Ranking All 32 NFL Team's Quarterback Entering 2025
- L.A. Rice
- Sep 2
- 20 min read
ClutchPoints
Always a huge shoutout to the Good Griefs boys man. Some of the most handsome, smartest, and funniest guys on this planet. I know I will have every single one of their supports in our divided household for this list. Every single year I dust off the keyboard, and know I have a whole team behind me to prep for the most important article of the year: L.A. Rice's annual quarterback rankings.
To assemble this last, I use an algorithm that weighs the most important grades, including: passer rating, quarterback rating, and PFF grade. Rookie quarterbacks always come in low, with Caleb Williams at 22 last year as the highest any rookie has placed. Although the algorithm is a good base line, the final test is the most important of all: the eye test. I watch a lot of football, so hopefully I know a little bit about it, to make a list like this one.
Now, here. we. go!
32. Spencer Rattler- New Orleans Saints
Bleacher Report
To quite the great Kevin Garnett, “anything is possible”. Somehow, someway, Spencer Rattler is opening the season as a starter quarterback for an NFL franchise. The quarterback room in New Orleans is as dirty as Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, with Rattler and the soon-to-be 26-year-old rookie Tyler Shough battling for the starting spot after Derek Carr's retirement. Rattler came on top by being at the right place at the right time, over actual talent.
First-year coach Kellen Moore has his work cut out for him, and he may have to suit up at some point. Rattler was an elite high school prospect before struggling in college at Oklahoma and last year as a pro. Rattler completed only 57% of his passes over 7 games last year, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. Expectations could not be lower.
31. Daniel Jones- Indianapolis Colts
New York Post
If Spencer Rattler being named a team's starter out of the preseason is a miracle, Daniel Jones getting another shot has become the eighth mystery of the world.
We know the story with Jones. A quarterback with not much talent, who can survive in low-pressure situations where he is asked to do little or nothing, like a poor man’s Brock Purdy. Jones showed flashes of solid play in 2022, even winning a playoff game, but his play in the following years since have proven that to be a one off. He has severe accuracy issues and does not provide enough of a spark in other areas. Jones is an okay backup, but should be replaced by the slightly better(?) Anthony Richardson at some point.
30. Joe Flacco- Cleveland Browns
AP News
It pains me to have to put a legendary and elite quarterback this low, but I have to maintain my hat as an unbiased journalist. Flacco rejoins the brown after a memable run, reuniting with head coach Kevin Stevenski where he played his best ball since his Ravens days. Flacco is a shell of his former self, but still could win a solid team a few games.
Flacco is nothing more than a stopgap who beat out an injured and terrible Kenny Pickett. Flacco was okay in his only season with the Colts, regressing after his sparkling play with the Browns in 2023, which led to a playoff berth. It remains to be seen how long Flacco starts before Dillon Gabriel or Shadeur Sanders take over, with my bet on Shadeur getting a bulk of the snaps by the end of the season. Not by his play, but by the fact that Flacco may not be able to move, and Dillon Gabriel being one of the worst reaches in NFL Draft history, somehow going in the 3rd round.
29. J. J. McCarthy- Minnesota Vikings
USA Today Sports
Go to a BBQ and crack open a fresh pack of UNO. You can get dealt a good hand with a wildcard like +4, like J. J., or a deck full of only one color with random numbers. That analogy was terrible, but work with me here. J. J. could be that +4 wild card, or a whole deck of nothing.
Honestly, McCarthy's college career was as unimpressive as it could be for a National Champion. After an undefeated season led by their running game and defense, Michigan trounced the heavy underdog Washington in the CFP National Championship, scoring 34 points, but McCarthy did not even throw for a touchdown, going 10-18 with 140 yards. McCarthy gets some undeserved hate, as he just needed to be a game manager to lead that team to a title, but that will not be able to fly in the pros. He lost last season due to injury, but it may have served him well to sit back for a year. I am low on McCarthy, but he has good decision making and skills to be a solid quarterback, especially in Minnesota's system.
