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
NFL Quarterback power rankings are as of October 1, 2026.
- Josh Allen, Bills
- Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
- Lamar Jackson, Ravens
- Brock Purdy, 49ers
- Joe Burrow, Bengals
- Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
- Matthew Stafford, Rams
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys
- Jared Goff, Lions
- Jalen Hurts, Eagles
- Jayden Daniels, Commanders
- Jordan Love, Packers
- Sam Darnold, Seahawks
- Justin Herbert, Chargers
- Tyler Shough, Saints
- Bo Nix, Broncos
- Drake Maye, Patriots
- Bryce Young, Panthers
- Kirk Cousins, Raiders
- Geno Smith, Jets
- C.J. Stroud, Texans
- Kyler Murray, Vikings
- Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
- Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
- Aaron Rodgers, Steelers
- Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals
- Daniel Jones, Colts
- Deshaun Watson, Browns
- Marcus Mariota, Commanders
- Case Keenum, Bears
- Cam Ward, Titans
- Malik Willis, Dolphins
- Jameis Winston, Giants
- J.J. McCarthy, Giants
- Jalon Daniels, Buccaneers
Risers
Here are the quarterback risers.
Brock Purdy, 49ers
Purdy has been the biggest riser at quarterback through three weeks. He leads the NFL with a 133.1 passer rating and 0.62 EPA per dropback, while throwing nine touchdowns against just one interception. San Francisco is 3-0 despite dealing with injuries around him, and Purdy has yet to take a sack this season. After entering the year outside the very top tier of quarterbacks, he has played his way firmly into that conversation.
Bryce Young, Panthers
Young has moved up because he has kept Carolina’s offense functional despite playing behind the NFL’s highest pressure rate at 47.7%. He leads the league with 939 passing yards through three games, showing more willingness to push the ball downfield and carry the offense when the Panthers fall behind. His efficiency still needs to improve, but the volume and resilience have been encouraging enough to raise his stock from where it was entering the season.
Tyler Shough, Saints
Shough has quickly emerged as one of the more productive young quarterbacks in the league. He has 917 passing yards and eight touchdowns through three games, ranking second and tied for third in the NFL in those categories, respectively. The six turnovers are the biggest concern, but the willingness to attack downfield and generate points has been a major upgrade from what New Orleans was expected to get at quarterback this season.
Fallers
These are the quarterback fallers.
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Herbert has been one of the biggest disappointments at quarterback relative to preseason expectations. Through three games, he has completed just 59.1% of his passes for 627 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions, resulting in a 73.4 passer rating. He has also been pressured on nearly 30% of his dropbacks. Herbert’s track record still carries weight, but the Chargers’ 0-3 start and his uneven transition into Mike McDaniel’s offense have pushed him well down the rankings.
Drake Maye, Patriots
Maye is the biggest faller on the list after entering the year as one of the league’s fastest-rising quarterbacks. He has already thrown six interceptions through three games after throwing only eight during the entire 2025 regular season, and he committed three turnovers in New England’s 35-6 loss to Jacksonville. Maye was the MVP runner-up last season, so the ceiling is still obvious, but his decision-making and ball security have regressed sharply so far.
Bo Nix, Broncos
Nix has helped Denver start 2-1, but his individual performance has not matched the Year 3 breakout many expected. Through three games, he has thrown for 605 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions while averaging only 6.5 yards per attempt. His 60.2% completion rate is also down from his career mark, and Denver has needed to overcome stretches of inconsistent quarterback play. Nix remains a solid starter, but he has slipped from where he was projected before the season.
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Keep on reading to see the rest of the quarterback power rankings.
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.
