NFL

Power Ranking All 32 Starting Quarterbacks In The NFL

Darren - July 6, 2020
NFL

Power Ranking All 32 Starting Quarterbacks In The NFL

Darren - July 6, 2020

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

11. Kirk Cousins

It might seem harsh but a lot of people don’t have much faith in Cousins’ ability to grow. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback had a fine 2019, but can he break through another ceiling? The Vikings just drafted Justin Jefferson, so he has another exciting young weapon beside him.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

One of his main criticisms is that he isn’t really an improviser. But is it really fair to call this a fault when he’s so consistent? Sure, he might not often pull off a spectacular play out of nowhere, but there’s nothing wrong with doing things by the book.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

10. Matthew Stafford

Fractures in his back ended Stafford’s season early but before that he was on fire. He was even on track for a 5,000-yard season which just goes to show how consistent he was. A one-time Pro Bowler, Stafford has been steady as a rock for the Detroit Lions.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Stafford was also on track to complete 600 passing attempts in 2019 before his injury got in the way. If he did that this year it would be the first time since his lone Pro Bowl campaign. However Darrell Bevell plans to spread the offense this year, so it will be interesting to see how his numbers fluctuate.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

9. Tom Brady

We might be a bit too kind to put Brady up this high because the reality is nobody knows how good he’ll be this season. It’s his first term with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is exciting. Furthermore, his name value alone guarantees him the starting quarterback position.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

However, last season wasn’t that great for him. He’s 42 now and time is a fickle friend to high-level athletes. No Bill Belichick means that he wants to win even more than before. Who knows how long he has left? Enjoy him while you can because this is going to be a fascinating year.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

8. Ryan Tannehill

All of a sudden, Tannehill is a top 10 quarterback. The Tennessee Titans star helped his team blaze into the playoffs last year, but they fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC title. In short, that’s why they rewarded him with a four-year, $118 million extension.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Tannehill led the league and set franchise-records with a 117.5 quarterback rating and 9.6 yards per attempt. However, the big question is what happens if Derrick Henry leaves? A great running back brings the best out of your quarterback. Just how good would he look without that kind of support?

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

7. Carson Wentz

Wentz could rise up this list if he continues how he ended last season. Furthermore, there’s no reason why he can’t because the Philidelphia Eagles definitely have quicker options next to him now. But we’re here to rave about Wentz and it’s very easy to do.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Undisputably the Eagles’ starting quarterback, Wentz was brilliant last time out. He became the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for at least 4,000 yards. If Jadeveon Clowney’s helmet hadn’t ended his season, who knows what could have happened?

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

6. DeShaun Watson

It will be interesting to see how Watson’s statistics change with the loss of DeAndre Hopkins. The Houston Texans star has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league over the past couple of seasons. He isn’t quite yet in the class of those above him in these rankings, but he’s still a very fine player.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Watson has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. However, he is already the only player in NFL history with 25 touchdowns passes and five touchdown runs in back-to-back seasons. The big question is whether or not he can take the next step. Many think he’s the best quarterback in Texans’ history.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

5. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is not happy about the current Jordan Love situation, but it could be a stroke of genius by the Packers. In truth, he hasn’t been among the best quarterbacks for the past couple of seasons, a position he once topped with ease. However, this could light a fire underneath him and inspire him back to his brilliance.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

At the age of 36, Rodgers will be desperate to get back close to Super Bowl contention. He obviously has personal qualities but are the Packers strong enough? Furthermore, with Love breathing down his neck, Rodgers is under more pressure than ever before in his career.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

4. Drew Brees

The last four games of 2019 show that Brees still has a lot to give. He threw for over 1,100 yards with 15 touchdowns and no interceptions. Don’t forget that this man is 41 years old. In sum, he’s like a vintage wine; just getting better with age. The New Orleans Saints are lucky to have him and he is certainly among the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Of course, he can’t play forever, but the veteran is still better than many quarterbacks half of his age in the NFL. As well as his brilliant arm, he also has the experience and maturity to help his franchise towards the Super Bowl. But hopefully, he hasn’t divided his locker room with his controversial take on kneeling during the anthem.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

3. Russell Wilson

Wilson is a quarterback in his prime. The Seattle Seahawks star doesn’t run as much these days but his passing is as crisp as ever. His excellent 2019 went under the radar because of the two names above him in these rankings. Overall, Wilson is a class act who also has maturity.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

In sum, the 31-year-old is a surefire future Hall of Famer. Furthermore, the offense around him last season underwhelmed, taking the gloss off of his personal excellence. But now, in his ninth year in the NFL, it could be the time when he enters his best form.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

2. Lamar Jackson

2019 was a stellar individual season for Jackson. However, the NFL MVP will want to go even further this time. In truth, you could have Wilson and Jackson side-by-side because they are so good. But we’re choosing to put Jackson at number two because he’s just so exciting.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Last year, he threw for 3,127 yards with 36 touchdowns and rushed for another 1,200 yards. Those are tremendous numbers. The Ravens have also added to their defense this season with the likes of Calais Campbell. A stronger team will only help him to flourish.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

1. Patrick Mahomes

After a Super Bowl-winning season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes is looking to carry on where he left off. He just signed the biggest contract in sports history this week with a 10-year extension worth up to a reported $503 million. If the Chiefs repeat the feat, Mahomes will be the first quarterback since Tom Brady to win back-to-back Super Bowls. It would be quite a feat.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson is close but nobody else is on his level right now. Of course, things may change as the season progresses but it will take a lot. In 2019, Mahomes threw for the seventh-most yards in a season (4,031) in Chiefs history despite missing two-and-a-half games because of an injury. He’ll hope to get back above 5,000 in 2020, but stats only mean so much. He won the Super Bowl MVP in 2019 after winning league MVP in his first year as a starter the prior season.

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