We are seeing a year of renaissance at the quarterback position. Some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks this season – Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones – were castaways from other teams and have found new life in new uniforms. It will be curious to see how these passers perform down the stretch and/or in the playoffs. Here are my top 15 quarterbacks in the NFL going into Week 9.
1. Josh Allen
Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Did Allen do anything of note in the Bills’ romp of the Panthers in Week 8? No, but he didn’t need to with the running game dominating, and he still totaled three touchdowns in Buffalo’s fifth win of the year.
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2. Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes’ deep ball is still questionable at best, and he committed two turnovers in the first half against Washington this week. However, in his last month of action, Mahomes has thrown 10 touchdowns against three interceptions.
3. Baker Mayfield
Mayfield struggled for the second straight game in Week 8, but I’m not worried about him in the slightest. A bye in Week 9 should help the Bucs’ offense get healthy and back to its early-season performance.
4. Jalen Hurts
Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Hurts benefited from a strong Saquon Barkley performance, but still totaled four touchdowns against zero turnovers in Week 8. It’s about time we start referring to Hurts as an MVP candidate: he has 20 total touchdowns against just two turnovers on the year.
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5. Matthew Stafford
Stafford has been as productive as ever this season for LA. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns against just two interceptions and has operated one of the league’s best offenses with few hitches.
6. Drake Maye
This guy continues to shred top defenses week after week – and he’s doing it without a great supporting cast or a top offensive coordinator. He threw three touchdowns and one interception against a top Browns defense in Week 8, helping the Patriots move to a surprising 6-2.
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7. Jordan Love
T8. Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The talented passer is still lacking consistency, but a dominant showing against Pittsburgh moves him up on the list. He tossed for 360 yards and three touchdowns in a crucial Green Bay victory.
8. Jared Goff
Goff moves down a spot simply for not playing, but he’s been the beneficiary of an elite offense for the umpteenth consecutive year. The guys above him do more for their respective offenses, in my opinion.
9. Dak Prescott
Let’s be real here: Dak has played one road game against a top defense this season, and in that game, he stunk. Dak threw no touchdowns and two interceptions in an ugly loss to the Broncos, raising questions all over again about how good he actually is.
10. Daniel Jones
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This is no longer surprising: Jones keeps on cooking, and the Colts’ offense keeps on dominating. The unit scores a whopping 33.8 points per game, which leads the league by a wide margin.
11. Sam Darnold
The Seahawks didn’t play this week due to a bye, but Darnold is still a clear top quarterback this season. He’s been accurate and poised while establishing an elite partnership with star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
12. Justin Herbert
Herbert can’t be any higher on this list until he consistently avoids turnovers. He threw three touchdowns in a big win over Minnesota in Week 8, but also tossed his seventh interception of the season.
13. Bo Nix
Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) makes a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sure, it was against the Cowboys, but Nix’s four-TD game was nothing short of excellent. The question now is whether he can perform at that level consistently.
14. C.J. Stroud
Stroud and the Texans got back to business in Week 8, and he finally looks a bit like the player he was in his dominant 2023 rookie campaign. He threw for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 26-15 upset victory over the 49ers.
15. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is playing well despite the Steelers’ roster not doing him any favors. He’s thrown for at least two touchdowns and completed over 66% of his passes in three consecutive games.
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