NFL Best Quarterback Seasons Year-by-Year

Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of the best quarterback seasons since 1990. This post chronicles the evolution of the quarterback role, highlighting key players whose performances have not only defined seasons but also influenced the outcomes of crucial playoff games and Super Bowl victories. From Warren Moon’s pioneering play to Patrick Mahomes’ strategic brilliance, we analyze the stats, leadership, and impact of each quarterback who has left a lasting mark on the league. Join us as we revisit these top quarterback seasons ever.

1990 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Warren Moon

• Stats: 4,689 yards, 33 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 62.0% completion.
• Highlight: Despite the Oilers’ modest 8-7 record, Moon’s prolific passing yardage demonstrated his elite skills as a quarterback.

Runner-Up: Joe Montana

• Stats: 3,944 yards, 26 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 61.7% completion.
• Team Success: Montana’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the 49ers to a stellar 14-1 record, reflecting his critical role in their success.

1991 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Dan Marino

• Stats: 3,970 yards, 25 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 57.9% completion.
• Performance: Marino’s solid season helped the Dolphins achieve a balanced 8-8 record.

Runner-Up: Jim Kelly

• Stats: 3,844 yards, 33 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 59.1% completion.
• Impact: Kelly’s dynamic performance was pivotal for the Bills, who finished with an impressive 13-2 record, underscoring his influence on their success.

1992 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Steve Young

• Stats: 3,465 yards, 25 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 66.7% completion.
• Efficiency: Young’s leadership and efficient play were key factors in the 49ers’ outstanding 14-2 record.

Runner-Up: Dan Marino

• Stats: 4,116 yards, 24 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 59.6% completion.
• Record: Marino’s strong passing helped the Dolphins secure an 11-5 season.

1993 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Steve Young

• Stats: 4,023 yards, 29 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 68.0% completion.
• Highlight: Young’s exceptional play continued, contributing significantly to the 49ers’ playoff journey.

Runner-Up: John Elway

• Stats: 4,030 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 63.2% completion.
• Contribution: Elway’s performance was vital for the Broncos’ competitive 9-7 season.

1994 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Steve Young

• Stats: 3,969 yards, 35 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 70.3% completion.
• Super Bowl Win: Young led the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory with one of the highest quarterback ratings in a season, demonstrating his dominance.

Runner-Up: Brett Favre

• Stats: 3,882 yards, 33 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 62.4% completion.
• Performance: Favre’s strong arm was crucial in Packers’ push to the playoffs, highlighting his growing impact in the NFL.

1995 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Brett Favre

• Stats: 4,413 yards, 38 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 63.0% completion.
• MVP Performance: Favre’s outstanding season earned him the MVP as he led the Packers to an 11-5 record and deep into the playoffs.

Runner-Up: Warren Moon

• Stats: 4,228 yards, 33 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 62.2% completion.
• Veteran Excellence: Moon continued to perform at a high level, maintaining his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

1996 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Brett Favre

• Stats: 3,899 yards, 39 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 59.9% completion.
• Super Bowl Win: Favre led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory, securing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.

Runner-Up: Vinny Testaverde

• Stats: 4,177 yards, 33 touchdowns, 19 interceptions, 59.2% completion.
• Challenges: Testaverde’s impressive stats were a rare highlight in a tough season for the Ravens, who finished 4-12.

1997 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Brett Favre

• Stats: 3,867 yards, 35 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 59.3% completion.
• Consistency: Favre’s strong performance continued, leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and another Super Bowl appearance.

Runner-Up: John Elway

• Stats: 3,635 yards, 27 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 55.8% completion.
• Super Bowl Win: Elway’s strategic play and veteran leadership culminated in a Super Bowl win for the Broncos.

1998 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Randall Cunningham

• Stats: 3,704 yards, 34 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 60.9% completion.
• Highlight: Cunningham led the Vikings to an impressive 13-1 regular-season record and an NFC Championship Game appearance, showcasing a remarkable season of leadership and efficiency.

Runner-Up: Steve Young

• Stats: 4,170 yards, 36 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 62.3% completion.
• Playoff Performance: Young helped the 49ers reach the playoffs, concluding the season with a strong 11-4 record and demonstrating top-tier quarterback play.

1999 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Kurt Warner

• Stats: 4,353 yards, 41 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 65.1% completion.
• Championship: Warner’s outstanding performance not only led the Rams to a 13-3 record but also to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV, marking a legendary season.

Runner-Up: Steve Beuerlein

• Stats: 4,436 yards, 36 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 60.1% completion.
• Record: Despite his high production, Beuerlein’s Panthers finished the season at 8-8, missing the playoffs.

2000 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,413 yards, 33 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 62.5% completion.
• Playoff Insight: Manning’s leadership propelled the Colts to a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance, highlighting his role as a pivotal figure in the team’s success.

Runner-Up: Rich Gannon

• Stats: 3,430 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 60.0% completion.
• Team Success: Gannon led the Raiders to a 12-4 record and a deep playoff run, underscoring his impact as a top NFL quarterback.

