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2025 NFL QB Rankings: Who’s No. 1 in Week 1?

Fans are always debating player rankings, and when it comes to the NFL, no position is more hotly debated than quarterback. This is why we continue to maintain our NFL QB rankings year-round.

Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow are widely viewed as some of the best players in football. While they set an elite standard for quarterback play, our 2025 NFL QB rankings capture how all 32 starting quarterbacks perform every week. Updated weekly throughout the season, who are the best NFL quarterbacks right now?

1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

NFL: Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

Last year’s NFL MVP race was one of the best in recent memory, but even if we take away his rushing accomplishments, Lamar Jackson did enough to win the award. Yet, he didn’t take home his third MVP award, losing out to Josh Allen instead. Topping 4,000 passing yards for the first time in his NFL career, Jackson also had a new career-high 41 passing touchdowns. As long as he stays healthy, Jackson will continue putting up MVP numbers this season too.

Related: Highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL: Salaries, cap hits for highest paid NFL quarterbacks 2025

2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

joe burrow

Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Leading the NFL in yards and touchdowns, Joe Burrow had an MVP season in 2024. Yet, as amazing as Burrow was, it still wasn’t good enough to outshine Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen’s efforts. Still, Burrow was magnificent, doing everything he possibly could to will the Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs. We expect him to be one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in 2025 too.

3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Syndication: USA TODAY

Josh Allen seemed like the NFL MVP favorite for a large chunk of the season, and voters wisely recognized his strong efforts. Still, no one expected Allen to thrive so much after the Buffalo Bills suddenly decided to trade Stefon Diggs last offseason. He’s undoubtedly one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, but the other two ahead of him just had better numbers in 2024, and their supporting casts surely played a big factor. Meanwhile, Allen does much of the heavy lifting himself.

Related: Predicting NFL playoff teams and Super Bowl 2026 winner

4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Syndication: Detroit Free Press

Facing an immense amount of pressure, Patrick Mahomes couldn’t deliver in the Super Bowl. What happened was Mahomes took a career-high six sacks, leading to an offensive line overhaul. However, we can’t quickly forget everything that Mahomes has accomplished, winning three Super Bowls and two MVP awards in seven seasons as a starter. He just needs a bit more help to get back on top, but he’s already on pace for a Hall of Fame career.

5. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

NFL: Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Are we sure Jayden Daniels was a rookie? Somehow, he led the Washington Commanders on four game-winning drives in his debut season. He now holds the single-season rushing yard record for a rookie QB, surpassing Robert Griffin III’s previous mark. Daniels was excellent all season long, earning him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and now he’s expected to return as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL.

Related: 2025 NFL offense rankings

6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

NFL: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs

The former No. 1 overall pick has had a rollercoaster career like no other. Yet, after completing a career-high 72.4% of his passes, Jared Goff is back on top of the mountain thanks to leading the Detroit Lions to 15 wins and the top seed in the NFC playoff race. The biggest question is how he’ll maintain this pace after losing the brilliant mind of Ben Johnson.

7. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots

Eagles quarterbacks didn’t have to do much last year with Saquon Barkley enjoying a 2,000-yard season. However, when it was time to deliver, Jalen Hurts came through with several big-time throws. Now he and his Philadelphia Eagles have a Super Bowl ring to show for it. We’ll be curious to see if the Eagles let their franchise quarterback air it out more often after having the fewest attempts and passing yards of his career, yet it’s hard to argue with the end result.

8. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

It took a while, but Baker Mayfield has completely transformed his career narrative after arriving as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Now Mayfield is viewed as an above-average QB who can spark a fire in his entire locker room, leading them to the playoffs in three of his seven seasons as a starter.

9. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

justin herbert

Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh helped Justin Herbert take the next step as a passer, avoiding turnovers at an elite rate. That type of play will help the Los Angeles Chargers become annual playoff threats. Now we just need to see how the Chargers’ weapons develop around their rocket-armed quarterback over the next few years.

Get the Latest Chargers News and Rumors from LAFBNetwork

10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks

Matthew Stafford may be 37, but he’s shown he’s plenty capable of rising to the occasion to help carry his team to the playoffs. He’s done so in three of the past four seasons, but he’s coming off the best interception rate of his 16-year career. Multiple teams had interest in the former Super Bowl winner this offseason, but the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback returns to power Sean McVay’s brilliant scheme, and he even has a new toy as Davante Adams joins the crew.

