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

NFL Quarterback power rankings are as of October 28, 2026.

1. Josh Allen, Bills
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
3. Joe Burrow, Bengals
4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
5. Brock Purdy, 49ers
6. Drake Maye, Patriots
7. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
8. Matthew Stafford, Rams
9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
10. Jared Goff, Lions
11. Jordan Love, Packers
12. Jayden Daniels, Commanders
13. Bryce Young, Panthers
14. C.J. Stroud, Texans
15. Sam Darnold, Seahawks
16. Tyler Shough, Saints
17. Bo Nix, Broncos
18. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
19. Kirk Cousins, Raiders
20. Geno Smith, Jets
21. Kyler Murray, Vikings
22. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
23. Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
24. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers
25. Justin Herbert, Chargers
26. Daniel Jones, Colts
27. Deshaun Watson, Browns
28. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals
29. Marcus Mariota, Commanders
30. Malik Willis, Dolphins
31. J.J. McCarthy, Giants
32. Jameis Winston, Giants
33. Jalon Daniels, Buccaneers
34. Case Keenum, Bears
35. Cam Ward, Titans

Risers

Here are the quarterback risers.

C.J. Stroud, Texans

Stroud has been one of the biggest risers at quarterback after a strong three-game stretch. He’s thrown for 920 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception over that span, posting a passer rating above 100 in each game. Houston has won two straight after an 0-4 start, including a 34-31 victory over Jacksonville in which Stroud threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns. He’s now up to 1,714 passing yards with nine touchdowns and just one interception through six games. The Texans’ record doesn’t reflect how well Stroud has played, and he’s looking more like the quarterback who took the league by storm as a rookie.

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.

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.

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.