Best Quarterbacks in the NFL Today 2025 Full Rankings
The NFL is stacked with talent under center heading into the 2025–26 season. From proven veterans who have delivered year after year to breakout stars making their mark, the race for the title of Best Quarterback in the NFL has never been more competitive. This ranking covers the Top 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL today and also includes a full tier list featuring every starting QB.
These rankings go beyond raw stats — factoring in impact, consistency, leadership, and how each quarterback projects moving forward. Whether it’s Josh Allen securing the #1 spot, Lamar Jackson’s unmatched dual-threat ability, or rookies like Jayden Daniels forcing their way into the conversation, there’s no shortage of debate.
Table of Contents
- #10 – Baker Mayfield
- #9 – Justin Herbert
- #8 – Jared Goff
- #7 – Jayden Daniels
- #6 – Matthew Stafford
- #5 – Jalen Hurts
- #4 – Joe Burrow
- #3 – Lamar Jackson
- #2 – Patrick Mahomes
- #1 – Josh Allen
- Full Top 10 List – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Tier 6 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Tier 5 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Tier 4 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Tier 3 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Tier 2 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Tier 1 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- Full Tier List – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
- FAQ – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL Today
- Conclusion – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL Today
Baker Mayfield lands at #10 after a 4,500-yard, 41-TD season with the Buccaneers.
#10 – Baker Mayfield
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 4,500 Passing Yards
- 41 Passing Touchdowns
- 16 Interceptions
- 106.8 Passer Rating
- 378 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing TDs
Baker Mayfield came into the year with more doubters than believers, but he turned in the best season of his career and carried Tampa Bay into contention. His 41 touchdowns weren’t just impressive, they were a reminder that he can still sling it with the league’s elite. Sure, he’s turnover-prone at times, but he finally found the balance between aggression and efficiency in 2024–25.
Mayfield isn’t in the same tier as Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, but his production, toughness, and leadership make him deserving of a Top 10 spot. He’s got Tampa believing again — something nobody would’ve predicted two years ago.
Justin Herbert ranks #9 with 3,870 yards, 23 TDs, and just 3 INTs in 2024–25.
#9 – Justin Herbert
Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 3,870 Passing Yards
- 23 Passing Touchdowns
- 3 Interceptions
- 101.7 Passer Rating
- Career Totals: 21,093 Passing Yards, 137 TDs
Justin Herbert didn’t post the flashiest numbers compared to some of the guys ahead of him, but the efficiency was elite. Throwing just three interceptions over the course of a full season is almost unheard of in today’s NFL. He showed better decision-making, kept the ball safe, and still put up nearly 4,000 yards through the air.
The frustrating part? The Chargers still can’t seem to get over the hump. Herbert has the arm talent and consistency to be a Top 5 quarterback, but until Los Angeles surrounds him with the right roster, he’ll hover just outside the elite tier. Even so, he’s one of the league’s most reliable passers — and #9 feels like the right spot heading into 2025–26.
Jared Goff lands at #8 with 4,629 passing yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024–25.
#8 – Jared Goff
Team: Detroit Lions
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 4,629 Passing Yards
- 37 Passing Touchdowns
- 12 Interceptions
- 111.8 Passer Rating
- Career Totals: 35,058 Passing Yards, 222 TDs
Jared Goff has gone from being written off in Los Angeles to becoming the steady hand of a Lions team that now expects to win. His 4,600+ yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024–25 were proof that Detroit’s high-powered offense isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He’s not the flashiest QB, but his accuracy, command of the system, and ability to finish drives made him one of the most productive passers in football last year.
What separates Goff is how well he fits Detroit’s identity. He’s not going to run around or make the highlight-reel plays of Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, but he’s the type of efficient, rhythm-based quarterback who keeps an offense rolling. At #8, he’s firmly established himself as more than just a system guy
Rookie Jayden Daniels breaks into the Top 10 at #7 with 3,568 passing yards and 891 rushing yards.