28. Cam Ward- Tennessee Titans
Paul Cuharsky
Ward's meteoric rise led to the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, after an up-and-down college career. Ward ended strong at the University of Miami, with the pocket presence and stature leading to high hopes.
Ward had one of the highest big time throw rates in college football last year, and is a polished passer with still room to grow. Although the Titans' roster might be the worst in the league, Ward is a huge upgrade over Will Levis and will have time to settle in. He has a fantastic release and could be a special quarterback if everything goes right.
27. Michael Penix Jr.- Atlanta Falcons
Sports Illustrated
Coming out of college, Penix was one of my favorite quarterbacks in the draft. A true leader with a rocket for an arm, Penix led Washington to the title game against J. J. McCarthy and Michigan after a long college career battling injuries.
Penix still has a lot of room to grow, especially with accuracy for the mid to longer routes. Penix needs to work on that accuracy and his play under pressure, but with everything going right for him, Penix can put up big numbers. He has a rocket for an arm and a strong pocket presence. Time will tell if he can figure out the accuracy issue, and if not, it will be tough to show he belongs.
26. Justin Fields- New York Jets
NBC News
Jussy is back as a QB1. After a very unique situation in Chicago where he was not really ousted due to his play, just forced out after the Bears wound up with the first overall pick, Fields spent most of last season backing up Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh. He looks to get his career back on track with the Jets as a starter.
The million dollar question will always be if Justin Fields can throw. If the question is correct, he becomes a Lamar Jackson-type electric player. If he can never figure out the throwing issues, Fields will be the next Anthony Richardson. Fields can be at the top of every highlight track with his runs, and can get into solid passing spells, but has never found the consistency. For some reason, I am feeling positive at the current moment, speaking about the New York Jets, so let’s say he has a good year and they have finally found a quarterback of the future.
25. Tua Tagovailoa- Miami Dolphins
Yahoo Sports
I am just going to come out and say it. Tua seems like a decent dude, but he might be my least favorite quarterback in the NFL. I am not sure if it has to do with football fans having to deal with Mike McDaniels acting like he is the best quarterback in the league or Tua's dumb smile, but I have no time for Tua anymore.
Bias aside, 25 on this list is a fair ranking, although the numbers tell a slightly rosier story. Tua was solid in 2022 and 2023 in the new system when healthy, but took a noticeable step back last season. He is surrounded by a dynamic offense, with a system built specially for him, and he still continues to never have any impressive moments. He can be a decent pocket passer, but will never be a playmaker, and his arm talent limits him from making big-time throws. I hope for his good health, and maybe a surprising turnaround on my Tua disliking.
24. Russell Wilson- New York Giants
Newsweek
After his performance down the stretch, I am pretty surprised that Russy enters his age 36 season still as a starter. Wilson started out late last season, coming back from an injury suffered during camp, and started winning quickly. Wilson was thriving, making good decisions and even hitting on a few of his “moon balls”. Then, the season seemingly fell apart out of nowhere.
This may be Wilson’s last shot. Wilson still was an accurate passer last season in Pittsburgh, but what made him great in Seattle has vanished with age: his mobility, leading to his play making ability. Wilson will lead a subpar Giants squad, with Jameis Winston and a potentially dynamic Jaxson Dart waiting in the wings. As a Washington fan, it is sad to see DeVito not in the quarterback room to keep ruining their tank for a top QB.
23. Bryce Young- Carolina Panthers
Reuters
The word “rollercoaster” cannot even begin to describe the season Bryce Young had last season. After an awful rookie season that continued into the first two games of 2024, Andy Dalton took over, before Bryce Young began the starter again for the second half of the season. Young and the Panthers are hoping that this season and beyond go more like the second half of last year, and less like his rookie season.
Young was one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL the last 10 games of last season, making much better decisions and showing the playmaking ability to make big throws. Not only did Young make big time throws, but he also limited turnovers for one of the lowest rates in the league. If Young continues that good play, he can elevate himself into one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.
