Top 15 NFL Quarterbacks- Playoff Update
The regular season has officially come to an end and the playoffs are upon us. Before the season started, I did a power ranking of my Top 15 quarterbacks in the NFL. Obviously through the ebbs and flows of the season that list has changed. There was a lot of consistency, primarily with the Top 5 or so, but outside of that there was quite a bit of variability. There were players that far surpassed expectations, others that underperformed, and a few who burst onto the scene. I included my previous ranking of each player, those who just missed the cut, new arrivals, and those that fell off the list. This was a fun way to record the flow and patterns that I see in my own rankings.
I am not ranking my wins purely based off stats or team wins. That is how some people do it but that takes away the entire purpose of creating your own rankings. You can go to Football Reference to look up quarterbacks based on wins, passing touchdowns, yards, etc. What I’ve learned is that stats are reliable but they can also be misleading at times. It also can take the joy out of making lists like this. My lists take a mixture of stats, the eye test, and a little bit of my special sixth sense that I don’t really have. I also wanted to get this list out before the playoffs start. After the playoffs start people, myself included, unavoidably become victims of recency bias. With all that being said, my list is below. As always I hope everyone enjoys an please let me know where you agree or disagree.
1. Patrick Mahomes
Season Stats: 16 games, 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 67.5% comp%
Previous Ranking: 1
I know people aren’t going to like this because Mahomes and the Chiefs haven’t played the most beautiful football this season. At one point in the season, Mahomes was leading the NFL in interceptions. This version of the Kansas City offense also isn’t as explosive as we’ve gotten used to in recent years. However, don’t sleep on the Chiefs simply because they fail the eye test at times. Mahomes remains nearly impossible to sack at times and can pull magic out of thin air. While the Chiefs have dealt with a turnstile at receiver due to injuries and trades, #15 still shows he can make every throw imaginable. If you still have doubts, please watch the 4th quarters of the Ravens, Bucs, Panthers, and several other games. The Chiefs may have been playing close games with bad teams, but they ultimately only lost one game with Mahomes starting. He is still nearly unstoppable when the game matters most. Also the Kansas City offense looked much better down the stretch including Mahomes throwing 0 interceptions over his last six starts. You can have another quarterback in your top spot but I refuse to put anyone else in that spot while Mahomes is winning Super Bowls and getting the job done in crunch time.
2. Lamar Jackson
Season Stats: 17 games, 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 66.7% comp%
Previous Ranking: 2
The Ravens quarterback gets a ton of praise, and deservedly so. Despite the praise, we still don’t acknowledge Jackson’s career growth as a passer nearly enough. He is a completely different player than the Heisman winner that burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie. He remains possibly the greatest rushing quarterback of all time but now relies less on that rushing ability. Jackson is now equally as effective as passer as he is a runner which makes him even more dangerous. The craziest part is that Lamar is having a far superior passing season compared to last year’s MVP season. He is making big time plays passing while also protecting the football. Lamar’s elite ability strikes fear in opposing defenses and makes him one of the hardest quarterbacks to game plan for. Jackson is playing football deserving of his 3rd MVP, but it’ll be up to the voters to decided between his season and Josh Allen’s. If we’re being honest though, Jackson has his eyes set on more than an MVP this season.
3. Josh Allen
Season Stats: 17 games, 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 63.6% comp %
Previous Ranking: 3
Another star that has put himself into the MVP conversation, Josh Allen is having one of his best seasons so far. He has had a couple of games that make you scratch your head this season, but has remained consistent for the majority. The most impressive thing I’ve seen from Allen this season is the decrease in interceptions while still being aggressive throwing the ball down the field. The turnovers were my biggest knock on the Bills’ signal caller and I’m hoping he is turning a corner in that aspect. Impressively, Josh threw a career low six interceptions this season. Allen’s biggest strength is the rocket attached to his arm allowing him to make any throw at any time. Another thing that sets Allen apart from other quarterbacks is his size and rushing ability. He has the speed to get around the edge but also has the running style of a battering ram as he doesn’t shy away from contact. As we saw in Buffalo’s win against Kansas City, Allen was efficient as a passer but used his legs when it mattered most. For Allen to move up this list, he’ll need to beat the Chiefs when it matters come this postseason. Josh’s career year has led to a 2nd overall seed for Buffalo and potentially his first MVP.