#7 – Jayden Daniels
Team: Washington Commanders
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 3,568 Passing Yards
- 25 Passing Touchdowns
- 9 Interceptions
- 891 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TDs
- Rookie Season (2024–25)
Jayden Daniels wasted no time proving he belongs. As a rookie, he cracked the Top 10. His dual-threat ability made him one of the most exciting players in football, putting up nearly 900 rushing yards while still throwing for over 3,500 through the air.
What stood out wasn’t just the numbers, but the poise. Daniels looked comfortable against veteran defenses, rarely forced mistakes, and instantly gave Washington’s offense an identity. He’s still young and has room to grow, but finishing his first year already at #7 speaks volumes about where his career is headed. If he takes another leap in 2025–26, he could be pushing for a Top 5 spot sooner rather than later.
Matthew Stafford ranks #6 after throwing for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024–25.
#6 – Matthew Stafford
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 3,762 Passing Yards
- 20 Passing Touchdowns
- 8 Interceptions
- Career Totals: 59,809 Passing Yards, 377 TDs
Matthew Stafford isn’t chasing numbers anymore — he’s chasing wins. Even with a slightly lighter statistical season, he remains one of the most respected quarterbacks in the league. His 3,700+ yards and 20 touchdowns don’t jump off the page like some others, but when you watch the Rams play, it’s obvious Stafford is still the guy holding it all together.
His arm strength and pocket toughness haven’t faded, and his connection with young weapons in Los Angeles has kept the Rams’ offense dangerous. At this point in his career, Stafford doesn’t need gaudy stats to prove his worth — his Super Bowl ring and consistency speak for themselves. Slotting in at #6 feels like the right balance between respect for his career résumé and recognition of his current level of play.
It’s also worth mentioning the addition of Davante Adams more than makes up for the loss of Cooper Kupp.
Jalen Hurts lands at #5 with 2,903 passing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2024–25.
#5 – Jalen Hurts
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 2,903 Passing Yards
- 18 Passing Touchdowns
- 5 Interceptions
- 630 Rushing Yards, 14 Rushing TDs
- Career Totals: 14,667 Passing Yards, 85 TDs
Jalen Hurts might not have posted monster passing numbers last season, but his value goes way beyond the stat sheet. With nearly 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air paired with a league-leading 14 rushing scores, Hurts is the heartbeat of the Eagles’ offense. His ability to take over games with both his arm and legs makes him one of the hardest quarterbacks in the NFL to gameplan against.
The knock on Hurts has always been consistency as a passer, but when he’s locked in, he’s as dangerous as anyone. We saw that in the Super Bowl. His leadership, physicality, and clutch play are exactly why Philadelphia is always a threat in the NFC. Sitting at #5, Hurts has earned his spot among the very best, especially with the way he changes the game in the red zone.
Joe Burrow ranks #4 after a huge 4,918-yard, 43-touchdown season with Cincinnati.
#4 – Joe Burrow
Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 4,918 Passing Yards
- 43 Passing Touchdowns
- 9 Interceptions
- 108.5 Passer Rating
- Career Totals: 19,001 Passing Yards, 140 TDs
When Joe Burrow is healthy, he’s one of the best pure quarterbacks in football. His 2024–25 season was proof, racking up nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns while looking as efficient as ever. Burrow’s pocket presence, accuracy, and ability to hit big throws in clutch moments make him the complete package under center.
The Bengals feed off his confidence — when Burrow is rolling, the entire offense looks unstoppable. The only real concern is durability, but talent-wise, there are few in the league who can touch him. Slotting in at #4 feels right, but it’s easy to see him making a push for the top spot if Cincinnati makes another deep playoff run.
Lamar Jackson comes in at #3 after throwing 41 TDs and rushing for 915 yards in 2024–25.