22. Drake Maye- New England Patriots
FOX Sports
I do not want to not like Drake. Being a Patriot, having to follow up the legendary Mac Jones, you do not want to root for the guy. But for some reason, I cannot stop rooting for the Drake. He was great in college but slipped towards the end with a depleted UNC roster, and similar to that arc, I can see him coming out of his rookie year woes with an improved roster and coaching.
Although the numbers are not the prettiest, Drake took strides throughout the season, showing the ability to be a superstar. Maye needs to limit the turnovers and should be able to do so with a much better coach in Mike Vrabel and an improved offensive line, but he still may need time to grow. Drake has a strong pocket presence and the ability to run when needed, but time will tell how good he can be. Drake is a great buy low candidate, but it is still truly up in the air for what he can become.
21. Caleb Williams- Chicago Bears
NBC News
After being on the Caleb Williams or bust to the commanders train, after the first season, I can gladly sit here and say: I was dead wrong. Although I am far from fully writing off Caleb Williams, last year was the worst result imaginable for Bears fans.
Williams had some talent around him, but had a weak offensive line and a bad coaching staff. With Ben Johnson now in the fold, Williams should become the guy we saw at USC once again. Williams never had a breakout game last season and tried to do too much in many situations, not settling for the right play and reaching for the wrong play. Williams should be fine with talent off the charts, but he will need to take a huge leap forward to have the Bears contend.
20. Geno Smith- Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders
Geno deserves more respect. I know he is lower on this least, but I could easily make an argument that he deserves being closer to the top 10. Smith's story is well known, being another quarterback chewed up and spit out by the never ending cycle of New York Jet quarterbacks. After a solid but stagnant few years in Seattle, Geno reunited with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas.
Last year, with the new head coach, Mike Macdonald, it never seemed to fully click with Geno. He will always have his moments, but similar to Baker Mayfield, he can make you sit there and scratch your head every once in a while with his poor decision making. Geno will always be able to make big plays, but he needs to find consistency on a downgraded roster in Las Vegas. Geno could lead Las Vegas to the playoffs, but I would be just as surprised if the Raiders went 6-11.
19. Bo Nix- Denver Broncos
Sports Illustrated
Cottage cheese, sweet pickles, and tennis. Three things that I did not anticipate starting to enjoy this year, but am now finding myself enjoying all three of these. Seems like Bo Nix now falls under that category for me.
After watching Nix at Auburn, the last place I thought he would be is an NFL starting quarterback. Nix was known for his terrible decision making, but big time talent. He completely revolutionized his play after transferring to Oregon, and has continued that upward trend into the pros. Nix started slowly, but was one of the best quarterbacks in the league over his last 10 games, leading Denver to an unlikely playoff berth. If it wasn’t for Jayden Daniels, we would appreciate Nix’s season more.
18. Trevor Lawrence- Jacksonville Jaguars
The Hill
Year five of trying to be a Trevor Lawrence believer, with pretty much nothing to show for it. I am well prepared to fall into the trap once again, especially as a Washington Nationals fan, because I can still see the shine under all that rust. After a wash rookie season and a bounce-back sophomore campaign, Lawrence has put up middle-of-the-road numbers over the past two seasons. Now it is time to figure out what he is truly made of.
Lawrence has a rocket for an arm, good pocket presense, the ability to break off a first down run, but injuries, a poor roster, and inconsistency have led to where we are now. We know the tools are there, and Lawrence could finally break through this year. Things are looking up for Lawrence, with a new head coach Liam Coen, who helped revive Baker Mayfield's career, and with great weapons in Brian Thomas Jr and Travis Hunter, he could easily elevate himself into the games elite.
17. Dak Prescott- Dallas Cowboys
Italian Bark
Good old Dak Prescott. After another season lost to injury, Prescott and the Cowboys have low expectations entering this season, with Prescott still having nothing to show for regarding playoff moments, even though we are entering season 10 of his career.
