RANKING THE BEST STARTING QUARTERBACK FOR THE 2024 NFL SEASON

The younger generation has taken over when it comes to the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are the top superstars in football, while Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers might finally be showing signs of their age in 2023.

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the best quarterback in the NFL. Start with the multiple Super Bowl titles that he has on his resume, but that's not the whole story. He is one of the most creative players to man the position, and that makes him one of the most difficult players for opposing head coaches and defensive coordinators to game plan against.

The battle for the No. 2 spot is dramatic. The high-scoring Dolphins have a slew of game-breaking weapons, but nobody is more important to them than Tua Tagovailoa. The left-handed quarterback has demonstrated laser-beam accuracy, and the Dolphins have a chance to challenge the top teams in the AFC.

Related: Curious about this week's games? Explore our NFL Predictions.

But what about Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts? Allen has all the skills that any NFL general manager wants in a quarterback, but he does have something of a reckless approach. Burrow has the look and feel of a future Super Bowl winner, but a summer-time calf injury slowed his development at the start of the 2023 season. Hurts is fueled by the doubts of others and has become one of the greatest winners in the NFL.

Here's a look at the league's starting quarterbacks. In addition to past accomplishments and statistical achievements, judgements are made on factors like athleticism, accuracy, consistency and leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes is the best in the NFL and has a chance to rank with the best quarterbacks the game has ever seen.
• If Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy, the Dolphins have a chance to push any of their AFC rivals.
• Quarterbacks will show their true colors within the first three years of their career. If they haven’t reached some level of success by the end of Year 3, it is not likely to happen.
• Accuracy combined with the ability to escape the pass rush are the most important factors for successful quarterbacks.

RANKING ALL 32 NFL STARTING QUARTERBACKS 

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

This is a fairly clear-cut call. While Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa may be having the best statistical year of any quarterback in the league, he does not have the same track record of success in the big games that Patrick Mahomes does. The Kansas City quarterback is a remarkably confident and inventive performer. He understands what the defense is trying to do to stop him under all circumstances and he can come up with the play to defeat that strategy. He is working with an offensively-creative head coach in Andy Reid, and the two are able to feed off each other.

2. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

There’s no reason the Dolphins can’t challenge the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals for the AFC title this season, and they have a slew of explosive weapons in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle along with running back Raheem Mostert. But what makes it all work so well is the pinpoint accuracy of Tagovailoa. He knows where his receivers are going to be and he can step in and deliver strikes with little trouble. If Tagovailoa can avoid injuries, he could be on his way to a championship season.

3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

When it comes to flat-out skill and the gifts to play the quarterback position, Allen has as much talent as anybody, with the possible exception of Mahomes. He has arm strength, athleticism, a quick release and courage. However, he takes too many risks and often puts his team in jeopardy by throwing the ball into traffic when he doesn’t have to. Allen is one of the Bills’ greatest assets, but he can also be the cause of their demise.

4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts has been a brilliant star for the Eagles, and he is fueled by the belief that he has been overlooked throughout much of his college and pro career. He delighted in overwhelming his critics with his brilliant 2022 season that concluded with the Eagles nearly winning the Super Bowl against the Chiefs. He is a powerful force when running and an accurate thrower. He has not been quite as effective in 2023, but there is little doubt that he can succeed when the Eagles need him most.

5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

The 2023 season got off to a slow start for Burrow as he suffered a calf injury early in training camp and his production in the first few games of the season suffered quite a bit. Just when it seemed the Bengals were about to become one of the most disappointing teams in the league, the offense woke up and Burrow returned to the elite form. Many observers believe he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. If there is any team that can trade points with the Kansas City Chiefs in a key game, it may be the Bengals. Credit Burrow for his ability to escape the rush, make plays with his legs and his arm strength. 

6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Goff has had a roller-coaster run throughout his career. He was a former No. 1 pick in the draft and led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance. He slipped badly after that and when the Rams traded him to the Lions, it seemed Detroit was merely hoping the change of scenery would help his game. He has recovered quite nicely, reading defenses extremely well and showing accuracy. 

7. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

After a slow start to his career, Lawrence has gotten acclimated to the speed of the NFL game and he has been able to thrive. Lawrence is athletic enough to get away from the pass rush and deliver accurate passes to his crew of receivers. The former Clemson star has the ability to diagnose what opposing defenses are trying to do in and typically stays calm under pressure.

8. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

There is little doubt that Jackson has always been one  of the top running quarterbacks since coming into the NFL, but he is at his best when he is spreading the ball around to his talented crew of receivers. Jackson won the MVP award following the 2019 season, but he hasn’t been back to that form since then. Health has been an issue, but he has the confidence of a championship quarterback. He struggles with consistency, but when he is at the top of his game, it is very difficult to slow him down. Jackson is one of two quarterbacks in the history of the NFL with 50+ games with at least 50 rushing yards.

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9. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert could be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL, but he is on a team with a head coach in Brandon Staley who really does not have a clue about game management. Staley’s failure to make winning decisions when the game is on the line is hurting Herbert and nearly every key player on the Chargers. When Herbert is on his game, he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. But he is not good enough to overcome a substandard coach who makes the wrong move nearly every week.

10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

It appeared that Stafford’s career was starting to wind down at the age of 36 because of elbow issues and an accumulation of other maladies. However, he appears to have made a recovery in the 2023 season, as the Rams are playing quite a bit better than expected after a brutal 2022 season. Stafford is known for his tremendous courage in the pocket and his ability to withstand big hits and still deliver the ball. Since he has a pair of very dependable wide receivers in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, he has been able to regain quite a bit of the stature at the position.

11. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Purdy is one of the most incredible stories in recent NFL history. He was the last selection of the 2022 NFL draft, and it was unlikely that that he would be any more than a practice squad signal caller when the Niners took him. Due to injuries and other factors, the Niners were forced to turn to Purdy, and he has proven himself as an effective leader. He had gone undefeated in his regular season starts until the Niners dropped a Week 6 game to the Cleveland Browns, and he has shown that he can read defenses, put the ball on the money and avoid key mistakes when facing heavy pressure. 

12. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Cousins is one of the most confounding quarterbacks in the league and his legacy is well-known. Give him a clean pocket and at least two seconds of protection, and he will put the ball on the money. Cousins is capable of stringing touchdowns together and giving his teammates and coaches belief that they have an elite offense, and then suddenly fall woefully short. The Vikings' quarterback has had major issues when facing high-level opponents and has also struggled quite a bit in primetime games. Cousins has proven to have a remarkable partnership with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is the best receiver in the NFL. Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a key segment of the season and that puts additional pressure on the even-keeled Cousins. 

13. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Few quarterbacks face the pressure on an every-game basis that Prescott sees with the Cowboys. A clear look at the roster indicates that Dallas is one of the most talented teams in the league, yet they fell flat when they played the lowly Arizona Cardinals and were ill-prepared against an elite team in the 49ers. Much of this is on head coach Mike McCarthy, but Prescott also absorbs much of the blame. Prescott is an intelligent leader who can diagnose defensive weaknesses. When he tucks the ball and runs, he can make big plays, and he also can deliver the ball through tight windows. Unfortunately, he also will make huge mistakes and is prone to interceptions. He led the league by throwing 15 picks in 2022.

14. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

The rise of Geno Smith was one of the biggest surprises of the 2022 season. He was thought of as little more than an ordinary backup before the Seahawks acquired him and inserted him as their starter. Suddenly he became successful while working with empowering head coach Pete Carroll, who showed complete confidence in him after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Smith was the most accurate quarterback in the league last year, and he developed a strong relationship with wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. The addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes Smith even more dangerous in 2023.

15. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The jury has gone in and out on Mayfield throughout his career, but it should probably result in a positive verdict for the former Heisman Trophy winner. He is a fiery leader who appears to be giving the Buccaneers a legitimate chance to win on a consistent basis. While he is on the short side, he is a gutsy performer who can pick himself up after he gets knocked down and then put the ball in an advantageous position for his receivers. Mayfield seems to understand that this may be his last opportunity to show that he can be a winning NFL starting quarterback and he is giving it a maximum effort in Tampa Bay. The pressure of serving as the first Tampa Bay quarterback after Tom Brady’s retirement is only fueling Mayfield’s fire.

16. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

While No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young is struggling with the Carolina Panthers, Stroud is clearly excelling with the Texans. He did not throw his first interception in the NFL until Week 6 and that’s a historical achievement for a rookie quarterback. Stroud is not a finished product by any means, but he has gained confidence on a consistent basis since his first practice session. Stroud is an excellent passer who has displayed accuracy and escapability even though he is not a running quarterback. He has been victimized by a number of drops from his receivers, but he is clearly enjoying an excellent rookie season and he has a wonderful rapport with first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans that could result in long-term security.

17. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints

While he is an NFL veteran who is in his 10th year in the league, Carr still is fighting to prove that he can be a consistent winner in the NFL. He was not able to establish that fact during his nine years with the Raiders' franchise, but it would be wrong to dismiss him. Carr could have at least five more years to start in the league if he can put a great season on the board, but a poor finish could result in his demotion to journeyman backup with a new team in the near future.

18. Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders

Few quarterbacks have had the injury frequency that Garoppolo has had throughout his NFL career. He has performed exceedingly well at various points with the Patriots, 49ers and now the Raiders. The problem is that he can’t stay in the lineup long enough to establish his dependability at the position. He had had is first major chance to show that he could be a dependable starting quarterback with the Niners, but the team appeared to lose confidence in him when he faced the toughest opponents in the biggest games. The Raiders have their best chance to win when Garoppolo is in the lineup, and they hope that this season’s back injury does not linger.

19. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos

There is a good chance that Wilson is ruining the Hall of Fame legacy he appeared to develop during the first eight years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. His last year with Seattle in 2021 was disappointing and his first season in Denver was a flat-out disaster. The Seahawks hired veteran head coach Sean Payton in 2023 in part to “fix” Wilson and help him return to the status that he had earlier in his career, but that has not happened yet. While he is performing better in 2023 than he did in the previous year, he is not good enough to help the Broncos overcome their brutal defense and overall inefficiency. 

20. Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

The Commanders came into the start of training camp with a complete blank at the quarterback position. Head coach Ron Rivera was not sure who would be under center for Washington, but Howell won the position with his poise, accuracy and leadership skills. It’s not that Howell is elite in any of these categories, but he was certainly better than any of his competitors with the Commanders. Howell has a pair of first-rate receivers in Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, and that’s a big advantage that many quarterbacks throughout the league do not have. Howell struggles to escape the pass rush, and he does not know how to climb the pocket or buy time despite decent athletic ability. Still, he has shown solid passing skills and the ability to bounce back after a poor game.

21. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

Watson appeared to be gaining his best form with the Browns when a shoulder injury took him out of the Cleveland lineup. The Browns thought Watson would return to the starting lineup when they came back from their bye in Week 6 against the Niners, but he was unable to play in that game. He may be delayed in the near future as well if the injury is more serious than the team anticipated. Watson’s career has been steeped in controversy as a result of off-the-field issues, but he appeared to be through the worst of it as he returned to active duty in 2022. If he can return to health within the foreseeable future, he has a chance to help the Browns make the playoffs – largely because the team’s defense is excellent. Watson has solid skills and can be an effective NFL quarterback. 

22. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

Tannehill has had a solid career, but he appears to be in the final stages of his run as an NFL starter. The Titans have their quarterback of the future in Will Levis, and he should be good enough to become the team’s starter in 2024. In the short-term, Tannehill has a high ankle sprain that will either put him out of the lineup or limit him for a week or two after the team’s bye in Week 7. If the Titans go with Levis or Malik Willis for multiple games and they win without Tannehill, it could be difficult for him to regain his starting spot.

23. Daniel Jones, New York Giants

The Giants gave Jones an elite-level contract – four years, $160 million – but he is not an elite-level quarterback. Jones parlayed a decent season that saw the Giants earn a playoff spot for the first time since the 2011 season and a postseason victory over Minnesota Vikings into a huge financial deal. However, he is skittish under center and will make mistakes. Many of his issues are due to the weaknesses on the New York offensive line, but Jones does not read defenses consistently and he will miss open receivers. Jones is in his fifth season in the NFL, and he looks like he should be a star, but that may never happen and the Giants are likely to regret giving him a huge contract.

24. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers

It has been a very slow start for Pickett and the Steelers offense, but the good news is that even though they have not played anything close to a complete game, the Steelers are still 4-2 and have every chance to turn their season around and become a playoff team. As ordinary as Pickett has looked, he has shown the ability to make plays in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line. It led to a victory in Week 6 over the Ravens. The Steelers still believe in Pickett, but he needs to raise his level of play. 

25. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

There have been several plays in the 2023 season where Love looks like he can be a solid NFL quarterback. Not a superstar who follows in the legacy of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, but a decent leader who will take what the defense gives him. However, there have been several other plays where he looks completely overmatched and the moment is just too much for him. He has missed open receivers by significant margins and plays like that result in a loss of confidence by his teammates. He hasn’t had many reps, and the hope is he will get better in the second half of the season.

26. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

There is no doubt that Fields is a gifted athlete, but he has failed to show that he is a competent NFL quarterback now that he is in his third season. It is clear that the runway is getting shorter for Fields, and if he can’t show more consistency and accuracy by the end of the season, the Bears will likely go in another direction. Fields struggles to read defenses and find open receivers, and that is a must in the NFL. When the Bears give him the freedom to run, he can be as dangerous as any quarterback in the league.

27. Joshua Dobbs, Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray is getting closer to a return, but until that happens, Dobbs remains the Cardinals quarterback. He was acquired just before the start of the season and expectations were low. However, Dobbs has played hard, used his athleticism and made a few big plays. He led the Cardinals to the biggest upset of the season when they defeated the Cowboys in Week 3. However, his lack of accuracy and his tendency to turn the ball over means he will never be a dynamic NFL quarterback.

28. Zach Wilson, New York Jets

The Jets' quarterback position belonged to Wilson the moment Aaron Rodgers went out early in the first quarter of his first game with the Jets. Prior to this season, Wilson’s play had been consistently poor. However, he got a lift from working with Rodgers during the summer, and the former Green Bay quarterback tried to pass along significant tips to Wilson and improve his confidence. Wilson has shown some improvement in leading the Jets to back-to-back victories over the lowly Denver Broncos and the elite Philadelphia Eagles. However, Wilson has to be more decisive in his reads and accurate in his passing if the Jets are going to have a legitimate chance at contending for a playoff spot. 

29. Mac Jones, New England Patriots

The Patriots have fallen apart this season, and while Jones remains under center, one has to wonder how much longer he will remain in the position. He has failed to connect with his receivers on a consistent basis and there is a tendency to put the ball in harm’s way. It is clear that Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien have expected more from this former Alabama star. The first thing he must do is protect each possession and not throw the ball into coverage. 

30. Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts 

The Colts had high hopes when rookie Anthony Richardson was in the lineup, but injuries have cut his first season short. Richardson displayed strength, toughness and the ability to find open receivers, and that allowed the Colts to be competitive. Minshew has some talent, but the longer he is in the lineup for the Colts, the more likely he is to be exposed. He does not have the consistency to deliver the ball to open receivers and the likely result is a parade of turnovers. If he can show a bit of improvement, he has the weapons to allow the team to be competitive most weeks. That seems to be a big ask at this point.

31. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers had their opportunity to go with any quarterback they wanted in the NFL Draft, and many thought that Stroud would be the better selection because he was the bigger man and more of a pocket passer. However, the Panthers were enthralled with Young’s athleticism and resourcefulness, and they thought he was a good enough passer. His passing skills have not been on display at this point in his career, and he may not be able to accomplish much the rest of the season with an underperforming team. Young may relax if and when he can lead the Panthers to their first victory of the season. There are no guarantees that will happen any time soon. It’s certainly not all his fault, as the Carolina offensive line and the receiving crew are not accomplished units.

32. Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had high hopes when they made Ridder their quarterback during training camp, but one has to wonder if those hopes are still intact. He was an excellent signal caller during his college career at Cincinnati as he recorded a 44-6 record. However, he has not been able to get the job done this season after a decent 4-game audition last season in which he went 2-2. He has been something of a turnover machine this season and head coach Arthur Smith is rapidly coming to the conclusion that Ridder is not the answer to the team’s quarterback issues.