2025 NFL QB Rankings: Week 17 Update Sees Brock Purdy Climb

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2025 NFL QB Rankings: Week 17 Update Sees Brock Purdy Climb

Andrew Buller-Russ · Sportsnaut

Tue, Dec 23, 2025 ·

14 min read

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Who's the NFL's best quarterback? Who's the NFL's worst quarterback? Since the season is ongoing, it's only fair to evaluate all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks based on their 2025 performance. That means the typical greats like Joe Burrow won't rank near the very top, simply because he hasn't been at his very best this year. Scroll down for the full 2025 NFL QB rankings, from 1-32.

1. Matthew Stafford (Last Week: 1)

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams — Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

What more could Matthew Stafford have done? The Rams QB's 59% completion rate could have been higher, but otherwise, the MVP favorite was fantastic on a day where he took several hard hits yet avoided sacks. Stafford posted a ridiculous 457 passing yards, his most as a member of the Rams. He also tossed three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to get the dub.

2. Jared Goff (LW: 4)

NFL: Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles — Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

A rough start put the Lions in a tough spot, but Goff rallied the troops and made things interesting. He completed 34-of-54 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns. Three sacks and a safety were obvious deterrents, but Goff had his team fighting for a chance to win through the final whistle. The Lions wound up losing, but a questionable offensive pass interference call still has Lions fans reeling.

3. Drake Maye (LW: 2)

NFL: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots — Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Just like that, Maye's MVP campaign got a significant boost after posting a career-high 380 passing yards Sunday. While he did have two turnovers (a lost fumble and an interception), Maye was otherwise excellent. Sparking a comeback win after being down 11 in the fourth quarter, Maye was dropping dimes all night long, but many would be surprised to learn this was his first 300-yard game of the season and his entire NFL career.

4. Josh Allen (LW: 3)

Any hopes of repeating as the NFL MVP took a hit on Sunday as Allen completed just 12-of-19 passes for 130 yards. It would have been worse if the Bills had lost to the Browns after a second-half collapse. While Allen did see a sure touchdown dropped by tight end Dawson Knox , the Bills QB was far from his best this week.

5. Dak Prescott (LW: 5)

NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys — Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Once again, Prescott played well, as he has done for most of the season. He completed a respectable 21-of-30 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns, but it didn't matter as the Chargers established a 17-point lead. Prescott's numbers would have looked better had the Cowboys converted either of their fourth-down attempts or not had a third touchdown called back due to a penalty, but this loss isn't on the Dallas QB.

6. Sam Darnold (LW: 7)

Darnold had two ugly interceptions, but the fact that the Seahawks offense was able to overcome them and beat the Rams is impressive. He'd complete 22-of-34 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns in addition to his two picks. Yet, brushing it off and leading a 16-point comeback against a top-five defense in the fourth quarter and capping it off with a two-point conversion for the win was a strong display of Darnold's persistence.

7. Jordan Love (LW: 6)

Syndication: The Record — Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jordan Love's night ended early after suffering a concussion in the second quarter. Yet, he had been performing well prior to the exit. Love completed 8-of-13 attempts for 77 yards, but a failed conversion on 4th-and-1 loomed large in the eventual overtime loss.

8. Jalen Hurts (LW: 8)

Yet another strong performance by Jalen Hurts has him inching his way back up toward the top of NFL QB rankings. This time it's for completing 22-of-30 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns while adding 40 more as a rusher. With zero turnovers and just two sacks taken, the Eagles will take this effort from Hurts any day.

9. Bo Nix (LW: 10)

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos — Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Broncos' 11-game winning streak is dead. Nix was productive, completing 28-of-47 passes for 352 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while taking just one sack. But he also lost a fumble in Denver 's first loss by three or more points this season. If anything, it humbles Nix and gives the Broncos something to work on before the playoffs get underway.

10. Justin Herbert (LW: 10)

Syndication: Florida Times-Union — Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A week after one of his worst starts this year, while overcoming a fractured hand, Herbert bounced back in a big way. The Chargers QB completed 23-of-29 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while tacking on 42 rushing yards and another score. Throwing dime after dime, Herbert made it look easy on Sunday.

11. Trevor Lawrence (LW: 15)

Trevor Lawrence has been reminding everyone that he was once a No. 1 overall pick in the past few weeks. This time it's for completing 23-of-36 attempts for 279 yards, and three touchdowns. He added yet another score on the ground, marking his seventh rushing touchdown this season (a new career-high). Suddenly, this Lawrence-led Jaguars offense is looking downright dangerous ahead of the playoffs.