After a very poor start to the season last year, Dak and the Cowboys were in too big a hole to come out of, before Cooper Rush came in and provided solid play. Prescott has a strong pocket presence and makes great throws with a clean pocket, but has lost almost all ability to scramble after his leg injury a few seasons ago. Rush’s strong play also did not help Prescott’s stock. Prescott is always known for putting up big numbers against lower level teams but struggles against better opponents. If he leads Dallas to the playoffs and plays like he did in 2023, Prescott could be in the top 10 conversation once again.
16. Brock Purdy- San Francisco 49ers
NBC News
Last year finally showed Brock Purdy's true colors. When everything around him is going well, Purdy is the perfect quarterback for the 49ers system. Surrounded by an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side, Purdy just needs to be a game manager, and he has done so incredibly when everyone is healthy. When things go wrong, like they did last year, Purdy proved that he cannot elevate his team like the best quarterbacks can.
Purdy is a product of the 49ers success, proving before 2024 that he was the exact quarterback that offense needed. Purdy is indeed a better quarterback than some give him credit for, but he does not have the talent to put a team on his back. Purdy can make a great throw when given time and space, and even has some scramble ability to extend plays, but lacks the arm strength to fit some throws into tight windows. Purdy is solid, but will never be a top talent.
15. Sam Darnold- Seattle Seahawks
The Ridgefield Press
A tale of two seasons for Sam Darnold. After setting the league on fire in the first half of the season, Darnold was seemingly a lock to sign a long-term deal to stay in Minnesota and keep them as consistent contenders. He did end up leading Minnesota to 14 wins, but the way the season finished should concern Seattle fans.
Similar to Geno Smith and hundreds more, Darnold never performed with the Jets and wound up in another bad situation with the Carolina Panthers. Darnold then spent a year in San Francisco, playing very well in extremely limited samples, before signing with Minnesota and flourishing. Darnold has some of the best arm talent in the NFL, but when something goes wrong, he cannot make in-game adjustments and turn it around. Darnold needs to do more with less in Seattle and is definitely another wildcard heading into next year.
14. Aaron Rodgers- Pittsburgh Steelers
USA Today
Rodgeyyyy. After a rough season last year, the oldest player in the NFL looks to rebound with one last shot in Pittsburgh. One of the greatest and most talented quarterbacks ever was a back to back MVP only a few years ago, before starting to fall off before crashing and burning last year. I am more optimistic than most for Rodgers, but could expect to answer a trivia question in 25 years talking about what team did Rodgers go 8-9 for in his last season in the NFL.
Rodgers can still move around the pocket and make some big-time throws, but he showed signs of slowing down coming back from the major Achilles injury. I will leave you with a quarterback comparison: quarterback A: 3,731 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and 63% completion rate. Quarterback B: 3,897 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 63.6% completion rate. Quarterback B was 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers with the Jets last year, and Quarterback A was NFL MVP Josh Allen. Allen is obviously a far superior quarterback at this point, but I believe the juice is worth the squeeze for the Steelers this year. Rodgers will always be one of the smartest and most talented players on the football field, and this sadly might be the last year we get to watch an all time great ball.
13. Kyler Murray- Arizona Cardinals
USA Today
Kyler is the last quarterback that falls into the good but not great tier. He is electric at times and can take over games, or can become a liability and cost his teams games. Kyler has battled the injury bug up until last season, finally playing a full year and putting up decent numbers with a below average roster. He can take another step forward with another healthy season.
Kyler usually follows the same script, of starting off the season on fire before getting banged up and struggling the rest of the way. His mobility is undeniable, but his decision making is questionable and can make inaccurate throws. Kyler the diva can really break through this year, or get banged up again and be a mid-tier quarterback. His throwing ability deserves more credit, but he is far from a leader and a quarterback you can trust.
12. Jordan Love- Green Bay Packers
NBC News
After witnessing the Jordan Love rocket ship takeoff in the second half of 2023, he was primed to become one of the game's elites in 2024, but after a week-one injury, Love never really got the wheels off the ground. He spent plenty of taken backing up the long time great Aaron Rodgers, and has proven Green Bay right to trust him to take over.