Get the Latest Los Angeles Rams News and Rumors From LAFBNetwork

11. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins

Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The only doubt about Tua Tagovailoa‘s career is whether he can stay healthy. The Miami Dolphins quarterback was limited to just 11 games last season, which has become an all too common theme in South Beach since he arrived as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa has played all 17 games just once in his five-year career. Yet, when he is healthy, he’s one of the most accurate passers in the NFL, finishing with a league-high 72.9% completion rate last season.

12. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

NFL: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

A former fourth-round pick, Dak Prescott was never supposed to be an NFL starting quarterback. Now he’s a three-time Pro Bowler who once led the NFL’s highest-powered offense. While he’s coming off a hamstring injury that ended his season, he should be able to bounce back to his elite form in 2025 as George Pickens joins the crew.

13. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers

We can no longer debate whether Brock Purdy — Mr. Irrelevant — is a viable starting NFL quarterback. The one-time Pro Bowl QB executes Kyle Shanahan’s offense to perfection. Last year, Purdy’s aDOT (average depth of target) ranked in the top 10 of passers, showing just how much the scoring attack has evolved under his guidance.

14. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Syndication: Arizona Republic

Kyler Murray still battles inconsistency issues after six seasons. Losing time in 2023 after an ACL injury didn’t help, but the former No. 1 overall pick bounced back last season and nearly led the Arizona Cardinals back to the playoffs while having a 68.8% completion rate. With Marvin Harrison Jr by his side, we’re expecting K1 to take a big leap in 2025.

Related: History Suggests Marvin Harrison Jr’s Set to Explode in 2025

15. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

After leading the Green Bay Packers to back-to-back playoff appearances, Jordan Love has established himself as the team’s next franchise quarterback. The Packers already knew that last offseason when they made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, but getting the job done without a defined No. 1 receiver is extremely impressive. His biggest flaw is turning the ball over too often, but he’s young enough to iron out the kinks.

Related: 2025 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating all 32 teams

16. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp

Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The four-time NFL MVP is no longer at the top of his game, but Aaron Rodgers proved last season that he can still sling it while avoiding turnovers with the best of them. All eyes are on the 41-year-old now that he’s headed to Pittsburgh, where he’s expected to return to the playoffs thanks to Mike Tomlin’s strong leadership.

17. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

NFL: Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

C.J. Stroud took a step back in 2024 after breaking out as one of the best rookie quarterbacks in recent memory. However, after the Houston Texans overhauled the offensive line, there’s hope that Stroud can pick up where he left off in his debut season.

18. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks

Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Can Sam Darnold maintain the Pro Bowl level of play he delivered with the Minnesota Vikings? He won’t have Kevin O’Connell dialing up the plays or anyone like Justin Jefferson to target. The Seattle Seahawks‘ offensive line is unproven too, but Darnold will still have a talented pass-catching corps led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.

19. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

NFL: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

No one expected Bo Nix to be this good this early for the Denver Broncos after many had him projected as a second-round pick. Clearly, Sean Payton saw something special in the former Oregon QB, and he was able to lead the Broncos to the playoffs in his first season. Nix has not only shown an ability to operate a short-area passing attack at a high level, his mobility makes him tough to defend.

20. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders finally have a franchise quarterback again, even if he’s already 34 years old. A two-time Pro Bowler, Geno Smith has shown the ability to play at an elite level, and he’ll instantly elevate the Raiders’ offense into a respectable group. Yet, will this receiving corps hold him back or can Smith be the catalyst for growth in Vegas?

21. Russell Wilson, New York Giants

NFL: New York Jets at New York Giants

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Giants have a new franchise quarterback too, but the 36-year-old Russell Wilson may not stick around for long. Still, he represents a significantly upgraded quarterback room for a team that now has a fighting chance to compete for a playoff spot. Wilson has done well to protect the football, and he can still hit on the occasional deep ball. Malik Nabers is primed for a big year.

22. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL QB Rankings

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Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, hasn’t lived up to his potential. Yet, he’s shown flashes of brilliance. Plus, Lawrence is still just 25 years old which means he’s likely to continue improving, especially now that the Jacksonville Jaguars have paired him with a dynamic duo led by Brian Thomas Jr and Travis Hunter.

23. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

NFL: Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears

Credit: The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

Caleb Williams showed some major flashes of becoming a superstar as a rookie. Yet, there were still far too many inconsistent moments that caused concern. However, after rebuilding the Chicago Bears‘ offensive line, this offense has a strong chance of taking a Bear-sized leap forward in 2025 under Ben Johnson.

