NFL quarterback rankings: The best and worst starting QBs for 2026, ranked 1-32

Much of the 2026 NFL season will be defined by quarterback performances around the league. Defense and the running game still can play a big part in winning a Super Bowl — see the Seahawks last season — but as Seattle also proved, it still takes strong efficient play from the QB.

Quarterback remains the most important position in the league. Although the primary job description is executing at a high level as a passer, the NFL's separate as elite with athleticism, intangibles and intelligence.

For Sporting News' updated rankings of all 32 Week 1 starters in '26, there's a new No. 1.  As with the past iterations, the hierarchy comes from a blend of upcoming upside and past performance, with the former carrying more weight:

NFL quarterback rankings 2026

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

1. Josh Allen, Bills (age: 30)

Allen had the numbers to repeat as MVP, just losing to Matthew Stafford's career year. At 6-5, 237 pounds, Allen is the ultimate matchup nightmare at the position with his cannon arm to make all the throws and a freight-train running style through the red zone. It's scary how efficient he's become and the only thing missing from his resume is getting to a Super Bowl..

2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (age: 30)

Mahomes is facing the first true adversity of his brilliant Hall of Fame career. He's coming off major knee injury that cut short his disappointing first non-playoff season in Kansas City. He's still difficult to drop lower than his and doubting he can regain MVP form coming off injury with newer weapons in an old offense would be a mistake.

3. Joe Burrow, Bengals (age: 29)

Burrow was positioned to be Mahomes' biggest contemporary challenger for AFC rings, but his availability tied to durability has turned into a big Bengals bugaboo. Burrrow can shake that off in a hurry, however, with the receiving talent around him and a tweaked offense to help protect him will balanced play-calling.

4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens (age: 29)

Jackson has won his two MVPs with two offensive coordinator. Now he draws a third in Declan Doyle as he tries to reestablish himself as the league's premier dual threat and a bigger factor in the AFC playoffs. Jackson hasn't peaked but his career may require one more evolution as a passer to get his Super Bowl shot.

5. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (age: 33)

Rayne Dakota has responded well to Brian Schottheimer's offense that isn'f afraid to let him rip it downfield, give the elite combination of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are now his wide receivers. Prescott gets blamed for Dallas' playoff disappointment despite the fact defense remains the culprit and his play is the only thing keeping the team in contention.

6. Caleb Williams, Bears (age: 24)

Williams and Ben Johnson operating together in Year 2 brings a lot of passing (and running) upside for the No. 1 overall draft pick from 2024. Williams already has provided the answer on whether he's the guy to turn around the Bears' well-documented quarterback woes. Now it's a matter of how high of a ceiling he can reach.

7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (age: 28)

Hurts gets disrespected on such quarterback lists because of knocks on his inconsistent downfield accuracy and so-called unwillingness to throw to the middle of the field. But he's also a strong dual threat leader who has a Super Bowl 59 MVP under his belt. The burden of not needing to make A.J. Brown happy will be liberating in a new offense.

8. Matthew Stafford, Rams (age: 38)

Statfford, the reigning MVP from a spectacular prolific season, would be higher on this list if not for his age. The award coupled with his Super Bowl 56 championship in Los Angeles likely stamps his ticket to the Hall of Fame. Now his job is guided an offense and defense loaded with talent to a second ring, also at home in L.A.

9. Drake Maye, Patriots (age: 24)

Maye was a revelation in his second season with his response to Josh McDaniels' QB-friendly offense, thanks to his amazing downfield-passing accuracy and knack for making the needed winning plays with his legs. Despite some dropoff ahead, that makes him worthy to crack the top 10 just behind Williams and the veterans above.

10. Brock Purdy, 49ers (age: 26)

Purdy's inclusion in the top 10 might seem polarizing, but behind his numbers, there has been no one better in executing Kyle Shananan's passing game. Purdy is a deep-ball ace and become a more confident team leader with maturity. The production and efficiency are there when healthy and durability is biggest thing he needs to prove after missing seven games last season.