12. Caleb Williams (LW: 14)

NFL: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Bears got off to a slow start offensively, but after stretching the game to overtime, Williams woke up and delivered a clutch win. Williams did so by engineering a clutch touchdown drive to get to OT before ending the game with a 46-yard touchdown pass. In all, Williams completed 19-of-34 passes for 250 yards and the two scores. The second-year QB is developing quite nicely, and Ben Johnson's guidance has been a big help.

13. Aaron Rodgers (LW: 16)

Syndication: The Enquirer — Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The four-time NFL MVP went back to Michigan at Ford Field and delivered an excellent performance to greatly deter Detroit 's playoff hopes. Rodgers completed 27-of-41 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown, spreading the ball around to nine different pass-catchers. The Steelers have now won three in a row, but they have two more tests left.

14. Lamar Jackson (LW: 12)

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns — Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Another game impacted by injuries, Jackson didn't get to do much before being forced out of action. When he was healthy, Jackson was effective. The two-time NFL MVP completed 7-of-10 passes for 101 yards without committing a turnover or taking a sack in another loss. Though, we have a feeling Jackson's Ravens would have overcome their four-point loss had he been available for the full game.

15. Joe Burrow (LW: 21)

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens — Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

A week after a forgettable two-interception game, Burrow reminded everyone why he's such a special talent, and why one team tried trading four first-round picks for him . Burrow was on fire, completing 25-of-32 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns to help dominate the Dolphins by 24 points. That should help quiet those offseason Burrow trade rumors.

16. Brock Purdy (LW: 19)

Syndication: Arizona Republic — Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Purdy did something that no other 49ers QB has done before, toss five touchdowns in a Monday night performance. It was the type of effort that he'll likely never forget, especially considering it clinched San Francisco 's playoff appearance. We need to see more games like this from Purdy this season, but doing so right before the playoffs get under way is a good sign that he's seeing defenses really well right now.

17. Baker Mayfield (LW: 13)

Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle — Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Despite finally getting to work with a healthy cast of receivers, Mayfield couldn't bounce back in the way the Buccaneers needed. He completed 18-of-26 passes, but for just 145 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He was able to tack on 49 rushing yards, but with that lackluster production as a passer, it's no wonder the Bucs couldn't get the win.

18. C.J. Stroud (LW: 17)

NFL: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans — Sean Thomas-Imagn Images

Stroud rallied after a slow start to finish with 187 yards and a touchdown on 23-of-35 attempts. It wasn't very impressive, especially considering this one came against a woeful Raiders defense. Had it not been for Houston 's defense, which produced a pick-six, we'd likely be talking more about how Stroud didn't do enough to win.

19. Bryce Young (LW: 18)

NFL: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons — Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Panthers have found their franchise QB. It's been fun to witness the ups and downs of his career early on, but few expected the jump we've seen this year. This week, he completed 21-of-32 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns while putting the Panthers in first place in the NFC South. Can he get Carolina to the playoffs for the first time since 2017?

20. Jacoby Brissett (LW: 20)

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals — Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Brissett had more than a few missed opportunities, including in the red zone, as he completed just 16-of-31 passes for 203 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Without a running game, the Cardinals don't have much choice but to try airing it out, but this unit has to become more efficient to have a chance.

21. Kirk Cousins (LW: 23)

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints — Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The turnover goblin came back to bite Kirk Cousins again as he tossed an interception and lost a fumble that wasn't his fault. Yet, somehow it didn't prevent the Falcons from getting a win on a day where he completed just 21-of-35 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns (plus a rushing score). It wasn't pretty, but it was enough to get the job done against a bad team like the Cardinals.

22. Jaxson Dart (LW: 22)

NFL: New York Giants at Chicago Bears — Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The game plan called for a ridiculous number of rushing plays. Dart didn't even register a passing attempt until there were 3:51 seconds left in the second quarter. Facing a blitz-heavy Vikings D led by Brian Flores, Dart was lost, resulting in five sacks. The first-round rookie completed just 7-of-13 passes for 33 yards and a receiver-tipped interception that was not his fault. Dart only ran it twice for seven yards, but this was a concerted effort to keep him healthy, and yet he was atrocious.