24. Drake Maye, New England Patriots

NFL: Houston Texans at New England Patriots

Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

He’s still learning how to be more consistent, but Drake Maye continued to show more signs of becoming a future superstar for the New England Patriots throughout the season. Reinforcing the offensive line and adding Stefon Diggs gives Maye a better chance to flourish. Now we just need to see how good Maye can become and how quickly he can reach his ceiling.

25. Justin Fields, New York Jets

NFL: New York Jets at Green Bay Packers

Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Justin Fields is still unproven as a passer, but he’s one of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL. Still, the New York Jets are banking on the 26-year-old former first-round pick to continue to improve. Yet, he did perform well with Pittsburgh last season, leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record while having 10 touchdowns (five passing, five rushing) and just one interception. Plus, he’ll have immediate chemistry with former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson.

Check out our latest NFL defense rankings and how they impact fantasy QBs

26. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

NFL: Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos

Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Bryce Young saved one of his best games for last, leading the Carolina Panthers to 44 points, which included completing 25-of-34 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He took several steps forward in his second year, finishing with a respectable 15:9 TD: INT ratio and cutting his sacks in half from 62 to 29. Now everyone is excited to see what Young’s future holds again and he’s still just 24.

27. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

NFL: New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons

Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

For now, Kirk Cousins is still breathing down Michael Penix‘s neck, but there’s no questioning who the team’s franchise QB is. Penix has the ability to lead one of the NFL’s highest-powered scoring attacks, now we just need to see it come to life. Getting a full offseason and training camp’s worth of reps should help him grow into the new team leader, effectively making him more comfortable in the huddle and on the field.

28. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Minnesota Vikings

Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

After winning a College Football National Championship, J.J. McCarthy needs to prove he’s the real deal in the NFL too. Quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell is a big believer in the former Michigan superstar, which means we should be too. Not to mention, the 22-year-old will be stepping into the most QB-friendly atmosphere in the league, with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, a consistent 1-2 rushing attack, and a stout offensive line. McCarthy has star potential, but until he proves it, he’s stuck in the bottom tier of our NFL QB rankings.

29. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Syndication: The Tennessean

Credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After Will Levis was ruled out with a season-ending shoulder injury, it made Cam Ward the unquestioned starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. While the No. 1 overall pick is unproven, Ward provides a skyhigh ceiling as a dual-threat QB who can make a difference through the air and on the ground. While Ward can be a star, he has to prove it first.

30. Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans

Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Evidently, the Cleveland Browns‘ plan is to roll with a 40-year-old Joe Flacco. While he’s past his prime, Flacco can still sling the pigskin with ease. Though, this cast feels like a group that will help the Browns max out at nine wins, if they’re lucky. As a result, it likely won’t be long until Dillon Gabriel or even Shedeur Sanders gets a chance. Unless Deshaun Watson comes back first.

31. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Indianapolis Colts

Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Announced as the starter for the season, Daniel Jones will get every opportunity to run away with the Indianapolis Colts‘ QB1 job. Yet, Anthony Richardson will always be there, waiting for an opportunity too. For now, the Colts aare banking on the more veteran Jones bringing more consistency to the offense and they have provided him with a solid stable of weapons with upside. In other words, ‘Indiana Jones’ could climb quite a bit in our QB rankings.

32. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints

Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

After some early offseason rumors, the New Orleans Saints didn’t really have a way to move on from Derek Carr. Yet, he was forced to move on from football after experiencing a lingering shoulder issue. A not-so-fierce training camp competition led to Spencer Rattler winning the starting role after being the most consistent arm throughout the summer. How long he lasts atop the depth chart remains to be seen, but Rattler does at least have a strong arm and the willingness to rip the ball into tight windows. Still, right now we’d argue Rattler is the worst starting quarterback in the NFL.

NFL Quarterback Rankings FAQ

What are Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings?

Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings are a weekly list that evaluates and orders NFL quarterbacks based on performance. Rankings occur during the season and at key dates outside of the season. Perfect for fantasy football fans.

How does Sportsnaut rank quarterbacks?

Sportsnaut ranks quarterbacks by evaluating key statistics, recent game performance, and advanced metrics to determine their overall effectiveness and consistency.

Who leads the NFL in QB rating?

With a QB rating of 119.6, Lamar Jackson led the NFL in passer rating during the 2024-25 NFL season.

Who led the NFL in QB rating in 2024?

Lamar Jackson led the NFL in QB rating in 2024 with a mark of 119.6. He was followed in the 2024–25 season by Jared Goff (111.8), Joe Burrow (108.5), Baker Mayfield (106.8), and Jalen Hurts (103.7). In the previous 2023 season, Brock Purdy topped the league with a rating of 113.

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