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11. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (age: 26)

Lawrence needed that boost from Liam Coen's offensive-minded coaching to get back on track last season. The No. 1 overall pick from 2021 put up his best overall season spreading the ball around and becoming more aggressive with his throws. He still has room to grow so he can live up to his lofty draft status with his arm and athleticism. Limiting bad decisions and doing better to avoid pressure are the immediate goals.

12. Justin Herbert, Chargers (age: 28)

Herbert has been hyped plenty in Mike McDaniel's offense but he's still chasing the right blend of accuracy and athleticism he had early in his career. Being an 0-3 disaster with poor play in the playoffs also can't be ignored. Physical talent and greater potential keep him in the top 15.

13. Bo Nix, Broncos (age: 26)

Nix is underrated by many because his numbers, efficiency or otherwise, haven't popped off in his two seasons. But Denver isn't just winning with defense and his league-high 7 game-winning drives from last season gives him a lot of bonus moxie points. Nix is still getting into his passing and will be helped by new wideout Jaylen Waddle and former QB coach Davis Webb calling his plays.

14. Jared Goff, Lions (age: 31)

Goff has missed Johnson in Detroit just as much as Williams has benefitted from him in Chicago. The Lions made a needed offensive reset with Drew Petzing taking over as the offensive coordinator. With his weapons, running game and improved line, Goff is a more "dependent" QB per usual, but he's set up to remain a top-half league starter.

15. Sam Darnold, Seahawks (age: 29)

Darnold wasn't as dazzling passing-wise as he was with Minnesota, but given Seattle was a 50 percent running team with a dominant defense, that wasn't his job. It was to protect the ball, facilitate the running game and deliver big plays when needed to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and others. Darnold stays in the muddle middled as the loss of Klint Kubiak can't be discounted.

16. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers (age: 31)

Mayfield is playing for his future in Tampa Bay with some contract issues hinting the team may want a cheaper longer-term option as its at the crossroads of contenting and rebuilding. Mayfield won't hit the heights he reached with Dave Canales or Liam Coen, but there's hope he rebounds with Zac Robinson, his fourth OC in as many seasons. Adjusting to life without Mike Evans and inconsistent running game raises the difficulty.

17. Jaxson Dart, Giants (age: 23)

Dart needs to protect himself and ball, first and foremost, to focus on letting his physical talent manifest with an arm that can make all the throws (now back with Malik Nabers) and game-changing athleticism. He also needs to be confident without getting cocky to avoiding become too "hero ball" with his decision-making.

18. Jordan Love, Packers (age: 27)

Love had that big breakthrough first season as Aaron Rodgers' successor in 2022 and has kind of plateaued for now in regards in downfield passing and overall efficiency. He gets high marks for playing well of a run-heavy offense but to push toward an elite ceiling, Matt LaFleur needs to let Love totally lose.

19. Jayden Daniels, Commanders (age: 25)

Daniels replaced all the great rookie vibes with an injury-marred thud of a slumping second season. Now he's got to rebound back healthy as the offense transition from running-QB friendly Kliff Kingsbury to passing-QB oriented David Blough. Terry McLaurin is a nice speedy No. 1 asset, but he needs to show more with newcomers Stefo Diggs and Chig Okonkwo, all while Washington gets the traditional running game sorted. Daniels' goal will be more about solid than spectacular.

20. Daniel Jones, Colts (age: 29)

Jones is healthy coming off his torn Achilles' and is hoping he won't be hampered too much post-recovery. He was putting up his best season with early MVP buzz in Shane Steichen's offense, but now must do it with real questions about his receiving corps. Here's betting that Jones will land more on competent average scale this season.

21. Malik Willis, Dolphins (age: 27)

Willis might be underranked on this list given how much of a supersub he was in Green Bay. The issue is what's around him past dynamic feature back De'Von Achane, including rookie Caleb Douglas looking like the best receiver. He'll show than Miami's recent passing, but his floor might stop at middle of the pack.

