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2026 NFL QB Rankings: From NFL’s Worst Starting QB to the Best
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- 2026 NFL QB Rankings: From NFL’s Worst Starting QB to the Best
Aside from Aaron Rodgers potentially returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers , NFL rosters are mostly set at the quarterback position. While a few competitions will play out, starting roles have mostly already been established. One thing that is always evolving from year to year and even from week to week during the season is the NFL QB rankings.
Matthew Stafford won the NFL MVP, but he's also 38 years old. Meanwhile, several other quarterbacks are either returning from serious injuries or now have a new team, which only further complicates the process. Nevertheless, the debate rages on.
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Ranking quarterbacks from worst to first, who's the best QB in the NFL? Who's the NFL's worst QB?
32. Mason Rudolph , Pittsburgh Steelers
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Set to turn 31 in July, Mason Rudolph has just 19 NFL starts in his seven-year career, leading teams to a 9-9-1 record. He doesn't have any playmaking traits, such as a big arm or mobility, but the NFL's worst QB is still a capable backup with 30 TDs and 22 INTs. If forced into a starting role, expect the Steelers to finish with one of the 10 worst records in the league. Chances are, Will Howard and/or Drew Allar would start more games than Rudolph in 2026. That's why the Steelers are desperately hoping Rodgers wants to reunite with coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh.
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Related: 10 Pittsburgh Steelers QB Options as Patience For Aaron Rodgers Wears Thin
31. Deshaun Watson , Cleveland Browns
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There's a chance Shedeur Sanders snatches the starting role, but for now, the three-time Pro Bowl QB Deshaun Watson projects to be the Cleveland Browns ' QB1. While Watson was atrocious in Cleveland under Kevin Stefanski (topping 240 passing yards just twice while leading a 9-10 record), there's hope that Todd Monken can get more out of the talented QB.
30. Malik Willis , Miami Dolphins
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A threat with his arm and his legs, Malik Willis has the potential to skyrocket up this list. Yet, doing so on a Dolphins team with an unproven cast of pass-catchers won't be easy. For now, the dual-threat with six starts, albeit some impressive ones in Green Bay , starts lower on our list of NFL QB rankings.
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29. Cam Ward , Tennessee Titans
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The Titans hope the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft takes a big second-year leap in 2026. To be fair, Cam Ward didn't have a strong supporting cast in his rookie season. Yet, the Titans have since added two new weapons in Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. Hopefully they help Ward, who didn't record his first multi-TD game until Week 14 (but then recorded four in a row), find more consistency in Year 2.
28. Geno Smith , New York Jets
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Last year was an all-out disaster for Geno Smith on the Las Vegas Raiders , leading them to a 2-13 record while tossing an NFL-high 17 interceptions. It was a confusing situation for a player who displayed renewed confidence, finding himself as a member of the Seahawks . Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich hopes Smith can rediscover the form that helped him become a two-time Pro Bowl QB from 2022 to 2023. Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper will help, but Smith still needs to go out and prove it after such a rough performance in 2025.
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27. Kirk Cousins , Las Vegas Raiders
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When Kirk Cousins is really locked in, he's shown the ability to be among the NFL's most accurate quarterbacks. The issue is he wasn't at his best in Atlanta , where Cousins had just one game with over 234 passing yards in eight starts last season. However, there's a belief that Klint Kubiak can help put Cousins in a better position to succeed. The question is whether the Raiders have the proper supporting cast to help the four-time Pro Bowl QB thrive. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is breathing down the four-time 37-year-old's neck.
26. Jaxson Dart , New York Giants
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While he topped 250 passing yards just once in 12 starts, Jaxson Dart won over the locker room and the Giants' fanbase by showing true grit. Amazingly, Dart had 48 or more rushing yards in seven of those starts, reminding defenses that they have to be prepared when facing the 2025 first-round pick. Dart impressed with 25 TDs and 5 INTs as a rookie, we're very curious to see how he improves heading into Year 2.
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25. Tyler Shough , New Orleans Saints
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The Saints might have been on track to be the NFL's worst team last season, so the fact that Tyler Shough managed to lead New Orleans to a very respectable 5-4 record is impressive. He also finished on a high note, completing 70.6% of his passes with an average of 293 yards per game over his final four contests while having 5 TDs and 1 INT in that stretch. After adding Jordyn Tyson in the first round, Shough will have another high-caliber weapon to work with, and he'll be more experienced in Kellen Moore's system.