Love is strong in the pocket and can win big time games, but will have to progress even more so to become a true guy. The Packers offense will always run through its running backs, but Love has proven that he can be a difference-maker. At 26 years old and coming off another very good season, it is time for Love to show the world what he really has. He could become elite or remain a borderline top quarterback.
11. CJ Stroud- Houston Texans
The Denver Post
Ever heard of a sophomore slump? After setting the league on fire as a rookie, Stroud regressed last season, but still ended up winning a playoff game and nearly making the AFC Championship Game. My tepid attitude about ranking him closer to the top 5 last year proved to be correct, but his late-season play gives me optimism heading into next year.
Stroud is a fantastic passer, with the ability to move around in the pocket when needed. Last season, his biggest issue was sacks, with almost double the number of sacks he took as a rookie. Stroud needs to channel more of his inner Joe Burrow and less of his inner Carson Wentz, and he will be back in the top 10 discussion next year.
10. Baker Mayfield- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL
I love me some Baker Mayfield. In Cleveland, I could not stand the guy, but the way he has fought back to become a top 10 quarterback is nothing short of amazing. Baker makes big throws, can take over a game, and is tough as nails. The only thing holding him back is the occasional bone-headed play.
Baker is elite with a clean pocket and can also get the job done under pressure. He can make a highlight play escaping the pocket, and can also tuck it and run when he needs to do so. If Baker can ever get the turnovers under control, he could carry a team deep into the playoffs, coming off a career year in which he threw for 41 touchdowns and 4,500 yards.
9. Jared Goff- Detroit Lions
Cal Athletics
Speaking of incredible turnarounds, it is hard not to respect what Jared Goff has done over the past few years. Traded to Detroit as a throw-in for the Matthew Stafford trade, the former first overall pick has finally found a home with the Lions. His past two seasons have been nothing but incredible, but we will see this year how he performs without Ben Johnson.
Goff is a polished drop-back passer with loaded weapons around him. He has an accurate rocket for an arm and almost never makes bad decisions. His passer rating has been in line with Patrick Mahomes over the last couple of seasons, and with a fully healthy roster come playoff time, the Lions could be the next Super Bowl team.
8. Jalen Hurts- Philadelphia Eagles
Britannica
Here is where the list gets very interesting. Coming in at #8 on this list is Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts, after one of the best seasons of his career. Not to discount what he has established, but Hurts was surrounded by one of the best rosters in recent history, which overshadowed his lower ceiling, and a bad head coach.
I have always been a big fan of Hurts, for the way he handled the benching at Alabama, and his comeback story started at Oklahoma. Hurts knows the offense and his strengths like the back of his hand, a lethal threat with the running game, and is always able to make the right throws. His decision-making is some of the best in football, but he will never be one of the best pure passers that you can rely on to throw you out of a deficit. Hurts obviously is good enough to lead a team like the Eagles, but if you put him on the New York Jets, his career would go similarly to a Sam Darnold.
7. Matthew Stafford- Los Angeles Rams
Reuters
I do not care what anyone else thinks: Matthew Stafford can still ball. Never getting the respect he deserved in Detroit, he has since flourished after joining the Rams and is coming off one of his better seasons with the Rams, especially considering the depleted roster around him.
Stafford has always had a cannon for an arm, but in a season like last year, you truly appreciate the complete quarterback that he is. Stafford was a snowstorm in Philly away from making the NFC Championship game. Stafford can extend plays when necessary by using different arm angles and moving around the pocket, and he has been fantastic during every Rams playoff run. At 37 years old, Stafford still has his juice and is easily a top 10 quarterback.
6. Justin Herbert- Los Angeles Chargers
Sky Sports
Last year was a tough one for the Justin Herbert “what ifers”. Herbert finally got a good coach, got an established running game, and a big time weapon in rookie Ladd McConkey, just to put up a huge dud in the playoffs with 4 interceptions, when he only had 3 all regular season. Herbert still deserves credit for another incredible regular season, and in year two under Harbaugh, should take another step forward.