4. Joe Burrow
Season Stats: 17 games, 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 70.6% comp%
Previous Ranking: 4
The story for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals remains the same nearly every season. It is becoming an annual tradition for the Bengals to start off slow and then hit their stride closer to the middle of the season. This season that remains true as the Cincy offense has found their rhythm during the middle of the season, but the burst was too late. This is even more unfortunate for Joe Burrow put together and MVP caliber season based on statistics. This season Burrow led the league in both passing yards and passing touchdowns. He continues to move about the pocket with expertise and has an elite connection with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Few quarterbacks have the accuracy that Burrow has as she showcases his PHD in playing quarterback in the NFL. It’s been great to see him return to elite level quarterback play after a season destroyed by injuries. The Bengals are a talented team but their lack of team success is dampened a career season for Joey B.
5. Justin Herbert
Season Stats: 17 games, 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, 3 interception, 65.9% comp%
Previous Ranking: 5
The perfect modern quarterback prototype might just be Justin Herbert. He is mobile in the pocket, has a strong arm, is accurate with his passes, and has began to turn the ball over less in recent seasons. Herbert getting to work with Jim Harbaugh has been incredible for him. During the prior coaching tenure, the Chargers relied on Herbert to throw the ball too much. This resulted in some big numbers for the LA quarterback but also increased turnovers and unnecessary hits. This season, Herbert only threw three interceptions as the Chargers utilized a balanced offense. The mix of finally getting healthy and the opening of the play action game has reminded everyone why we fell for Herbert in his first season. One game I always think back to is a Sunday Night Football matchup in Week 11 against the Bengals. He put on a clinic in the first half against Cincinnati and had the Chargers up big. It was the most mobile I’d seen him in awhile and he threw some incredible passes into tight windows. He wasn’t quite as accurate in the second half but he returned to form in crunch time to secure another victory for Los Angeles. I hope we continue to see this efficient and dual threat Herbert throughout the playoffs next few seasons, turning the elite prospect into one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
6. Jared Goff
Season Stats: 17 games, 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 72.4% comp%
Previous Ranking: 15
The rebirth of Jared Goff in Detroit is not something that many people saw coming. He is not the flashiest quarterback out there, but he is accurate and is thriving in the Ben Johnson offense. The Lions are now the #1 seed in the NFC and have a chance to win their first ever Super Bowl. Many people will try to discredit him due to the weapons around him and the elite offensive scheme, but Detroit isn’t where they are today without Goff. Don’t judge Goff just because he lacks Josh Allen’s cannon for an arm or Lamar’s athletic ability. He has been decisive this season, going through his reads, and spreading the ball to all of Detroit’s weapons. Despite the improvement, Goff still has a few plays each game that leave you scratching your head. Those plays and games, primarily the 5 interception game against Houston and the loss against Tampa Bay, are what’s keeping Goff from being higher on this list. If Goff can stay on schedule and avoid critical mistakes, he will be well on his way to proving the doubters wrong with a potential Detroit Super Bowl.
7. Matthew Stafford
Season Stats: 16 games, 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 65.8% comp%
Previous Ranking: 8
The Rams veteran signal caller has had an up and down season. At the beginning of the season, the Rams had injuries to star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. This caused some people to write Stafford off early, but he’s hit his stride in recent weeks. In the middle of the season he looked like the Matthew Stafford we’ve all come to know and love. Finally, Stafford ended his regular season throwing under 200 yards in 4 out of 5 games. This leads us to be unaware of which Stafford will be showing up each week. The 36 year old gunslinger still has one of the stronger arms in the league and has become a master in Sean McVay’s offense. When things are rolling for the Rams it looks like Kupp and Stafford are speaking a language only they can understand. Stafford is also the originator of the sidearm throw and adjusts his arm angle to whatever he needs it to be. Even though he is one of the older quarterbacks still starting in the league, there are only a select handful I’d choose for a game winning drive over Stafford. He has 46 game winning drives in his career, which has him tied for 6th all time. Not to mention the fact that Stafford is one of only 5 active quarterbacks with a Super Bowl win. The inconsistent play is definitely worrisome but I would still be scared to play Stafford and the Rams in the playoffs. He is a proven clutch quarterback that can make every throw when he’s feeling it.
