NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2026

Quarterback is the most important position in not just the NFL, but all of sports. No position has more of an impact on an outcome than a signal-caller in football.

That’s why it’s a good idea to take a look at a quarterback ranking because this is the ultimate equalizer in the NFL. You can have a stacked roster, but if your QB isn’t good enough, it won’t matter that much. However, it can be difficult to rank quarterbacks because their surface stats (ex. passing yards, touchdowns) depend a lot on team context.

Here are our rankings of NFL quarterbacks, starting at No. 1 and ending at No. 40. We’ve ranked players based on track record, recent performance, and future projection.

NFL Quarterback Power Rankings

QB Power Rankings 1-10

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen is a dual-threat who can make a major impact in the red zone while also slinging the ball downfield. He has officially usurped Patrick Mahomes for the throne. Promoting Joe Brady to head coach brings continuity to this offense.

2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes looked back on track, but then tore his ACL. It will be interesting to see how that affects him going into next season. This will likely force him to be more of a pocket passer. Let’s see how that changes his game.

Find the best NFL odds in our comparison tool.

Keep on reading to see the rest of the quarterback power rankings.

3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford has been spectacular this season, giving him a chance to win NFL MVP. The veteran quarterback hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. This is a future Hall of Famer.

4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson had another injury-plagued season and didn’t look like himself once he returned. Let’s see what happens with a new coaching staff. Hopefully, he can bounce back.

5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow immediately looked back to form one he returned from injury. Let’s hope that he can stay healthy next season, since the sky is the limit. I have a feeling they’re going to explode next season.

6. Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Drake Maye has had a spectacular season, establishing himself as one of the favorites for NFL MVP. It’s impressive how quickly he’s become a star. Drake may be in the top three sooner than later.

7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert has absolutely carried the Chargers’ offense this season. The problem is that he continues to be held back by an injury-plagued offensive line. With Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, look out.

8. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels had one of the best rookie quarterback seasons we’ve ever seen, but he’s had an injury-plagued year, which puts him lower on this list. Let’s hope he can stay healthy.

9. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

When fully healthy, Dak Prescott is among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He just needs to reduce his ill-timed mistakes. They make him a bit underrated.

10. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love is held back by a run-heavy offense, but he has all the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Matt LaFleur just needs to let him cook, since he’s got all the tools.

QB Power Rankings 11-20

11. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

No quarterback boosted his value in the second half more than Trevor Lawrence. He was spectacular down the stretch in Liam Coen’s offense. I’m excited to see Year 2.

12. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams has all the talent in the world, and he’s starting to put it together with Ben Johnson calling plays. I can see him truly taking off next year. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before he becomes one of the best in the game.

13. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy showed a lot of toughness and resilience in returning from injury, carrying a depleted 49ers offense down the stretch, which bumps him up this list. It’s time to give him his flowers.

14. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts had an extremely disappointing season, largely because Kevin Patullo was one of the worst offensive coordinators in recent memory. But we still need to bump him down due to his limitations. Let’s see who they hire at offensive coordinator.

15. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Jared Goff is another quarterback who can thrive if the supporting cast is strong, but is hard to rely on if he needs to completely carry an offense. Expect a more run-heavy offense next year.

16. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold has now been phenomenal for two consecutive seasons. He’s likely going to continue to rise in these ranks. However, let’s see what happens if he loses Klint Kubiak.

17. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Bo Nix is having a rock-solid second season, but he’s another one of those quarterbacks who needs a stacked supporting cast in order to thrive. It’s a shame that he had to miss the AFC Conference Championship.

18. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Jaxson Dart showed some upside in his rookie season. It will be interesting to see how he looks with an improved coaching staff, led by John Harbaugh. I have high hopes, but they need to nail the offensive coordinator.

19. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield is a major faller in these ranks after he collapsed in the second half. I’m not sure if he was playing injured or held back by poor play-calling, but we’ll see if he can bounce back next year. It’s nice that he’ll be with a familiar playcaller like Zac Robinson.

20. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud is one of those quarterbacks who would be putting up much better numbers with an improved team context. Right now, he’s held back by a porous offensive line and some poor decision-making. I still have some hopes.

QB Power Rankings 21-30

21. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray can make plays that wow you, but then he falls flat at times. He’s an inconsistent quarterback who has struggled to get back to his early career form. Injuries have caused him to fall down these ranks. Let’s see who his next coach is.

22. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young had some nice moments, including a few dramatic second-half comebacks, but he’s still been largely a game manager. I need to see more from him to move him up.

23. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers is on his last legs, but he was able to get the Steelers to the playoffs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Vikings sign him to compete with J.J. McCarthy. That would be a good landing spot. But staying in Pittsburgh looks more likely now that Mike McCarthy was brought in as head coach.

24. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward had a disappointing rookie season, but I’m going to be patient with him because we’ve seen some flashes of brilliance this year. If Brian Daboll ends up as his offensive coordinator (currently pending whether he gets a head coaching job), that’s huge for Ward.

25. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough had an impressive second-half of his rookie season, but I’m tempering expectations for now. I have Ward ahead due to superior tools.

26. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones was having a terrific season in Shane Steichen’s offense before getting injured. He’s lower on this list because he’ll be coming off an Achilles issue.

27. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins can still be a competent starter in this league, as long as he’s in the right system. Let’s see what he’ll look like now that he’s reunited with Kevin Stefanski.

28. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa is likely going to be on a new team next year after such a disappointing season. Let’s see where he lands. Perhaps he can bounce back in the right scheme.

29. Michael Penix Jr, Atlanta Falcons

Michael Penix Jr has had some moments, but he’s low on this list because he’s coming off a torn ACL. We’ll have to see how he bounces back.

30. Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers

Malik Willis is going to be in high demand as a potential starter this season. We saw him look impressive while replacing Jordan Love. He’s only this low because he’s still unproven.

QB Power Rankings 31-40

31. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

Mac Jones has done a fantastic job filling in for the injured Brock Purdy. Perhaps a quarterback-needy team will swoop in to trade for him as their new starter.

32. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

Jacoby Brissett is a competent backup, but don’t overrate his second half with the Cardinals, where he largely padded his stats in garbage time.

33. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders

Geno Smith had one of the most disappointing seasons among all quarterbacks this year. He’s a major faller, but maybe he can get back on track on another team.

34. Jameis Winston, New York Giants

Jameis Winston has the ability to make big plays if ever forced into action. This makes him a rock-solid backup.

35. Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams

Jimmy Garoppolo fits in nicely as Matthew Stafford’s backup in this Sean McVay offense.

36. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders

Marcus Mariota has done a respectable job filling in for Jayden Daniels, but will he look as good in a new scheme.

37. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy was absolutely abysmal in his first year as a starter. Bet on the Vikings bringing in some veteran competition as insurance if McCarthy doesn’t show improvement.

38. Davis Mills, Houston Texans

Davis Mills did a good job filling in for C.J. Stroud this year, demonstrating that he’s a valuable backup.

39. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders had some moments, but I don’t think that he showed enough to be viewed as the Browns’ quarterback of the future.

40. Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears

I have a feeling that Ben Johnson’s scheme would make Tyson Bagent look very good if he were ever forced into action

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about quarterbacks:

What traits matter most when evaluating quarterbacks?

Processing speed, accuracy, and decision-making matter more than arm strength alone. The best quarterbacks consistently get the ball out on time, protect it, and create easy throws within structure before relying on off-script plays.

How much does offensive line play impact quarterback performance?

Offensive line play has a significant impact. Clean pockets improve efficiency, while constant pressure can ruin timing and mechanics. Even elite quarterbacks see sharp drops in EPA and completion rate when pressured at high rates.

Can quarterbacks improve significantly after their first few seasons?

Yes, but improvement usually comes from better coaching, improved supporting casts, or schematic changes. Quarterbacks rarely fix major processing or accuracy issues on their own, but they can refine strengths in the right environment.

Are mobile quarterbacks more valuable than pocket passers?

Mobility adds value by extending plays and creating rushing upside, but it isn’t a requirement. Pocket passers can still rank highly if they win with anticipation, accuracy, and pre-snap recognition.

How much do turnovers affect quarterback rankings?

Turnovers are one of the biggest drivers of quarterback evaluation. Interceptions and fumbles swing win probability dramatically, which is why quarterbacks who limit negative plays tend to rank higher even without gaudy volume stats.