Herbert is lights out in the regular season, ranking in the top 10 for passer rating every year, even beating out Patrick Mahomes a couple of times. His arm might be the best in the NFL, and although it is still a work in progress, he has shown the ability to lift the ball more and avoid throwing the ball without finesse when needed. Herbert could easily break passing records with a good surrounding cast, and has the Chargers hopeful for another big year.
5. Jayden Daniels- Washington Commanders
ESPN
It is crazy to think about what life was like before Jayden Daniels. Daniels is my joy, the Commanders savior, and is just flat out good at football. So, how good was Daniels? Outside of the rookie records he broke, the Rookie of the Year led an average Washington roster to the NFC Championship Game. Everything went right last season for Daniels, and last year should prove to be not only a fluke.
Daniels came into the NFL with question marks, but quickly put them all to rest after an early-season victory on the road in Cincinnati. He continued to be one of the best running and throwing quarterbacks in the NFL, rarely making mistakes or inaccurate throws. His rookie season will never be forgotten, and I am confident he will not face a sophomore slump due to his calm presence and performance against the league's best. I have never seen a rookie so cool under pressure, especially with a talent level that he knows could bail him out of most situations. Daniels ranks the highest I have ever ranked a second year quarterback by far, and has lofty expectations this year.
4. Lamar Jackson- Baltimore Ravens
Britannica
Every year Lamar Jackson does something we have never seen before. Coming off his best statistical season since his first rookie year, Lamar is as good as ever. All he has left to accomplish is to lead Baltimore to a deep playoff run, and most people agree it is just a matter of time.
The knock on Lamar has always been his throwing abilities, but year in and year out, he proves that to not be an issue. He has always had a very strong arm, but now the accuracy is there. A strong and average arm, paired with his legs and playmaking, leads to the electricity we see from him every Sunday. Lamar is almost impossible to gameplan against and has put up video game numbers without elite weapons surrounding him. If Lamar leads the Ravens to a Super Bowl, he may take the crown as the best quarterback in the league.
3. Joe Burrow- Cincinnati Bengals
AP Photo
Joe Cool. Year in and year out, Joe Burrow just performs. On a Cincinnati Bengals team with no defense and off to a terrible start, Burrow put the team on his back down the stretch, and could have won the MVP if the Bengals had snuck into the playoffs. He can do everything you want in a quarterback.
Although Burrow usually gets banged up like last year, he still stays on the field for the most part and is graded as one of the best quarterbacks in the league consistently. Burrow is the best pocket passer in football and knows what to do in every situation. He can extend plays and make the simple throws, but can also expand and extend plays. Burrow set multiple career highs last year, including touchdowns and a career low in interceptions for a full season. Burrow is spectacular and is only getting better as he enters his prime with elite weapons at his disposal.
2. Josh Allen- Buffalo Bills
ESPN
This was the closest call in the history of my quarterback rankings list for the guy ahead of Allen to be dethroned from the top spot. Josh Allen is a wizard, one of the best talents we have ever seen from the quarterback position. Allen can plow through anybody like a fullback when he runs, and can make almost any throw Mahomes and the other greats can.
Last year's MVP will go down as one of the greats. Allen had completely cut out the turnovers, and his improved his decision making. His accuracy continues to improve as well, and he led a good but not great Bills offense to a couple of bounces away from a Super Bowl. Allen can do whatever he wants, when he wants, on the football field, and regularly dominates games. Hopefully, he will continue to remain healthy and wow us every Sunday, leading the Bills to their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
1. Patrick Mahomes- Kansas City Chiefs
AP Photo
Another year, another top crown awarded to the one and only Patrick Mahomes. There is not much left to say about his greatness, appearing in his 5th career Super Bowl, although falling to a much better Eagles team.
Mahomes completed passes at a career-high rate last year and continued to use his legs when needed to get him out of problems, especially in the playoffs. Mahomes can extend plays, fit a ball into any window, and continues to revolutionize the game of football. Although his Super Bowl performance was a disappointment, Mahomes showed why he was the best quarterback in the AFC Championship game, continuing to top Josh Allen when it mattered the most. Mahomes is still the best quarterback and player in the NFL, but the gap between him, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson has never been closer.
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