Ranking NFL QBs from Best to Worst (1-32)
Ranking every starting QB in the NFL heading into the 2025 season.
1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
There may be a lot of debate about who should be No. 1 on this list, but to me, it’s Lamar Jackson. He’s the best QB in the league, with his ability to carry teams despite subpar wide receiver play, and his multidimensional skill set sets him apart.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Not much separates Josh Allen from Lamar Jackson. In an alternate universe, Allen is the best QB in the league by nearly every metric. Like Lamar, Allen’s ability to carry a team on his back puts him near the top of this list.
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
What can you really say about Patrick Mahomes? He’s a magician and the main reason the Kansas City Chiefs have been so dominant in recent years. In terms of natural ability, I do think the two guys above him have a gear he doesn’t, but that’s not a knock on Mahomes’ greatness.
4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow feels like a guy who will finish his career with extraordinary numbers but very little to show for it due to consistent front office malpractice. The talent is undeniable.
5. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t a fan of Jalen Hurts coming out of college. I didn’t think he’d make it as a pro, let alone become this good. He’s a top-five QB in football, and I doubt last year’s Super Bowl will be his last.
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert are similar in a lot of ways. In terms of raw talent, they’re nearly identical, but Burrow has simply done more up to this point production-wise.
7. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
What more can you say after Jayden Daniels' 2024 campaign? He was lights out and exceeded every expectation set for him as a rookie. I expect him to push for a top-five ranking after 2025.
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Losing Ben Johnson is notable, but Goff should pick up right where he left off the past two seasons. He still has the weapons to put up top-10 numbers and lead the Lions as an NFC contender.
9. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Even if he hit a slight sophomore slump, C.J. Stroud remains a very good QB. His touch on deep and intermediate throws, as well as his ability to improvise, keeps him among the league’s best young talents.
10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Talk about a career revival. Mayfield looked finished just a few years ago, but now he’s a top-10 QB. His growth and maturity have been one of the more refreshing stories in recent NFL seasons.
11. Matthew Stafford, LA Rams
Stafford has been polarizing over the past five years, and I don’t get why. He’s consistently been one of the league’s top quarterbacks. You’re significantly better off with Stafford under center than most QBs in football.
12. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
I’m still skeptical of Bo Nix as a franchise cornerstone, but he silenced a lot of critics last season. If he continues to improve, it’ll be hard to put many guys over him based on his rookie campaign.
13. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
I’ve never been a big Kyler Murray guy. But when he’s on, he’s a superstar. The biggest question is whether he can maintain that level consistently.
14. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
It’s refreshing to have guys like Brock Purdy in the league. He doesn’t overextend himself, isn’t the most athletic or most talented QB, but he wins by taking what’s there. That makes him a valuable asset.
15. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
When healthy, Dak Prescott is a top-tier quarterback. There are still questions about his playoff performances, but if he can overcome that narrative, he belongs in elite conversations.
16. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
Geno Smith’s career resurgence mirrors Baker Mayfield’s. I’m still a bit surprised by how well he performed in Seattle. The big question now: can he sustain that in Vegas?
17. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Was Sam Darnold’s 2024 season a fluke? We’ll find out as he officially takes over in Seattle. Based on last season alone, though, it’s hard to rank him any lower than this.
18. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
I can’t get a read on Trevor Lawrence. He constantly alternates between looking like a superstar and then falling flat. The talent is there, no doubt, but will he ever put it all together?
19. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
It’s tough to label Jordan Love just yet. While I believe great QBs elevate their WRs, Love’s situation is unique due to inconsistency across the board. Let’s see what he looks like with a (more) stable supporting cast.
20. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Injuries have held Tua back, but he’s more talented than people give him credit for. If he can stay healthy, he has what it takes to lead a team, assuming the Dolphins have done enough around him.
21. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Drake Maye quietly improved as the 2024 season progressed. I’m not sure he’ll ever be a superstar, but he was impressive toward the end of the year. Year two will be pivotal for his development.
22. Russell Wilson, New York Giants
Russell Wilson to the Giants was a head-scratcher. It seems the team is using him as a stop-gap. That said, he’s still good enough to keep a team competitive, just not much more than that at this stage.
23. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Everyone expects a big leap from Caleb Williams this season. He had his ups and downs in 2024, but with Ben Johnson now calling the plays, he has no excuses.
24. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Are there still Bryce Young believers? I’m one of them. I like what the Panthers have done to support him, and I still believe in his upside.
25. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
It’s hard to tell what Anthony Richardson is right now. He’s had some huge highs and crushing lows. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. His athleticism and arm talent give him a high ceiling, but consistency is the concern.
26. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
We’ve only seen a small sample size from Michael Penix, but one thing is clear: the guy can sling it. I expect him to progress well, but until he gets more snaps, he’s hard to rank any higher.
27. Justin Fields, New York Jets
Justin Fields is what he is at this point, a naturally gifted athlete with moments of brilliance and long stretches of inconsistency.
28. Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
I’m not sure how Joe Flacco keeps doing it, but he continues to hang around and earn starting jobs. Surprisingly, he’s remained a decent option. Unless Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders pull off the unthinkable, Flacco will likely be the Week 1 starter.
29. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
I’m excited to see what Cam Ward can do in his rookie season. All eyes will be on him to help turn around the Titans. He has a lot of tools, but the situation around him is far from ideal.
30. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Coming off a major injury, this will essentially be J.J. McCarthy’s rookie season. Fortunately, he’s stepping into a good situation with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He’ll have big shoes to fill after Sam Darnold’s strong 2024.
31. Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
I’m not sure what the Steelers are thinking by rolling out Mason Rudolph or any of their current QBs in Week 1. Let’s hope they find a way to bring in Aaron Rodgers.
32. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
With Derek Carr retiring, it looks like Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler will get the Week 1 start for New Orleans. Rattler has underwhelmed in his limited time, so the bar is low for Shough if he does start.