2001 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Kurt Warner

• Stats: 4,830 yards, 36 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 68.7% completion.
• Super Bowl Appearance: Warner guided the Rams back to the Super Bowl, though they fell short, finishing the regular season at a dominant 14-2.

Runner-Up: Rich Gannon

• Stats: 3,828 yards, 27 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 65.8% completion.
• Consistent Performance: Gannon’s effective play led the Raiders to a 10-6 record, with another playoff appearance showcasing his reliability.

2002 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Rich Gannon

• Stats: 4,689 yards, 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 67.6% completion.
• MVP and Super Bowl: Gannon’s MVP-winning season culminated in leading the Raiders to the Super Bowl, though they were defeated, his performance throughout the season was exceptional.

Runner-Up: Brett Favre

• Stats: 3,658 yards, 27 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 61.9% completion.
• Playoff Appearance: Favre continued to be a key player for the Packers, leading them to a 12-4 record and a playoff spot with his experienced play.

These summaries highlight the achievements and playoff impacts of the best quarterbacks from each NFL season, showcasing their leadership and contributions to their teams’ successes.

2003 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,267 yards, 29 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 67.0% completion.
• Achievement: Manning’s strong performance propelled the Colts to a 12-4 record, marking a significant playoff run.

Runner-Up: Steve McNair

• Stats: 3,215 yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 62.5% completion.
• Record: McNair led the Titans to a 10-4 record, showcasing his efficiency and playmaking skills.

2004 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,557 yards, 49 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 67.6% completion.
• Record Breaking: Manning set an NFL record for touchdown passes in a season, leading the Colts to a 14-2 record and a deep playoff run.

Runner-Up: Daunte Culpepper

• Stats: 4,717 yards, 39 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 69.2% completion.
• Highlight: Culpepper’s explosive season was a career peak, though the Vikings finished with an 8-8 record.

2005 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 3,747 yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 67.3% completion.
• Consistency: Manning’s leadership helped the Colts achieve a 14-2 record, maintaining high performance and playoff contention.

Runner-Up: Carson Palmer

• Stats: 3,836 yards, 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 67.8% completion.
• Impact: Palmer’s standout season led the Bengals to an 11-5 record, revitalizing the team’s competitive status.

2006 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,397 yards, 31 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 65.0% completion.
• Super Bowl Win: Manning led the Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI, cementing his legacy with a championship win.

Runner-Up: Drew Brees

• Stats: 4,418 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 64.3% completion.
• Leadership: Brees’ first season with the Saints marked a turnaround to a 10-6 record, demonstrating his impact on the team.

2007 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Tom Brady

• Stats: 4,806 yards, 50 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 68.9% completion.
• Perfect Regular Season: Brady’s historic performance led the Patriots to a 16-0 regular season, setting numerous records.

Runner-Up: Ben Roethlisberger

• Stats: 3,154 yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 65.3% completion.
• Solid Performance: Roethlisberger’s effective play helped guide the Steelers to a 10-5 record and playoff appearance.

2008 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Drew Brees

• Stats: 5,069 yards, 34 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 65.0% completion.
• Highlight: Brees nearly broke the single-season passing yardage record, showcasing his elite skill set despite the Saints’ 8-8 finish.

Runner-Up: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,002 yards, 27 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 66.8% completion.
• Steady Leadership: Manning led the Colts to a 12-4 record, consistently performing at a high level throughout the season.

2009 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Drew Brees

• Stats: 4,388 yards, 34 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 70.6% completion.
• Super Bowl Victory: Brees led the Saints to their first Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XLIV, earning MVP honors.

Runner-Up: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,500 yards, 33 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 68.8% completion.
• Continued Excellence: Manning’s impressive season took the Colts to a 14-2 record and an appearance in Super Bowl XLIV.

2010 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Tom Brady

• Stats: 4,830 yards, 36 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 68.7% completion.
• Record: 14-2, leading the Patriots to the playoffs with top performance.

Runner-Up: Philip Rivers

• Stats: 4,710 yards, 30 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 66.0% completion.
• Performance: Despite a stellar season, the Chargers finished with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs.

2011 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers

• Stats: 3,643 yards, 36 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 68.3% completion.
• MVP Season: Rodgers led the Packers to a 14-1 record, earning MVP honors and a deep playoff run.

Runner-Up: Drew Brees

• Stats: 5,476 yards, 46 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 71.2% completion.
• Record Breaking: Brees broke the single-season passing yardage record, guiding the Saints to a 13-3 record and a playoff appearance.

2012 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Tom Brady

• Stats: 4,827 yards, 34 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 63.0% completion.
• Consistent Excellence: Brady’s leadership pushed the Patriots to a 12-4 record and another deep playoff journey.

Runner-Up: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 4,659 yards, 37 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 68.6% completion.
• Comeback: Manning’s first year with the Broncos marked a successful return from neck surgery, leading them to a 13-3 record.

2013 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Peyton Manning

• Stats: 5,477 yards, 55 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 68.3% completion.
• Record Setting: Manning set the single-season touchdown record, leading the Broncos to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance.

Runner-Up: Drew Brees

• Stats: 5,162 yards, 39 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 68.6% completion.
• High Performance: Brees continued his high-level play, taking the Saints to an 11-5 record and the playoffs.

