) Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes Player Profile
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
- College: Texas Tech
- Jersey Number: 15
Last season was uncharted territory for the Kansas City Chiefs in the Patrick Mahomes era, as the team missed the postseason for the first time in his career. Despite the struggles, fans would be hard-pressed to find a better QB to start a team with and lead a franchise. After all, Mahomes currently has more Super Bowl losses than missed playoff appearances. The 3X Super Bowl champion is set to be ready for Week 1, coming off an ACL injury. With added motivation, we could see a version of Mahomes we have not seen in years. Until proven otherwise, Mahomes remains the top QB in the NFL entering 2026.