8. CJ Stroud
Season Stats: 17 games, 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 63.2% comp%
Previous Ranking: 7
In 2023, a rookie Stroud took the league by storm. The 2024 season hasn’t gone as smoothly as his initial season as Stroud surpassed that season’s interception mark within just a few months. I refuse to overreact as there is a reason “sophomore slump” is a common phrase and the Texans offensive line have performed poorly this season. Also the “sophomore slump” term would be a massive overreaction to the season Stroud is having. Defenses had a full year of film to watch and he’ll make mistakes along the way just like every other young quarterback. What the second year star has going for him is elite accuracy and being absolutely incredible under pressure. Unfortunately for Stroud, the name CJ doesn’t have a go to nickname for being calm like Matty Ice or Joe Cool. Nonetheless, he is unfazed by the constant commotion of each snap and is able to go through his reads to find the open receiver. If Stroud can cut down on turnovers and improve year after year, he will enter the elite quarterback conversation very soon.
9. Jayden Daniels
Season Stats: 17 games, 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 69.0% comp%
Previous Ranking: NR
The rookie sensation took the league by storm over the first month of the season with his simultaneously electric and efficient play. Daniels completed over 70% of his passes in each of his first four games. His official coming out party was in Week 3, where the he put up 3 total touchdowns on 91% completion percentage against the Bengals on Monday Night Football. While the 2023 Heisman winner had some less productive games, that doesn’t mean his season has been any less impressive. There will be growing pains with every rookie and the exceptional play fair outweighs the mistakes for Daniels. Coming out of LSU we all knew he was an exceptional athlete that was a threat to take any QB run or scramble to the house. What has been surprising is his accuracy in poise so far during his rookie season. As we’ve seen with other young quarterbacks, let’s not overreact to any mistakes Daniels has made or will make in the playoffs. He’ll learn and improve with each game that passes in hopes that Washington finally has their franchise quarterback. The electrifying Daniels has a long career ahead of him and winning (presumably) Rookie of the Year and making the playoffs is a great start to that career.
10. Baker Mayfield
Season Stats: 17 games, 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 71.4% comp%
Previous Ranking: NR
As the name of our brand indicates, I truly try my best to remain unbiased. With that being said, I root for Baker Mayfield and I’m so glad he is finding success in Tampa Bay. After looking like he’d struggle to find a long term home for a couple years, he has certainly found that in Tampa Bay. Mayfield is without a doubt the biggest DAWG at the quarterback position. A true throwback to an old fashioned gunslinger, Mayfield also lowers his shoulder into defenders when he is scrambling for first downs. He truly is willing to do anything and everything to win football games. The Bucs star is having an amazing season putting up career highs in touchdowns (41), yard (4,500), completion percentage (71.4%), and passer rating (106.8). The most impressive part is that Mayfield had to play a portion of the season without both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The turnovers are a little higher than you’d like to see but that’s what you get with a gunslinger. Baker has found a home in Tampa Bay, now it’s time to bring back the “At home with Baker Mayfield” commercials.
11. Dak Prescott
Season Stats: 8 games, 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 64.7% comp%
Previous Ranking: 6
Dak Prescott, as we all know, is out for the remainder of the season. Quite frankly, that might be a good thing for Dak. The Cowboys have absolutely no running game which made their offense very one dimensional. Dak did take a bit of a tumble on this list after having one of the best seasons of his career in 2023. He didn’t play great, but I’m not going to kick a man while he’s down especially because most of the Cowboys’ struggles do not fall solely on his shoulders. Dak has been the engine that makes the Cowboys offense hum for the majority of nine seasons. He is an accurate passer that attacks down the field with great success. Last season he found the proper balance of being aggressive while also protecting the ball. His playoff success, or lack thereof, has been much talked about. However, I truly believe Prescott has more elite seasons left in the tank when he returns from injury next season. He is a proven star in the NFL and I refuse to blame the struggles of Dallas completely on their big money quarterback.
12. Jordan Love
Season Stats: 15 games, 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 63.1% comp%
Previous Ranking: 12
Jordan Love is a player that I find very difficult to get a true read on. For the second season in a row, Love played average to slightly above average to start the season off. He puts up some big numbers but also throws a ton of ill-advised interceptions. However, once December rolled around we saw an entirely different version of Jordan Love. He’s not turning the ball over, throwing all over the field, and leading Green Bay into the playoffs. When Love is feeling it, he operates with pinpoint accuracy on his passes and moves around the pocket with ease. His movements remind me of the blind guy in Rogue One that says, “I am one with the force and the force is with me.” Except Love says, “I am one with the cheese-head and the cheese is with me.” Thank you to anyone that gets this reference and gives me a pity laugh. I truly am eager to see what Love looks like in the playoffs this season. To be completely honest, Love has beat up on mostly average to bad teams this season. I want to see if his accuracy and pocket presence can be consistent in this postseason. If he does so, Green Bay may have found its 3rd consecutive franchise quarterback in Love.
13. Jalen Hurts
Season Stats: 15 games, 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 68.7% comp%
Previous Ranking: 11
The general of the Philadelphian Tush Push Brigade makes this list without much debate. The Eagles flew under the radar for the first couple of months but then showed the league they are a force to be reckoned with. Hurts was playing some great ball over the past month, before his concussion. Saquon signing with Philly in free agency has made the Eagles one of the premier rushing attacks in the entire NFL. This, in turn, allowed Hurts to focus on getting the ball to a trio of talented pass catchers in Philadelphia. His legs might be his most dangerous trait, but he is also an accurate passer especially when targeting star wide receiver AJ Brown down the field. Hurts does a lot of his work outside of the hashes and we see a majority of his turnovers come when he tries to use the middle of the field. To truly become an elite quarterback there cannot be an area of the field you can’t attack. Hurts will need to progress over the middle if he wants to lead the Eagles for the foreseeable future. For now, he is a suitable passer with profound athletic ability.
14. Geno Smith
Season Stats: 17 games, 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 70.4% comp%
Previous Ranking: NR
Smith is one of the most accurate quarterbacks we have in the NFL today. He might not be the most exciting quarterback or have any one trait that is top tier. However, Geno really can do it all as a quarterback. He is accurate with his passes, mobile in the pocket, and can squeeze the ball into tights windows. One of Geno’s biggest strengths is also his Achilles heel — his confidence in his abilities as a quarterback. A majority of the time he is right to be confident as he delivers impressive passes all over the field. Where this hurts the Seahawks is when he tries to force it into a tight window and it gets intercepted. The biggest thing keeping Geno from going higher on this list is those turnovers, primarily the untimely ones that occur when Seattle is in the red zone. I admit, I’m a big fan of the Seattle quarterback, but you can’t help but wonder if they’d be in the playoffs if he would’ve avoided just a few of those turnovers. With that being said, I like to focus on the positive with these world class athletes. Outside of his accuracy, one of Smith’s biggest strengths is his ability to facilitate the ball to different targets. He does a tremendous job of getting the ball to his playmakers but also spreads the ball to his 3rd and 4th options. To think how far Geno has come since being forgotten by the Jets early in his career, it’s truly special to see where he’s at today. I’ll end with a quote from the man himself, “They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though.”
15. Brock Purdy
Season Stats: 15 games, 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 65.9% comp%
Previous Ranking: 9
People have a lot to say about Brock Purdy, primarily saying that he is a “system quarterback” that gets carried by the Shanahan system in San Francisco. I’m hear to say that two things can be true without making Purdy a “system quarterback.” He benefits from elite playmakers and coaching around him, but Purdy can get the job done. He is not the biggest, fastest, nor does he have the strongest arm. However, Purdy is simply a gamer and finds a way to make plays. In the first Spiderman Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin says, “I’m somewhat of a scientist myself.” In my mind Brock Purdy says, “I’m somewhat of playmaker myself,” whenever he makes magic on the field. He doesn’t get enough credit for how he is able to move about the pocket and extend plays as they break down. One of the biggest reasons I firmly believe Purdy is not a game manager is his willingness to take shots throwing the ball. This represents a catch 22 scenario because on one hand the aggressiveness throwing the ball creates big plays for the 49ers, however on the other hand it creates turnovers that you’d prefer your quarterback not to make. If Purdy can be more accurate and less risky with some of his throws, while maintaining the aggressiveness, even the haters will have to give him his flowers. Unfortunately for Purdy, that didn’t happen this season due to his up and down play mixed with the injuries for San Francisco. This caused a drop for him on the list, but don’t sleep on Purdy and the 49ers next season.
Just Missed The List:
Sam Darnold
Trevor Lawrence
Kyler Murray
Fell Off The List:
Trevor Lawrence
Tua Tagovailoa
Kyler Murray
New Arrivals:
Jayden Daniels
Baker Mayfield
I decided to go with a quarterback power ranking because it is the most debated, as well as most important, position on the football field. I’m not here to spark unnecessary debate, but I also want to see myself where I rank some of these guys. I would have loved to power rank some other positions, but your boy still works a 9-5 job. Keep clicking on my page and one day I might have some more free time. In all seriousness, thank you to anyone who reads this. I appreciate each and every one of you.