2014 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers

• Stats: 4,381 yards, 38 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 65.6% completion.
• MVP: Rodgers’ efficient and dynamic play earned him the MVP as he led the Packers to a 12-4 record and a deep playoff run.

Runner-Up: Ben Roethlisberger

• Stats: 4,952 yards, 32 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 67.1% completion.
• Strong Season: Roethlisberger tied for the league lead in passing yards, guiding the Steelers to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.

2015 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Cam Newton

• Stats: 3,837 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 59.8% completion; 636 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns.
• MVP and Super Bowl: Newton’s outstanding dual-threat capabilities led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50.

Runner-Up: Tom Brady

• Stats: 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 64.4% completion.
• Leadership: Brady’s exceptional play drove the Patriots to a 12-4 record and another AFC Championship Game appearance.

2016 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Matt Ryan

• Stats: 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 69.9% completion.
• MVP and Super Bowl Appearance: Ryan’s career-best season earned him MVP honors and led the Falcons to the Super Bowl.

Runner-Up: Tom Brady

• Stats: 3,554 yards, 28 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 67.4% completion.
• Efficiency: Despite missing four games, Brady’s high efficiency helped guide the Patriots to a 14-2 record and ultimately a Super Bowl win.

2017 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Tom Brady

• Stats: 4,577 yards, 32 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 66.3% completion.
• Achievement: Brady’s stellar performance led the Patriots to a 13-3 record, and he continued to excel in the playoffs, helping his team reach the Super Bowl.

Runner-Up: Carson Wentz

• Stats: 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 60.2% completion.
• Impact: Wentz had a breakout season, guiding the Eagles to an 11-2 record in his starts before an injury ended his regular season prematurely.

2018 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes

• Stats: 5,097 yards, 50 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 69.4% completion.
• MVP: Mahomes’ extraordinary first season as a starter earned him the MVP award and led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record and a conference championship appearance.

Runner-Up: Drew Brees

• Stats: 3,992 yards, 32 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 74.4% completion.
• Efficiency: Brees’ high completion rate and leadership pushed the Saints to a 13-2 record and a deep playoff run.

2019 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes

• Stats: 3,031 yards, 26 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 60.8% completion.
• Super Bowl Win: Despite missing some games due to injury, Mahomes led the Chiefs to an 11-3 record in his starts and clinched the Super Bowl, earning MVP honors.

Runner-Up: Lamar Jackson

• Stats: 3,127 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 66.1% completion; 1,206 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns.
• Record and MVP: Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities were unmatched, leading the Ravens to a 13-2 record and earning him the MVP award.

2020 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers

• Stats: 4,299 yards, 48 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 70.7% completion.
• Achievement: Rodgers’ phenomenal season included leading the NFL in touchdown passes and a near-perfect passer rating, guiding the Packers to a 13-3 record and a deep playoff run, earning him MVP honors.

Runner-Up: Patrick Mahomes

• Stats: 4,740 yards, 38 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 66.3% completion.
• Super Bowl Appearance: Mahomes continued his elite performance, leading the Chiefs to a 14-1 record in his starts and a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance, showcasing his leadership and dynamic playmaking ability.

2021 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers

• Stats: 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 68.9% completion.
• Achievement: Rodgers’ exceptional efficiency earned him the MVP award as he led the Packers to a 13-3 record and another strong playoff performance.

Runner-Up: Tom Brady

• Stats: 5,316 yards, 43 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 67.5% completion.
• Super Bowl: Brady continued to defy age, leading the Buccaneers to a 13-4 record and secured another historic Super Bowl win.

2022 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes

• Stats: 5,250 yards, 41 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 67.1% completion.
• Leadership: Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 14-3 record, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure with 4 game-winning drives and continuously pushing the boundaries of the quarterback position.

Runner-Up: Joe Burrow

• Stats: 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 68.3% completion.
• Impact: Burrow’s strong performance, including 3 game-winning drives, solidified his role as a key player for the Bengals, leading them to a 12-4 record and reinforcing his status as a top NFL quarterback.

2022 NFL Season

Best Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes

• Stats: 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 67.2% completion.
• Playoff Success: Mahomes excelled in the playoffs, leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, showcasing his clutch performance and leadership.

Runner-Up: Lamar Jackson

• Stats: 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 67.2% completion.
• MVP Achievement: Despite not reaching the Super Bowl, Jackson’s outstanding regular-season performance earned him the MVP award, highlighting his dynamic playmaking ability and efficiency.

Dive into the history of NFL greatness with our latest graphic on the best quarterbacks from the past 30 seasons.

This detailed retrospective dives into the annual top performances by NFL quarterbacks from 1990 to the present, highlighting not only their statistical achievements but also their significant impacts on playoff outcomes. By reviewing each season’s standout quarterbacks, from early legends like Warren Moon to contemporary stars such as Patrick Mahomes, this post illustrates the evolving importance of quarterbacks in both their teams’ successes and the broader competitive landscape of the NFL. This comprehensive analysis serves as a valuable resource for understanding the critical role and evolution of the best quarterbacks in the NFL’s history.

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