NFL
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Now that the 2026 season is close to approaching its halfway point, it’s time to re-evaluate Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings thus far.
These rankings consider a lot of factors. Most importantly, how did a player perform last week? How does that align with their performance this season? Below, you’ll find out who the NFL’s worst quarterback and the NFL’s best quarterback are, and chances are, you won’t agree with everyone in between either.
Related: Week 7 NFL Power Rankings: Browns Leap Ahead While Rams Fall Flat
32. Jalon Daniels, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: 26)
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers32
Oct 4, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jalon Daniels (10) throws a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The 23-year-old undrafted rookie gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers some inspiring efforts, but they’re more than ready for Baker Mayfield to return in Week 7. Jalon Daniels had his worst start yet, completing just 22-of-43 passes for 164 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions while taking a career-high five sacks. He’s now up to five interceptions across three starts, but one thing Daniels did show was above-average mobility, having added another 39 yards as a rusher in Sunday’s seven-point loss.
31. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (LW: 30)
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars32
Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Cam Ward got his first win of the season and just the fourth victory of his NFL career, which has now featured 23 starts. But this game wasn’t won by Ward, who completed just 11-of-22 passes for 102 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. In a way, he did well not to turn the ball over more, but at what point will the former No. 1 overall pick start making a positive impact on his team’s offense?
30. Tanner McKee, Philadelphia Eagles (Jalen Hurts Ranked 23rd)
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles32
Oct 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) under center against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
While Jalen Hurts was struggling immensely, now that the Philadelphia Eagles’ QB1 is on injured reserve for at least four weeks with blood clots, it’s Tanner McKee’s chance to see if he can run the show. Yet, the fourth-year QB failed his first test, completing just 26-of-45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. That’s an average of just 4.8 yards per attempt. He also took three sacks, but did well not to turn the ball over at all.
Related: Week 7 NFL Defense Rankings: Eagles Descend and Chiefs Ascend; Week 7 Fantasy D/ST Rankings
29. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins (LW: 31)
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders32
Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws the ball in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for Malik Willis, who looks lost out there as a 27-year-old quarterback. Willis had just 85 passing yards in his last start, but he was able to add 74 yards and a touchdown as a rusher. Still, with the way he’s playing, the Dolphins will be looking for a different franchise QB again this offseason.
28. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 29)
NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots32
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Amazingly, six games into the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Chargers are still chasing their first win. Justin Herbert looks like a shell of his former self. This time, that meant completing just 22-of-37 passes for 204 scoreless yards plus an interception. The former first-round pick also took four sacks, but he got all 18 of those lost yards back and then some by leading the team with 26 rushing yards. But leading his team to just six points is unacceptable.
Related: 11 Justin Herbert Trade Landing Spots After NFL Rumors Emerge
27. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (LW: 28)
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars32
Travis Register-Imagn Images
For the second week in a row, Daniel Jones set a new season-high with 269 passing yards, but this time it came with two interceptions. Now up to six picks on the season, he’s just two away from matching last season’s total. He also took a six sacks, placing him just seven shy of last season’s total. Sensing a theme here? Jones simply hasn’t been anywhere near as good as he was in 2025 with the Indianapolis Colts.
26. Jameis Winston, New York Giants (LW: 25)
NFL: New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams32
Sep 21, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) throws during the third quarter against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While he had been trending upward for the previous three games, Jameis Winston took a clear step backward in Sunday’s loss to the Saints. The gunslinging former No. 1 overall pick completed just 14-of-26 passes for 152 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions while taking four sacks before getting benched while down 24 points. It may have been the last we see of Winston after his replacement J.J. McCarthy nearly sparked an incredible comeback while passing for 243 yards and rushing for 26 more in the final quarter. Though, even McCarthy tossed an interception (and a touchdown). It’s time to see what McCarthy can do as the starter.
25. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (LW: 27)
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos32
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
This version of Bo Nix is not who the Denver Broncos envisioned as their franchise quarterback. The former first-round pick is now tied (with Jacoby Brissett) for the shortest average yards per pass attempt in the NFL at 5.6. Adding Jaylen Waddle was supposed to make this offense more explosive, but Nix hasn’t been able to take advantage of his new weapon. The 26-year-old is averaging new career lows in completion rate, touchdown rate, and yards per game. Even though he’s a third-year pro, Nix is operating like a scared rookie.
24. Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens (LW: 24)
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons32
Oct 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) looks to throw during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
With Lamar Jackson still injured, the Baltimore Ravens called upon Tyler Huntley for what they hope is the last time this season. The Ravens’ QB2 couldn’t deliver a win going up against his former offensive coordinator, completing 19-of-31 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown while taking three sacks. Huntley did add 28 yards as a rusher, but only had two splash plays as a passer, gains of 28 and 31. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough to lead the Ravens to more than 10 points, which is why they lost.
23. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (LW: 18)
NFL: New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks32
Sep 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) takes the field for warm-ups before a game against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Less than a year after winning a Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks are already facing questions about whether they should consider benching Sam Darnold. Though, to be fair, after his third two-interception game of the season, he’s now one off the NFL lead with seven. That’s half as many as he had all of last season, but in five games rather than 17. Simply put, Darnold hasn’t been nearly as explosive in 2026, with an adjusted yards gained per attempt of just 5.8 compared to 8.2 in the past two seasons. Aside from his connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Darnold hasn’t been effective.
22. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals (LW: 22)
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams32
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jacoby Brissett didn’t have his most prolific day as a passer, but for once, he didn’t have to in order to emerge victorious. Brissett was nothing special, completing 24-of-35 passes for 218 scoreless yards while tossing an interception too. Yet, he did just enough to help get Chad Ryland in field goal range six times, in which he drilled all six kicks to sneak away with an 18-16 win over the Rams. Still, the Arizona Cardinals need their QB to be better than converting just 5-of-15 third-down attempts, but their lack of efficiency didn’t matter on Sunday.
21. Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings (LW: 19)
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings32
Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Coming off his best start yet after completing 80% of his passes while chalking up 280 yards (229 passing, 51 rushing) and a touchdown, now Kyler Murray will be refreshed and possibly more in-sync coming out of the Minnesota Vikings’ bye. Plus, he’ll get Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson back to boost the aerial attack while Jordan Mason’s return will make life easier on the ground too. The question is, can Murray elevate this offense as a passer? He did so in Week 5’s win, now he just needs to build off that momentum.
Related: 5 Minnesota Vikings Trades To Capitalize on 5-0 Start
20. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (LW: 17)
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns32
Oct 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
After arguably his worst start of the young season thus far in Week 5, Deshaun Watson needed a bounce-back performance in Week 6. While he struggled delivering throughout the game, Watsom came through when it mattered most, helping engineer a 10-play, 62-yard drive to set Andre Szmyt up for a game-winning field goal. Otherwise, Watson wasn’t exactly sharp, completing 16-of-26 passes for 164 scoreless yards. Though, he didn’t turn the ball over and he did add 29 yards as a rusher. But those gains were nearly negated by him taking five sacks for a loss of 20 yards. It was an up-and-down performance that could have easily led to a benching had he not connected with Jerry Jeudy on a 33-yard pass on the final drive of the game.
Related: NFL Week 6: Biggest Winners and Losers, Including the Cleveland Browns and Mike McDaniel
19. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (LW: 20)
NFL: New York Giants at Washington Commanders32
Oct 11, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Jayden Daniels had his first 300-yard passing game of the season, but the Washington Commanders also fell behind by 17 points before the third quarter even kicked off. That put the Commanders in an aggressive mindset all game long. While Daniels performed fairly well, completing 29-of-40 passes while reaching the end zone twice, he also inexplicably threw the ball out of bounds on a fourth down attempt. This comes a week after he let the game clock run out, leading to a tie rather than a win. His situational awareness has to improve.
18. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (LW: 21)
NFL: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons32
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
A week after having a career-low 96 passing yards, Tyler Shough was a bit better against the Giants’ defense, even if the yardage output (144) still wasn’t impressive. Yet, Shough was able to find the end zone three times, which now has him in fourth place of the NFL. Shough even added 32 rushing yards and a touchdown with his legs, while avoiding sacks for the first time in his career. Progress!
17. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 15)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers32
Credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Don’t look now, but the four-time NFL MVP is heating up. A week after being nearly flawless, Aaron Rodgers made more mistakes this time around, but he delivered an excellent all-around performance nonetheless. This time he did toss an interception, but Rodgers also completed 33-of-49 passes for 253 yards and two scores. But seeing the 42-year-old take five sacks was hard to witness, especially considering he lost 42 yards on those negative plays. Most importantly, he delivered a game-winning touchdown drive when it mattered most in overtime, showing he’s still capable of rising to the occasion.
16. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (LW: 11)
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants32
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Dak Prescott now has back-to-back games with two interceptions. Maybe this loss wasn’t quite as “embarrassing” as last week’s to an undrafted rookie QB, it was still arguably just as demoralizing. Dallas had just seven points until pushing in another touchdown in the final minutes of the game as the Cowboys’ QB1 kept making mistakes. When it was all said and done, Prescott completed just 34-of-54 passes for 258 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, taking one sack in the process. Boasting two star receivers, Prescott is expected to do more.
15. Drake Maye, New England Patriots (LW: 16)
NFL: Super Bowl LX-Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots32
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A week after easily his best start of the season, Drake Maye came back down to earth on Sunday against a good Jets defense. This time he completed 18-of-32 passes for a respectable 235 yards to go with three touchdowns. Maye also added 24 yards as a rusher without committing any turnovers or taking a sack. His line would have looked a lot better had A.J. Brown not dropped four passes too.
Related: 5 Biggest Letdowns From NFL Week 6 on Sunday, Including A.J. Brown and the Rams
14. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (LW: Tyson Bagent Ranked 32nd)
NFL: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons32
Oct 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Making his first start after missing nearly a month (four games), Caleb Williams looked like he was in mid-season form, completing 30-of-36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown without committing any turnovers. He did take four sacks against a respectable Falcons pass rush, but the Bears should be happy with how their franchise QB returned to the field.
13. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (LW: 10)
NFL: NFC Championship Game-Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks32
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Not acceptable. The NFL’s reigning MVP just went against the defense allowing the most points in the league and made a series of crucial mistakes. One was a lost fumble on a two-point conversion, another was simply coughing it up without getting hit at all. Stafford was under fire, taking seven hits and getting sacked three times, but when he was able to drop back with time to throw, he completed 25-of-33 passes for 222 yards and two scores. Still, losing to a one-win team isn’t ok for a team with grand plans.
12. Geno Smith, New York Jets (LW: 14)
NFL: New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers32
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
A week after riding the New York Jets’ defense to a win, Geno Smith didn’t get as lucky on Sunday. While he respectably completed 20-of-30 passes for 252 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, he also took three sacks for a loss of 25 yards. Smith has had better days, but it was inspiring to see the connection he’s already built with first-round rookie Omar Cooper Jr. who went off for 103 yards and a touchdown in his first game back from injury after missing the previous four contests. Can they build off that success heading into Week 7?
11. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (LW: 13)
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears32
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Jordan Love’s numbers would have been even better had Matthew Golden not dropped two passes downfield, but the Green Bay Packers’ franchise quarterback is used to working with unreliable receivers. Love finished the game completing just 23-of-41 passes for 276 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, but he did add another rushing score to go with 12 yards on the ground. While he took three sacks for a loss of 15 yards, Love’s magic kept the Packers in control all night long.
10. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (LW: 12)
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers32
Sep 24, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) calls out a play during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons have now lost back-to-back games started by Michael Penix Jr. While they may have been able to rally to victory had Penix not injured his ribs in last week’s loss, the Falcons fell behind quickly and only came back to make the score close in the final frame by scoring 16 fourth-quarter points. Penix had an uneven performance but the final stat line looks better than the film. He’d complete 19-of-33 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns, but he also took five costly sacks while losing 31 yards in the process. To be fair, his ribs were likely a factor in this one after injuring them in the previous week.
9. Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 8)
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders32
Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Even though he had what was surprisingly just his second 300-yard game of the season, the 313-yard effort by Kirk Cousins wasn’t enough to help the Las Vegas Raiders scratch out a win. The Raiders’ QB1 (for now) completed just 23-of-41 passes while tacking on two touchdowns and an interception, but he did well to avoid sacks on a day where the rushing attack averaged just 3.3 YPC. After three consecutive losses, it’s starting to look like Fernando Mendoza might get a chance to start by the end of the season, but would the Raiders dangle Cousins as trade bait?
8. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 7)
Syndication: The Enquirer32
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Bengals were on a bye in Week 6, which gives Joe Burrow a chance to recalibrate after an up-and-down start to his season. Coming off a 190-yard, four-touchdown day in Week 5, the Bengals should be confident more prolific days are ahead.
7. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 6)
Trevor Lawrence32
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Entering the week with the second-highest sack rate in his career, Trevor Lawrence managed to stay upright against a scary Texans defense. He also had his second consecutive 300-yard game, while posting his second four-touchdown performance of the season in one of his better starts of the 2026 campaign. However, he also had a costly red zone interception in the team’s three-point loss. Still, the former No. 1 overall pick has been one of the best quarterbacks in football thus far.
Related: 11 Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Solutions After NFL Rumors Emerge
6. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (LW: 9)
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Houston Texans at New England Patriots32
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Six games into his season, C.J. Stroud finally threw his first interception. Still, he’s committed just three turnovers through six starts and has overall been playing excellently despite the Houston Texans entering Week 7 with just a 2-4 record. More so, he’s built a strong connection with Jaylin Noel as of late, averaging 77.6 yards per game while scoring two touchdowns in the past three contests. It’s a great sign, with the recent addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. giving Stroud a trio of playmakers to work with.
5. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (LW: 2)
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers32
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
He wasn’t quite as sharp this week, completing 20-of-39 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns without committing any turnovers while taking two sacks. While he still belongs in the MVP conversation, Young took a slight step backward in this one, but it also came against an above-average Eagles defense. Overall, the Panthers can’t complain about their franchise QB leading them to a 3-2 start, leading the NFC South.
4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 5)
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs32
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Rested after enjoying an early bye, Patrick Mahomes came out firing in the team’s 16-point win over the Chargers. When the day was done, Mahomes completed 22-of-30 passes for 272 yards and an interception. He didn’t reach paydirt, but did well to keep the ball out of harm’s way while enjoying seeing Kenneth Walker III do his thing with another 128-yard, two touchdown performance.
3. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (LW: 3)
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks32
Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Coming into Week 6 playing as well as any QB, Brock Purdy carved up an easy Commanders defense in primetime on Monday night. This time, the San Francisco 49ers’ franchise QB completed 21-of-29 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown, while adding 28 more yards as a rusher. Purdy has tossed 14 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions this season while taking five sacks. He’s playing the best football of his life.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (LW: 4)
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos32
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Coming into the week with a league-leading 15 touchdowns combined (seven passing, eight rushing), Josh Allen tacked on two more through the air but was limited to just one yard on the ground. Overall, the former NFL MVP performed well, completing 23-of-33 passes for 255 yards without turning the ball over. He did take two sacks for a loss of 13 yards, but the Bills will take that after moving to 5-1.
1. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (Last Week: 1)
NFL QB Rankings32
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jared Goff has made it through five games without committing a turnover. While the Detroit Lions had a Week 6 bye, Goff was excellent in the week prior, leading his team to seven consecutive scoring drives while racking up 271 yards and four touchdowns (three rushing). Overall, Goff has been the NFL’s best quarterback of the 2026 campaign.