QB Power Shift: Ranking Every Starting Quarterback Heading into Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season

QB Power Shift: Ranking Every Starting Quarterback Heading into Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and as we head into Week 1 of the 2025 season, the landscape under center has shifted dramatically. From seasoned veterans to exciting rookies, the signal-callers in the league are poised to make a significant impact. Last season, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals led the league with 43 passing touchdowns and 4,918 passing yards, showcasing the immense talent at the position. This year promises even more excitement, with a record 16 Black quarterbacks starting in Week 1, marking a historic moment in the NFL’s 105-year history. Let’s dive into a comprehensive ranking of every starting quarterback as we gear up for the opening week.

The Elite Tier

  1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Jackson’s evolution as a passer combined with his unmatched athleticism makes him the most dangerous player in the NFL. In 2024, the Jackson-led Ravens ranked 1st in EPA per dropback. He threw for 41 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Jackson’s ability to make plays under pressure and his improved decision-making have solidified his place at the top.

  2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: Allen’s dual-threat capabilities and sheer determination make him a force to be reckoned with. Allen earned his first MVP award in 2024. His arm strength and willingness to take risks often result in spectacular plays. Allen is the modern archetype for what everyone thinks they want in a QB. He is a legitimate dual threat with a bazooka for an arm who can create explosive plays at will.

  3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: Despite some statistical slippage compared to his earlier years, Mahomes remains an elite quarterback. Mahomes’s ability to shape-shift into the passer Kansas City needs in any situation is unmatched. With three Super Bowl rings and a knack for delivering in the clutch, Mahomes continues to be a top-tier quarterback.

  4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow’s precision, football intelligence, and ability to run the offense make him one of the league’s best. In 2024, Burrow led the league in passing yards (4,918), passing touchdowns (43), attempts and completions. His connection with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins makes the Bengals’ passing game a nightmare for opposing defenses.

The Near-Elite Tier

  1. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: Hurts has proven himself as a dynamic playmaker. The Eagles will start the 2025 season at the top. His ability to make key throws and contribute in the run game makes him a constant threat.

  2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: Herbert’s strong arm and ability to make difficult throws make him a top quarterback. Herbert might be the best regular-season quarterback in non-clutch situations. With another year under Jim Harbaugh and improved weapons around him, we’ll see if he can finally get over the hump.

  3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: Prescott is back as the starter for 2025. He’s got some new offensive weapons courtesy of trades and draft picks, and he’s hoping for a big turnaround. He has a new play-caller in head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and CeeDee Lamb has a new running mate in George Pickens.

The Rising Stars

  1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders: Daniels put together a historic rookie season. Daniels earned the highest single-season PFF grade by a rookie quarterback in the past decade, both as a passer and a runner. His dual-threat ability and poise under pressure make him a promising young quarterback.

  2. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans: Stroud endured a 2024 deflation due to an injury-marred lineup. He’s primed for a rebound, though. A polished leader even at 23, he can sling it knowing he’s got a defense to back him up.

  3. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: Love continues to develop into a reliable starter. He has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to lead the Packers to success.

The Solid Starters

  1. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: Goff’s consistency and ability to manage the game effectively make him a reliable quarterback. The Lions’ passing offense has ranked in the top 5 in EPA per dropback over the past three seasons, including a #2 slot in 2024. He has ranked top-5 in accurate throw % and catchable ball rate over that span as well.

  2. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins: Tagovailoa’s accuracy and quick decision-making make him a good fit for the Dolphins’ offense.

  3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: Stafford has helped the Rams make the playoffs in three of his first four seasons in Los Angeles.

  4. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mayfield had 12 top-10 finishes last season and averaged more than 28 points per game in the fantasy playoffs.

The Question Marks

  1. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Lawrence is the elder statesman in the AFC South as he enters his fifth season as the Jaguars’ starting quarterback.

  2. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: A matchup with the expected NFL doormats in 2025 gives Murray the top quarterback ranking in Week 1. His value as a runner sets a reasonable floor, and the Cardinals have two dynamic receiving options (Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr.).

  3. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders: Smith reunites with Pete Carroll for their first year together in Sin City.

  4. Russell Wilson, New York Giants: Wilson is about to start under center at the fourth NFL team of his career.

The Rookies and Newcomers

  1. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears: On the opening weekend of the NFL, Williams edges out J.J. McCarthy in the quarterback rankings while both players sit in the top 10.

  2. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings: McCarthy’s de facto rookie season under Kevin O’Connell will be a fascinating one to watch.

  3. Drake Maye, New England Patriots: Maye will be given some runway to prove his worth in New England.

  4. Cam Ward, Indianapolis Colts: Ward looks to make their mark in their first season as starters in the division.

  5. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos: Nix enters his second season with Sean Payton’s Broncos.

The Veterans

  1. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers: Rodgers is 41 years old.

  2. Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns: Flacco is the favorite to open the year under center.

The Others

  1. Daniel Jones, Tennessee Titans: Jones and rookie Cam Ward look to make their mark in their first season as starters in the division.

  2. Justin Fields, New York Jets: Fields enters his first season with the Jets having signed with them this offseason on a two-year deal.

  3. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks: Lock heads back to Seattle, where he played in 2022-2023, to back up Sam Darnold.

  4. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns: Sanders bringing big-name buzz to the backup competition.

  5. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints:

  6. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts:

  7. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers: