Top 15 Quarterbacks Entering 2024

I am absolutely itching for the NFL season to start. The Summer Olympics and the release of College Football 25 are the only things keeping me entertained during this post-NBA wasteland that happens in every July-August. Even though I appreciate EA Sports and the Olympics for this, nothing compares to football season. There are few things that can remove my rear end from the couch during the months of September-February. The weather in fall might be nice, but hearing one of the many iconic soundtracks to football is much nicer. To help psych myself up even more for the start of the 2024 season, I’ll be listing my top 15 quarterbacks entering the season.

The most heralded and arguably important position in all of sports is the quarterback. Due to its importance, it is also the most debated position in all of sports. Almost every fanbase in the NFL will try to argue that their signal caller is top 10 or has top 10 potential. I might not have a PhD in mathematics but I’m pretty sure not all 32 teams can have a top 10 quarterback. That is why I decided to rank the quarterbacks so I have a good idea of who I can include as my best quarterbacks of 2024.

I am taking into account each players performance from prior years while projecting which players will improve or regress this year. I plan on doing at least one update to this list at the end of the season so my list will be fluid. I am only ranking the top 15 because ranking first to worst is time consuming, but the biggest deterrent is that it gets sad once you get to the bottom third or fourth. The shorter list also means there will be no rookies making my initial list. The Caleb Williams hype is real, but I have he and a few other members of his draft class just missing my list. Please use this ranking as a way to refamiliarize yourself and prepare for what is bound to be another exhilarating NFL season.

1. Patrick Mahomes

2023 Stats: 16 games, 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 67.2 comp %

After winning back to back Super Bowls, Patrick Mahomes secured himself as the best quarterback in the NFL. If there was any debate before the 2023 season, it is now undeniable. IF there was a year Mahomes was going to look human, it was this season. The Chiefs lost to Detroit in the first game of the season, lost to a mediocre Raiders team on Christmas Day, and limped through several other games. Kansas City also had one of the worst receiving corps in the entire NFL. It’s true that the Mahomes-Kelce duo is one of the best in NFL history, but the other weapons outside of rookie Rashee Rice seemed to drop more passes then they caught. This played a factor in a “down” year for the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Mahomes still is unstoppable in 4th quarters when it matters most. Somehow, #15 has already played 7 seasons in the NFL and he has played MVP-caliber football for all six seasons he’s started. Mahomes can make every throw and showcases a strong understanding on how to attack different defenses. However, it it the unscripted plays where the Kansas City quarterback truly differentiates himself. When the initial option isn’t open and he has to start running for his life, that is when Mahomes turns into a magician. One thing that impresses me but won’t get a lot of attention is Mahomes willing to take the check down instead of always going for the home run. He continues to improve each year and shows no signs of slowing down. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL and if you disagree then you can argue with a brick wall pal.

2. Lamar Jackson

2023 Stats: 16 games, 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 67.2 comp%

The reigning MVP took a big step in reminding the entire NFL last year why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league. Since his rookie season, Lamar’s dual threat ability has been on display. Since his rookie season, he has also shown continual improvement as a passer. Most notably, we have seen his completion percentage rise from 58.2% as a rookie to a career high 67.2% this past season. His running ability remains dynamic and is why Jackson is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks of all time. Lamar’s improved passing ability and low turnover rate is what helped him win another MVP. Adding Derrick Henry to the Ravens offense will make Baltimore even harder to stop. I would love to see some of this regular season success transfer into the postseason for Lamar and the Ravens. For now, Lamar enters the 2024 season as the second best quarterback in the NFL and arguably the most strenuous for opposing defenses to game plan for.

3. Josh Allen

2023 Stats: 17 games, 4,306 yards, 29 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, 66.5 comp %

The Bills quarterback entered the 2023 poised to win his first MVP and truly challenge Patrick Mahomes for the best quarterback in the NFL. Unfortunately for Allen, I think he took a step backwards in 2023. He relied on his gunslinger mentality too much which caused him to commit 25 turnovers (18 interceptions and 7 fumbles). Despite the turnover struggle, Allen still had moments that made our jaws drop. He shows the ability to make every throw and turns into a battering ram in crunch time when he’s rushing the ball. It will be interesting to see his production without his longtime WR1 Stefon Diggs. If there is anybody that can do it without skipping a beat, it’s Allen. Similarly to the two stars ahead of him on this list, the Wyoming product can turn a disastrous looking play into a touchdown. Josh has one of the strongest arms I’ve ever seen and always keeps his eyes down field. This allows him to find the open receiver once the play breaks down. His Superman style-play causes him to run into turnovers like we saw last year. Heading into 2024, I would love to see Allen find a balance between making the home run play and taking the check down when it’s available for him.

4. Joe Burrow

2023 Stats: 10 games, 2,309 yards, 15 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 66.8 comp%

Burrow went into 2023 with sky-high expectations that unfortunately were not remotely accomplished. Burrow only played 10 games before getting injured and missing the rest of the season. Joe Shiesty proved in both 2021 and 2022 why he is one of the best in the league. After his breakout season in 2021, Burrow quickly began being praised as the next Tom Brady. While I won’t go that far, I do see the similarities. Like Brady, Burrow doesn’t have elite arm strength or athleticism like many of the other quarterbacks in the NFL. Burrow succeeds with his astonishing accuracy and next level ability to read defenses. Burrow looks to return to 2024 healthy after dealing with both a calf and wrist injury. Even though he played 10 games, he was never truly healthy. Burrow is looking to remind the world just how dominant he can be. Revenge Tour Joe will be in full effect and the league has been put on notice.

5. Justin Herbert

2023 Stats: 13 games, 3,134 yards, 20 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 65.1 comp%

I admit, I am a huge Justin Herbert fan. The man with the strong arm and luscious locks won me over within his first few starts. Herbert possesses every skill that you want want in a franchise quarterback. He has prototypical size, the ability to extend plays with his legs, and can make any throw required. Remarkably, the Oregon product has put up big stats with a supporting cast that is constantly injured. While they won’t be injured to start the 2024 season, the pass catchers for the Chargers are notably averaging heading into the season. Herbert will have to continue to make big plays happen out of nowhere for Los Angeles to remain competitive. The question many people have about Herbert, is when will the stats and impressive plays result in wins. Herbert has played in one playoff game with 0 playoff wins. Hopefully the Chargers can rebuild his supporting cast after losing Allen, Williams, and Ekeler this offseason. I believe Herbert is among the best quarterbacks in the league and I expect him to experience some playoff success within the next two seasons.

6. Dak Prescott

2023 Stats: 17 games, 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 69.5 comp%

The haters for Dak and the Cowboys might be loud, but you can’t argue with the stats he put up last season. Dak had himself securely in the MVP hunt through some of last season. Part of the narrative around Dak comes from a public distain for the cowboys. Unfortunately for Prescott, he gets caught in the crossfire of that discourse. However, it is undeniable that the Cowboys signal caller has an elite level ability to analyze defenses before the snap. He knows where to go with the ball and can change the play up to get his receivers open. Dak also found a balance last year of maintaining his aggressive, attacking play style while also protecting the football. A lost skill of Prescott’s is his mobility. Since his foot injury in 2020, he has been more hesitant to run. However, he knows when his legs are needed and can scramble to pick up a first down or extend a play. The question around Dak remains constant. Can you win a Super Bowl with Dak Prescott as your quarterback? The answer remains no, but Prescott improves each year and has the Cowboys in the playoffs each season.

7. CJ Stroud

2023 Stats: 15 games, 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 63.9 comp%

The rookie from Ohio State took the world by storm in 2023. Stroud entered the season with the Texans on a team that frankly was lacking an elite weapon entering the season. The emergence of Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Tank Dell can’t be overlooked, but Stroud did not enter the season with a clear number 1 target. In recent memory only players like Andrew Luck and Justin Herbert have had rookie seasons on par with CJ Stroud’s. Teams will have a better understanding of how to defend Stroud as they get more film on him. He is still an elite quarterback and looks to continue taking the NFL by storm in Year 2. Two things from his rookie season really stood out to me, his ability to take care of the ball and he has a pocket presence of a quarterback beyond his years. Both of these traits highlight a comfortability for Stroud. He portrays a confidence is his abilities that eliminates the need to force the ball or get flustered when he’s under pressure. CJ remained cool, calm, and collected at all times and found a way to take a free-falling Texans franchise into the playoffs in just his first year in the NFL.

8. Matthew Stafford

2023 Stats: 15 games, 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 62.6 comp%

Stafford might not be the flashiest quarterback in the league, but he’s proved himself reliable and remained steady. The veteran was drafted in 2009, yet is still throwing the ball all over the yard in 2024. After winning the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, it looked like Stafford was over the hill in the following season. Despite the struggles Stafford faced in 2022, he came back with a vengeance in 2023 and led Los Angeles to the playoffs. The big question with Stafford relies on his health. During his tenure with the Rams, Stafford has had the highest of highs and some very low lows. While he is past his prime, Stafford still has a lot of football left in him. He has plenty of gunslinger left in the canon based on the season he produced in 2023. Matthew is also surrounded by a plethora of playmakers that will make life easy for the aging quarterback.

9. Brock Purdy

2023 Stats: 16 games, 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 69.4 comp%

People have been very opinionated on Brock Purdy throughout his NFL career. He isn’t an incredibly dynamic player and benefits from playing in one of the best offensive schemes in all of the NFL. Purdy benefits from having weapons like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. However, right now Brock plays in that system so that’s the player he is. The 49ers signal caller plays smart and makes up for his lack of arm strength with his accuracy both within and outside of the numbers. Purdy remains aggressive but also prioritizes taking care of the football for San Francisco. One of Purdy’s best qualities is his ability to make “Houdini” like plays out of nowhere. He may not be the fastest player but he keeps his eyes down the field and is mobile in the pocket. You can hate on the former Mr. Irrelevant and call him a system quarterback all you want, but he’s just going to keep making plays and winning football games.

10. Trevor Lawrence

2023 Stats: 16 games, 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 65.6 comp%

The former Number 1 overall pick has had both ups and downs in his NFL career. Lawrence has committed more turnovers than Jaguars plans would like to see. Lawrence threw 14 interceptions last season and fumbled the ball 12 times in 2023. Despite the slight turnover issue, there are still some major positives regarding the former Clemson Tiger. Lawrence has a strong arm and can make throws into tight windows. Additionally, he has a strong understanding of the X’s and O’s behind the Jaguars offense. The playoff experience Trevor gained a couple of seasons ago also goes a long way as he looks to lead Jacksonville back to the postseason. There have been moments where Lawrence makes throws that only a few players in the NFL can make that give fans a glimpse of his potential. What’s next is for him to add consistency and efficiency to his play.

11. Jalen Hurts

2023 Stats: 17 games, 3,858 yards, 23 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 65.4 comp%

A lot of times we see teams have a post Super Bowl hangover and I think that can be said for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. Hurts was not immune to that backwards step. He turned the ball over more than the fans of Philadelphia would like to see. Honestly, the “tush push” is what helped the Eagles limp into the playoffs last season. Despite all this, I refuse to focus on the negative and won’t judge Hurts on one semi-down season. Jalen is a dynamic athlete that has both strength and speed athletically. As a passer, Hurts doesn’t have the accuracy of some of the elite quarterbacks in the league. He does throw a phenomenal deep ball and is a constant weapon because of his dual threat ability. Hurts will be looking to recreate his performances from 2022-halfway through 2023.

12. Jordan Love

2023 Stats: 17 games, 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 64.2 comp%

After a rough start to his tenure as the Green Bay quarterback, Jordan Love had a renaissance towards the end of the 2023 season. Part of the turnaround can be credited to Love gaining more repetition with his pass catchers. The other thing that can be credited is the clear confidence that Love showed. He began to make big time throws and delivered the ball with accuracy. Love’s greatest attribute is his ability to move inside the pocket and keep his eyes downfield. Similar to Patrick Mahomes, it seemed impossible to sack him late in the season. I would like to see another season under Love’s belt before I anoint him as a Top 10 quarterback. We see players start to struggle more as opposing teams have more game film to study. The real question is, did Green Bay really find another franchise quarterback? It’s too early to say for sure, but all signs are pointing towards yes. His contract might be a little rich for my blood, but Love very well may be the next in a long line of elite Green Bay quarterbacks.

13. Tua Tagovailoa

2023 Stats: 17 games, 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 69.3 comp%

Tua is not the most electric quarterback in the NFL, but he has proven that he belongs in the NFL. He is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league and at times he operates the Dolphins offense like a surgeon. Tua knows where to go with the ball at all times and gets the ball out of his hands quickly. Tagovailoa tends to struggle when things don’t go according to plan. He lacks the athleticism to extend plays because of his injury history. Tua’s arms strength is not lacking but it also isn’t strong enough for him to save him in tough situations. Thankfully for him, he has two of the most dynamic run after catch receivers in the NFL with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The other concerning part of Tua’s 2023 season was the jump up to 14 interceptions on the season. If the Dolphins can keep Tua on schedule and if he can avoid turnovers, the Dolphins have the potential to be a true contender in the league.

14. Kyler Murray

2023 Stats: 8 games, 1,799 yards, 10 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 65.7 comp%

Due to his ACL injury and the lack of success for the Arizona Cardinals, Kyler Murray has become the forgotten man of NFL quarterbacks. After coming back in 2023, Kyler showed that he hadn’t lost a step. The emergence of Trey McBride and the draft addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. will make Murray’s life easier in 2024. He has the ability to make every throw and his speed and agility as a runner make defenses worry extra about him taking off. He also has mobility in the pocket and is another quarterback who keeps his eyes downfield at all times. As an elite baseball prospect, you can see the arm angels and pure arm strength of Murray on display. There is a struggle to throw over the middle at times due to his height, but he has proven the ability to make up for that in other areas. I’m not sure how the Cardinals will perform this season, but I do know that Kyler will make big plays and put up points in a hurry.

15. Jared Goff

2023 Stats: 17 games, 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 67.3 comp%

Haters beware, the Jared Goff renaissance is real. Goff had one of the best seasons of his career as he led the Lions to a NFC North title, a NFC Championship game appearance, and their first postseason win since 1991. Similar to Tua, Goff thrives when plays go according to plan. He is accurate and knows where to go with the football. What keeps Goff from climbing higher on this list is his decision making at times and how he handles pressure. These have both improved but still leave some to be desired. Goff isn’t a turnover machine but still makes a throw or two per game that has you scratching your head. Goff also struggles against top defenses and makes mistakes at a higher rate when blitzed. With all that being said, Goff looked like his career as a starter was over a few years ago but has reinvented himself in Detroit. I am happy for Goff and Detroit is glad to have him as he has helped turn around their franchise.

This list was much harder to make than I originally thought. The top 5-7 were relatively easy in my mind, but then the rest of the list was difficult. There were also players like Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, etc. who were very hard to leave off this list. It takes more than a good quarterback to be a good football team, but the position is almost unanimously regarded as the most important in the sport. A good quarterback can make or break your season and having a signal caller included on this list will help your team contend for championships. My rankings of this position will remain fluid and I look forward to updating these ranking both halfway through the year and at the end of the season. As always, let me know where you agree and/or disagree. Now, let’s get ready for this football season to start!