22. Tyler Shough, Saints (age: 26)

Shough's vast college pocket passing experience showed with a solid second half of his rookie season under Kellen Moore and he also picked good spots to use his athleticism to make plays. He's a young passer to watch pushing toward a nice ceiling to crack the top half of the league.

23. Kyler Murray, Vikings (age: 29)

Murray and the Vikings needed each other this offseason. Murray needs to prove he can put it all together as a dual threat and is in a Kevin O'Connell offense where his passing will be valued more than his running. To that end, Murray has showed he's back with the ability to spread the field with accuracy. With their pass protection and Justin Jefferson leading some good weapons, Murray can't be ruled out to be this year's Darnold or Jones, both former Vikings.

24. Kirk Cousins, Raiders (age: 38)

Cousins, another former Viking, gets the surprise nod to start over a No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Even more surprising was the fact Kubiak didn't make it much of a real offseason competition. Kubiak's effect on Darnold can't be ignored and a balanced attack with a top running game will help Cousins settle well. He won't blow the doors off with weapons questions beyond Brock Bowers, but he can keep Mendoza on the bench much longer than expected.

25. C.J. Stroud, Texans (age: 24)

Stroud is at a crossroads, trying to separate from the disappointing No. 1 overall pick taken ahead of him in 2023 (see No. 26) and earn a place as one of the highest-paid top passers in the league. Since his fine rookie season, however,  Stroud has struggled with accuracy and decision making. Houston's passing offense keeps having limitations, but with its elite defense, the Texans need to know soon whether he can pull a Darnold and put them in position to win big soon.

26. Bryce Young, Panthers (age: 25)

Young showed flashes of maybe being the long-term passing answer last season with having a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan. Young needs more help from both up front and extra targets, however, to turn the corner after raising his game for a playoff test against the Rams. Otherwise, at 5-10, 204 pounds, he'll be written off for not ever playing bigger than the size concern.

27. Cam Ward, Titans (age: 24)

Ward had the typical rookie season taking lumps while playing immediately as the No. 1 overall pick. It didn't help his offensive-minded coach Brian Callahan was fired during the season and Ward ended up taking a league-high 55 sacks. Overall, the Titans reined him and as a result there were very limited flashes. Ward is essentially starting over with much more promise under Brian Daboll, who coached Dart last season.

28. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (age: 42)

Rodgers can still sling it for his age and the Steelers are trying better to adapt to his needs with his former Packers offensive-minded coach Mike McCarthy and some extra receiving weapons, led by Michael Pittman Jr. Still, there are natural age and wear limitations with Rodgers in what has been declared as his final NFL season.

29. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals (age: 33)

Brissett was chucking a ton last season as Arizona had the No. 5 passing game because it called for pass plays almost 66 percent of the time. The Cards were comfortable having him bridge under Mike LaFleur's offensive acumen with no great immediate QB options minus Murray. The raise was deserving but a long-term job isn't yet.

30. Geno Smith, Jets (age: 35)

Smith returns to his original team in a new offense under Frank Reich. Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall help as primary weapons, otherwise Smith is back on the Raiders again, needing youth to much better support him. It's inevitable the Jets take a look at rookie Cade Klubnik later in the season.

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31. Deshaun Watson, Browns (age: 30)

Watson won the job for Week 1 with the money owed to him in a stuck contract being the biggest factor vs. just really outplaying Shedeur Sanders. Watson won't last long with the intangible pressures even if he can show some of his Texans' stardom. Shedeur Sanders will get his shot before Cleveland moves on to the 2027 draft.

32. Tua Tagovailoa, Falcons (age: 28)

Tagovailoa became the default option for Week 1 with Michael Penix Jr. needing a full offseason to recover from his late-season knee injuries. The only appeal for the new offense under Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees is sticking with a run-heavy, short-to-immediate passing approach. They are just waiting until Penix has one more shot to show his downfield upside merits him a longer look as a franchise passing answer.

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