23. Tyler Shough (LW: 25)

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers — Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Kellen Moore took the shackles off this week, allowing his 26-year-old second-round rookie to attempt 49 passes. Yet, Shough completed 32 of them for a new career-high 308 yards. He tacked a touchdown onto that impressive stat line and even completed nine straight passes at one point. Of course, teams usually impress when facing the Jets, but Shough has now helped the lowly Saints win three games in a row.

24. Cam Ward (LW: 29)

Syndication: The Tennessean — Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The rookie No. 1 overall pick just had arguably his best start yet. Ward completed 21-of-28 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns without committing any turnovers. He's suddenly had three consecutive multi-score games after not having any leading up to his hot stretch. His recent momentum should help the Titans considerably in the head coaching interview process, as candidates will now be more interested in working with the 23-year-old, who's shown clear signs of growth.

25. Geno Smith ( Kenny Pickett ranked 32nd)

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans — Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

One of the first things Smith did was fire a pick-six to Derek Stingley , putting him back in a two-way tie for the most interceptions thrown this season. Yet, he overcame his early struggles and actually helped the Raiders nearly beat the NFL's best defense. Smith completed 16-of-23 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns to go with the pick. Odds are, he'll be replaced by a rookie next season, but this game provided hope that he won't crap the bed if called upon again, whether it's in Vegas or on another team next year.

26. J.J. McCarthy (LW: 27)

NFL: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Vikings' QB had to leave another game early after suffering a hand injury when it collided with a helmet. Prior to his exit just before halftime, McCarthy maintained the momentum he's built as of late. The 22-year-old completed 9-of-14 passes for 108 yards, an interception, and a strip sack on the play where he was hurt. Yet, the most significant takeaway may be that he built a strong connection with Justin Jefferson , who had 85 of McCarthy's 108 yards. That's something to build on.

27. Philip Rivers (LW: 30)

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks — Steven-Imagn Images

That's more like it. Rivers completed 23-of-35 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. His game-sealing interception may have done the Colts in, and possibly even their playoff chances, but Rivers showed he's fully capable of still playing this game at a high level. Things could have gotten really interesting if he had more time to prepare, but we can't fault his effort.

28. Shedeur Sanders (LW: 28)

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders — Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Barring the shocking acquisition of a Pro Bowl QB, we don't see why Shedeur Sanders wouldn't compete for the Browns' starting job in 2026. He hasn't done enough to win the job outright, but he's been Cleveland 's best QB this season. His latest effort featured Sanders completing 20-of-29 passes for 157 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions (one wasn't his fault after bouncing off his pass-catcher's hands). The other came on a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. Perhaps the most impressive part was seeing Sanders go off for a new career-high 49 rushing yards, showing more escapability than some expected.

29. Marcus Mariota (LW: 26)

NFL: Washington Commanders at New York Giants — Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Mariota didn't get to play a full game after suffering a hand injury that later required stitches. But to be fair, he wasn't exactly effective before giving way to Josh Johnson either. Mariota completed just 7-of-14 passes for 95 yards while taking a sack. But with Jayden Daniels out for the season, the Commanders don't have a better option.

30. Quinn Ewers ( Tua Tagovailoa ranked 23rd)

Typically, seventh-round rookie quarterbacks making their first start only embarrass themselves. That's not what happened to Quinn Ewers in his starting debut. While his team got blown out by 24 points, Ewers was a bit better than expected. He managed to move the chains by completing 20-of-30 passes for 260 yards, but the two interceptions are clear moments he can learn from, though one was on a batted pass. He did enough to earn another start or two.

31. Brady Cook (LW: 31)

NFL: New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars — Travis Register-Imagn Images

The Jets weren't going to let undrafted rookie Brady Cook lose the game all by himself. They also didn't let him attempt many passes downfield, with most of his throws coming to short areas of the field. That script didn't work either, as Cook completed just 22-of-35 passes for 188 yards and an interception. Perhaps the worst part is that Cook took eight sacks as he struggled to process information against a pressure-heavy Saints front.

32. Chris Oladokun ( Patrick Mahomes ranked 9th)

When Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury, the Chiefs turned to the next man up — Gardner Minshew . His first start of the season ended quickly after Minshew suffered what's also feared to be a torn ACL. That gave way to 2022 seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun, who'd thrown just one NFL pass before. The 28-year-old would complete 11-of-16 passes for 111 yards and four sacks, but now he may have to prepare for his first start.

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