24. Jacoby Brissett , Arizona Cardinals
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From 2020 to 2024, Jacoby Brissett started a total of 21 games, and he tallied 22 TDs and 11 INTs in the process. Last year, he was suddenly at his best, averaging a career-high 240 YPG while recording 23 TDs and 8 INTs in just 12 starts. But he's learning a new system now and reportedly wants a raise too. Brissett needs to maximize his rare opportunity and hit the ground running before the new regime finds a younger long-term solution. However, if his stellar play from 2025 carries over into 2026, the Cardinals could surprise people, especially with Jeremiyah Love around.
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23. Bryce Young , Carolina Panthers
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The No. 1 overall pick in 2023 has slowly improved each season, doubling his win total from the previous year in back-to-back campaigns. Bryce Young will still be just 25 when the season starts, and we're expecting more growth as his supporting cast is better than ever.
22. Tua Tagovailoa , Atlanta Falcons
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Even in a down year, Tua Tagovailoa still had the second-highest TD rate of his career. The issue, obviously, was an interception rate nearly twice that of his previous five seasons. Given a chance to reset in a domed stadium, there's enough reason to believe a motivated Tagovailoa returns to peak form in Atlanta.
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21. Bo Nix , Denver Broncos
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Bo Nix led the NFL with 612 passing attempts, yet he had 776 fewer yards than the league leader, who had 15 fewer attempts. The hope is that Jaylen Waddle 's arrival can help Nix connect on more explosive plays. If not, the Broncos will take a player who hasn't tossed fewer than 25 touchdowns or more than 12 interceptions as a pro.
20. Kyler Murray , Minnesota Vikings
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Kyler Murray is a former No. 1 overall pick, but he never really lived up to his potential. Now the 28-year-old is given another chance, playing for a QB whisperer in Kevin O'Connell. Yet, having one of the NFL's best receivers in Justin Jefferson , plus Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson , can't hurt. The last time O'Connell had a mobile QB, Josh Dobbs caused some issues. Imagine what he can do with an elite talent who has even better traits?
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Related: Minnesota Vikings Predicted to Sign Free Agent to Address 'Major Roster Hole'
19. C.J. Stroud , Houston Texans
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After an incredible rookie season, C.J. Stroud has come back down to earth in the past two seasons. While he's still an above-average QB who has led the Texans to the playoffs all three years of his career, Houston needs more consistent production out of their 24-year-old QB. A rebuilt offensive line, and the health of his top receivers will be big factors as he heads into his fourth season.
18. Daniel Jones , Indianapolis Colts
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If "Indiana Jones" can sustain the play we saw from him across Weeks 1-8, where he completed 71.1% of his passes for an average of 257 passing yards to go with 17 TDs (13 passing, 4 rushing), and 3 INTs, then the Colts have one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. Yet, after recovering from an Achilles tear, Jones will have some ground to make up as he works his way back from injury.
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17. Baker Mayfield , Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Even after a down year for the No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield still had an excellent season last year, tallying 3,693 passing yards, 26 TDs, and 11 INTs. But he was much better in the two seasons prior, which suggests Mayfield has room for improvement heading into 2026. However, after losing Mike Evans , there are some questions about whether Mayfield is truly ready for a bounceback season.
16. Jayden Daniels , Washington Commanders
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At his best, few quarterbacks are more effective game-changers than Jayden Daniels . But he was limited to just seven games last season and he wasn't quite the same player, never topping 250 passing yards and scoring just two touchdowns as a rusher. We have no doubts that Daniels will return to superstar status, but the Commanders could use more explosive pass-catchers to complement Terry McLaurin .
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15. Jordan Love , Green Bay Packers
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Even without a proven No. 1 target, the Jordan Love -led Green Bay Packers offense is tough to defend. Just when you think every square inch of the field is covered, he has a tendency to connect on a deep pass downfield. Despite taking over for a future Hall of Famer, Love has never led a losing season, and he hasn't thrown more than 11 interceptions either. Plus, getting top target Tucker Kraft back , who was limited to just eight games after a torn ACL, should help Love be more consistent in 2026 too.
14. Caleb Williams , Chicago Bears
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In his second season, Caleb Williams had 21 fewer completions than his rookie year, despite attempting six more passes. Even though he wasn't quite as accurate, there's no denying that the former No. 1 overall pick became more dangerous, improving his touchdown total by seven while taking 44 fewer sacks. We can't wait to see how big of a leap the 24-year-old takes heading into Year 3.
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13. Trevor Lawrence , Jacksonville Jaguars
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In his fifth season, Trevor Lawrence took a huge stop toward living up to his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick under head coach Liam Coen. Still just 26, now we're curious to see how Lawrence can build upon a season in which he led his team to 13 wins while tossing a career-high 29 touchdowns.