#3 – Lamar Jackson
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 4,172 Passing Yards
- 41 Passing Touchdowns
- 4 Interceptions
- 915 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing TDs
- Career Totals: 20,059 Passing Yards, 166 TDs
Lamar Jackson put together one of the most efficient seasons of his career in 2024–25. Throwing for over 4,100 yards with 41 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions while still rushing for nearly 1,000 yards is a reminder that there’s nobody else in the NFL quite like him. He’s the definition of a dual-threat quarterback and remains a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The scary part? He continues to get better as a passer. Jackson has sharpened his accuracy and decision-making, all while keeping his trademark explosiveness as a runner. At #3, he sits firmly among the league’s elite, and if Baltimore makes a deep playoff push, there’s a case to be made for him as the very best quarterback in football today.
Patrick Mahomes comes in at #2 after throwing for 3,928 yards and 26 TDs in 2024–25.
#2 – Patrick Mahomes
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 3,928 Passing Yards
- 26 Passing Touchdowns
- 11 Interceptions
- Career Totals: 32,352 Passing Yards, 245 TDs
By his own lofty standards, Patrick Mahomes’ 2024–25 season looked modest — under 4,000 yards and just 26 touchdowns. But here’s the reality: even in a “down year,” he’s still the most dangerous quarterback in football. His creativity, arm strength, and ability to make plays outside of structure keep Kansas City in every game no matter what the supporting cast looks like.
Mahomes has already built a Hall of Fame résumé with multiple MVPs and Super Bowls, and he’s still only in his prime. Sitting at #2 doesn’t take anything away from his dominance — it just shows how competitive the quarterback landscape is heading into 2025–26. If he bounces back statistically, there’s no doubt he’ll be right back at #1.
Josh Allen takes the #1 spot with 3,731 passing yards, 28 TDs, and 12 rushing TDs in 2024–25.
#1 – Josh Allen
Team: Buffalo Bills
Key Stats (2024–25):
- 3,731 Passing Yards
- 28 Passing Touchdowns
- 6 Interceptions
- 531 Rushing Yards, 12 Rushing TDs
- Career Totals: 26,434 Passing Yards, 195 TDs
Josh Allen finally takes the #1 spot, and it’s hard to argue against him. He’s the ultimate dual-threat weapon — able to torch defenses with his arm while bulldozing linebackers in the run game. His 28 passing touchdowns paired with 12 rushing scores last season made him the most complete offensive weapon in football.
What makes Allen so dangerous isn’t just the numbers, it’s the way he takes over games. Whether it’s a 70-yard bomb downfield or lowering his shoulder for a first down, he sets the tone for Buffalo’s entire offense. At his best, nobody changes a game like Josh Allen, and that’s why he sits atop the list of Best Quarterbacks in the NFL heading into 2025–26 and won the league’s MVP title.
Full Top 10 List – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
The complete Top 10 list of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today, led by Josh Allen at #1 and rounded out by Baker Mayfield at #10.
Tier 6 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
Tier 6 quarterbacks include Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, Spencer Rattler, Jalen Milroe, Andy Dalton, Mason Rudolph, and Tyler Shough.
Dillon Gabriel (Cleveland Browns)
College star stepping into the NFL with questions about arm strength and size. Needs development time before being viewed as a long-term starter.
Kenny Pickett (Cleveland Browns)
Flashed at times but hasn’t taken the leap. Decision-making and pocket presence remain concerns entering another make-or-break year.
Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns)
Talented rookie with accuracy and leadership traits, but he’ll need to prove he can handle NFL defenses before moving up the tiers.
Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints)
Boom-or-bust — has arm talent, but streaky play and turnovers defined his career so far. Saints see him as a developmental swing.
Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks)
Athletic, physical runner with raw passing tools. Developmental project who brings excitement but is far from polished.
Andy Dalton (Carolina Panthers)
Reliable veteran who can step in and manage games, but at this stage of his career he’s more of a bridge than a franchise answer.
Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Journeyman type who has hung around as a capable backup. If he’s starting for long stretches, it’s not a good sign for Pittsburgh.
Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints)
Another developmental arm for New Orleans. Size and mobility intrigue, but he’s a long way from proving himself against NFL speed.
Tier 5 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
Tier 5 quarterbacks include Kirk Cousins, Jaxson Dart, Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Cam Ward, Joe Flacco, and J.J. McCarthy.
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
Veteran pocket passer still accurate and reliable, but coming off injury and moving buried behind young Michael Penix.
Jaxson Dart (New York Giants)
Promising young arm stepping into the league with upside, but raw mechanics and decision-making will need refining at the pro level.
Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
Elite athleticism and big-play potential, but durability and polish as a passer remain major concerns heading into his second season.
Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts)
Still inconsistent despite flashes of mobility and toughness. Struggles under pressure and turnover issues keep him from rising higher.
Justin Fields (New York Jets)
Dynamic athlete with game-breaking rushing ability, but questions linger about pocket awareness and long-term fit in New York.
Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans)
Strong-armed rookie with improvisational talent, but raw footwork and timing will be tested against NFL defenses.
Joe Flacco (Cleveland Browns)
A steady veteran presence who can still sling it in spurts. Capable but not a game mover.
J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings)
Sophomore who is untested at the NFL level. Needs reps and patience before he’s ready to climb tiers. Best supporting cast of this tier.
Tier 4 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
Tier 4 quarterbacks include Sam Darnold, Drake Maye, Bryce Young, Michael Penix, Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, and Kyler Murray.
Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)
Journeyman starter now in another prove-it role. Has flashes of greatness but inconsistency and turnovers have defined his career.
Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
Sophomore with prototypical size and arm strength. Development curve in New England will determine how fast he becomes a top quarterback in the NFL.
Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
Former No. 1 pick who struggled struggled early, but came on hot to finish the season. Accuracy and poise are still there, but size and durability are major concerns.
Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons)
Lefty touch and deep ball accuracy. Now a starter over Kirk Cousins with the chance to prove it.
Russell Wilson (New York Giants)
A far cry from his Seattle prime, but still a crafty veteran who can extend plays. Likely to lose his starting spot to rookie Dart before the season concludes.
Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders)
Revitalized his career with Seattle, showing efficiency and leadership. The Raiders don’t have nearly the same supporting cast.
Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers)
All-time great entering the twilight of his career. If he bounces back healthy, he still has the IQ and arm talent to make the Steelers a legit Super Bowl contender.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Dynamic dual-threat who can take over with his legs and arm. Still held back by injuries and questions about consistency as a pocket passer.
Tier 3 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
Tier 3 includes Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence.
Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
A rising star. After an impressive rookie campaign that included Offensive Rookie of the Month honors and leading Denver to the playoffs, coaches expect his second year to be a breakout under a stable system. He even trained with Drew Brees and Tom House in the offseason to refine his mechanics.
Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)
The No. 1 overall pick enters Year 2 with optimism on his side—despite a rocky rookie year, he remains a top fantasy breakout pick thanks to his elite arm talent and improved supporting cast under a new coaching staff.
Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
A model of consistency, Purdy continues to thrive in Shanahan’s offense, earning trust and delivering efficient performances. He’s safe and reliable.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Steady and effective — Prescott keeps putting up numbers and managing games well in Dallas. His consistency makes him a reliable option, even if the playoff script still sparks debate.
Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
Accuracy and vision have made him elite when healthy. Surrounded by explosive weapons, he remains a threat, but lingering health questions continue to hold him back from climbing higher.
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Bursting with confidence and arm talent, Love turned heads in his opportunity-filled first season. His poise and upside make a smooth push to Tier 2 very plausible this year.
Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Still searching for consistency, but the tools and flashes are there. If he finally puts it all together this season, Jaguars fans have reason to believe this could be it.
Tier 2 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
Tier 2 quarterbacks include Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Jayden Daniels, Justin Herbert, CJ Stroud, Jared Goff, and Matthew Stafford.
Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Elite dual-threat with elite leadership—he’s the heartbeat of a Super Bowl-level offense. Hurts consistently outplays his raw stat line by combining decision-making and rushing threat at the highest level.
Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
A consistent reminder of what could have been in Cleveland. Mayfield’s surprising efficiency and TD production keep him firmly in Tier 2.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
After an All‑Pro rookie season and an NFC Championship run, Daniels enters plenty of Tier 2 discussions. Despite chatter of sophomore slumps similar to CJ Stroud, I still rate him as a legitimate border‑line star.
Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
The Chargers have taken on a run-first approach, but Herbert is still one of the most talented passers in the league.
CJ Stroud (Houston Texans)
It was a sophomore slump for CJ Stroud, but expect a bounce back year. He’s too talented and his receiving core is too good.
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Goff quietly thrives in one of the league’s most potent offenses—classic Tier 2 performance. Despite leading most games, Goff put up superstar numbers.
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
Has climbed up into Tier 1 in some rankings, but still belongs in Tier 2 for me—and that matches his stat line and narrative arc entering 2025.
Tier 1 – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
Tier 1 features the NFL’s elite: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes.
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Still the gold-standard QB. Three-time Super Bowl MVP and a generational talent, Mahomes remains the league’s most clutch and creative playmaker. Tom Brady himself praises him as “someone you trust in the biggest moments.”
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
A rock-solid pure passer with elite accuracy and composure, even facing constant pressure. In many rankings, he’s tied or even edged out Mahomes based on recent film and stats.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Finally recognized by NFL executives as a true Tier 1 QB—despite his dual-threat dominance being clear for years. Always in the conversation to win MVP.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
The reigning NFL MVP and perhaps the most dynamic offensive weapon in football. He hit historic milestones in both passing and rushing in 2024, with a fusion of power and playmaking that few others possess.
Full Tier List – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL 2025–26
The complete 2025–26 NFL quarterback tier list, ranking all 32 starting QBs from Tier 1 to Tier 6.
FAQ – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL Today
Who is the best quarterback in the NFL right now?
Patrick Mahomes is still widely considered the best quarterback in the NFL heading into 2025. He’s a three-time Super Bowl MVP and continues to deliver in clutch playoff moments. That being said I believe Josh Allen earned the title as best Quarterback in the NFL after last season.
Is Lamar Jackson finally being recognized as an elite quarterback?
Yes. After years of being doubted as just a “runner,” Lamar Jackson has finally received Tier 1 recognition from executives and coaches. His 2024 MVP-level season proved he’s just as dangerous through the air as he is on the ground which is why he is the best running Quarterback in NFL history.
How good is Joe Burrow compared to Mahomes?
Joe Burrow’s precision and poise under pressure have some analysts putting him toe-to-toe with Mahomes. Chris Simms even ranked Burrow ahead of Mahomes in 2025 QB rankings, showing how razor-thin the gap is between the two.
Conclusion – Best Quarterbacks in the NFL Today
Ranking the best quarterbacks in the NFL today is always a moving target. The 2025–26 season has a clear Tier 1 — Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson — but the gap isn’t as wide as it once was. Allen just won MVP, Burrow continues to be the most precise passer in football, Lamar is finally getting credit as a complete quarterback, and Mahomes remains the guy everyone trusts most when the game is on the line.
Behind them, Tier 2 is packed with talent. Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, CJ Stroud, and even Baker Mayfield all have the ability to push higher if they deliver in the playoffs. And with Jayden Daniels already forcing his way into the Top 10 after just one season, the future at quarterback looks every bit as competitive as the present.
The truth is, this list will spark debate no matter how it’s ordered. Some fans will argue Mahomes still has to be #1 until someone takes it from him. Others will point to Allen’s MVP, or Burrow’s consistency, or Lamar’s unmatched dual-threat dominance. That’s what makes these rankings fun — they’re a snapshot of right now, with the entire 2025–26 season ahead to prove who really deserves the crown.
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