12. Brock Purdy , San Francisco 49ers
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A turf toe injury hampered Brock Purdy 's season in 2025, limiting him to just nine games. When healthy, he had one of the NFL's highest touchdown rates (7.0%). What was concerning was that Purdy also had the highest interception rate of his career (3.5%). Let's hope it was just the toe bothering him, because the 49ers still have a very good backup in Mac Jones .
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11. Jalen Hurts , Philadelphia Eagles
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Despite coming off a career-high 25 passing touchdowns, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles both agree they need to be more consistent on offense. He completed just 64.8% of his passes, which is the second-lowest rate of his career. He also had the lowest rushing yardage per game. After the Eagles have retooled and reloaded offensively, Hurts may be in for a make or break season.
10. Sam Darnold , Seattle Seahawks
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No one can say it was a one-year wonder anymore after Sam Darnold led his team to back-to-back 14-win seasons, with a different offensive coordinator each time. Now he'll have to essentially prove himself again now that offensive playcaller Klint Kubiak has moved on. Yet, Darnold was downright dangerous last season, averaging 12.5 yards per completion while developing strong chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba .
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9. Justin Herbert , Los Angeles Chargers
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Other quarterbacks may put up better numbers, but Justin Herbert has performed well considering what he's been given for a supporting cast. Last year he lost both starting tackles yet still fueled the Chargers to another playoff appearance. The Chargers don't have an alpha receiver, but Herbert does a good job spreading the ball around nevertheless.
8. Patrick Mahomes , Kansas City Chiefs
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We can't go purely off accomplishments anymore. While Patrick Mahomes may have three Super Bowl rings, he's coming off arguably the worst season of his career. Mahomes finished with a career-low 62.7% completion rate, his lowest TD rate, and nearly his highest INT rate too. Now he's coming off a torn ACL, and the Chiefs' pass-catchers are still largely unproven, but there's potential.
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7. Dak Prescott , Dallas Cowboys
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Always a threat to record a 4,000-yard season, Dak Prescott now has two 4,500-yard campaigns under his belt. Last year Prescott got a boost from the Cowboys' George Pickens acquisition, and as long as he suits up for Dallas again in 2026, we expect Brian Schottenheimer's scoring attack to remain one of the NFL's best.
6. Jared Goff , Detroit Lions
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The former No. 1 overall pick may not have eye-popping arm strength or mobility, but there's no denying that Jared Goff is one of the NFL's toughest quarterbacks to defend. Last year, even after his offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed for Chicago, Goff still had 34 touchdowns, which was his third season in a row with 30 or more scores. He's been one of the NFL's best since 2022 and we don't anticipate that changing in 2026.
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5. Drake Maye , New England Patriots
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He's preparing for his age-24 campaign, but Drake Maye is already one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. Like Burrow, Maye managed to lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season of play. Burrow hasn't been back since, can Maye write a different story in New England? We're still skeptical of the Patriots' pass-catchers, but Maye is the type of elevator who makes his teammates better.
4. Lamar Jackson , Baltimore Ravens
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While he missed four games in the heart of the season, Lamar Jackson still performed well when healthy. His 7% touchdown percentage was the second-best of his career, and he was averaging an NFL-high 13.3 yards per completion. However, he lacked explosiveness as a runner, averaging a career-low 26.8 yards per game. The hope is that Jackson will return to peak form in all aspects in 2026.
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3. Josh Allen , Buffalo Bills
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Josh Allen couldn't quite carry over his 2024 MVP campaign into 2025. While he was still effective as a rusher, and even more accurate as a passer (career-high 69.3% comp. rate), Allen finished with his fewest passing touchdowns since 2021. Part of his passing TD dip is thanks to James Cook 's dynamite season, but it was clear that Allen wasn't quite his best, and we're not sure D.J. Moore is the solution either.
2. Joe Burrow , Cincinnati Bengals
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Even though he was only available for eight games, Joe Burrow was extremely effective in that short stint. He had the second-highest TD rate of his career (an average of over two per game), and Burrow had been avoiding sacks at his best rate yet. Motivated after not appearing in a playoff game since the 2022 season, we fully expect the Bengals QB to play like his hair is on fire again in 2026.
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1. Matthew Stafford , Los Angeles Rams
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The NFL's best quarterback last season finally won his first MVP award, but he fell short in his bid for a second Super Bowl ring. Now 38 years old, Stafford's league-leading 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns will be very hard to replicate. Yet, we expect him to still be elite with his superstar receivers, but chances are he won't rank No. 1 by the end of the season again.
Related: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating Worst, Best Teams After NFL Draft
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