The 2026 NFL QB rankings have been updated, highlighting the best and worst starting quarterbacks. Key players include Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, with ongoing debates about their performances and rankings.
Key points
Aaron Rodgers may return to the Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL rosters are mostly set at the quarterback position
Matthew Stafford won the NFL MVP but is 38 years old
Quarterback rankings evolve year to year and week to week
Mason Rudolph is ranked as the worst starting QB
Mentioned in this story
Aaron RodgersMatthew StaffordMason Rudolph
Pittsburgh Steelers
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Aside from Aaron Rodgers potentially returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL rosters are mostly set at the quarterback position. While a few competitions will play out, starting roles have mostly already been established. One thing that is always evolving from year to year and even from week to week during the season is the NFL QB rankings.
Matthew Stafford won the NFL MVP, but heâs also 38 years old. Meanwhile, several other quarterbacks are either returning from serious injuries or now have a new team, which only further complicates the process. Nevertheless, the debate rages on.
Ranking quarterbacks from worst to first, whoâs the best QB in the NFL? Whoâs the NFLâs worst QB?
Set to turn 31 in July, Mason Rudolph has just 19 NFL starts in his seven-year career, leading teams to a 9-9-1 record. He doesnât have any playmaking traits, such as a big arm or mobility, but the NFLâs worst QB is still a capable backup with 30 TDs and 22 INTs. If forced into a starting role, expect the Steelers to finish with one of the 10 worst records in the league. Chances are, Will Howard and/or would start more games than Rudolph in 2026. Thatâs why the Steelers are desperately hoping Rodgers wants to reunite with coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh.
Q&A
Who is ranked as the worst starting quarterback in the 2026 NFL QB rankings?
Mason Rudolph of the Pittsburgh Steelers is ranked as the worst starting quarterback.
What factors influence the NFL QB rankings for 2026?
Factors include player performance, age, injury recovery, and team changes.
Who is considered the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL rankings?
The article ranks quarterbacks from worst to first, but does not specify who is the best in the excerpt.
How does Matthew Stafford's age affect his ranking in the 2026 NFL QB list?
At 38 years old and having won the NFL MVP, Stafford's age is a significant factor in evaluating his performance and ranking.
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Thereâs a chance Shedeur Sanders snatches the starting role, but for now, the three-time Pro Bowl QB Deshaun Watson projects to be the Cleveland Brownsâ QB1. While Watson was atrocious in Cleveland under Kevin Stefanski (topping 240 passing yards just twice while leading a 9-10 record), thereâs hope that Todd Monken can get more out of the talented QB.
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A threat with his arm and his legs, Malik Willis has the potential to skyrocket up this list. Yet, doing so on a Dolphins team with an unproven cast of pass-catchers wonât be easy. For now, the dual-threat with six starts, albeit some impressive ones in Green Bay, starts lower on our list of NFL QB rankings.
The Titans hope the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft takes a big second-year leap in 2026. To be fair, Cam Ward didnât have a strong supporting cast in his rookie season. Yet, the Titans have since added two new weapons in Carnell Tate and WanâDale Robinson. Hopefully they help Ward, who didnât record his first multi-TD game until Week 14 (but then recorded four in a row), find more consistency in Year 2.
Last year was an all-out disaster for Geno Smith on the Las Vegas Raiders, leading them to a 2-13 record while tossing an NFL-high 17 interceptions. It was a confusing situation for a player who displayed renewed confidence, finding himself as a member of the Seahawks. Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich hopes Smith can rediscover the form that helped him become a two-time Pro Bowl QB from 2022 to 2023. Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper will help, but Smith still needs to go out and prove it after such a rough performance in 2025.
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders-Kirk Cousins Press Conference
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When Kirk Cousins is really locked in, heâs shown the ability to be among the NFLâs most accurate quarterbacks. The issue is he wasnât at his best in Atlanta, where Cousins had just one game with over 234 passing yards in eight starts last season. However, thereâs a belief that Klint Kubiak can help put Cousins in a better position to succeed. The question is whether the Raiders have the proper supporting cast to help the four-time Pro Bowl QB thrive. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is breathing down the four-time 37-year-oldâs neck.
While he topped 250 passing yards just once in 12 starts, Jaxson Dart won over the locker room and the Giantsâ fanbase by showing true grit. Amazingly, Dart had 48 or more rushing yards in seven of those starts, reminding defenses that they have to be prepared when facing the 2025 first-round pick. Dart impressed with 25 TDs and 5 INTs as a rookie, weâre very curious to see how he improves heading into Year 2.
The Saints might have been on track to be the NFLâs worst team last season, so the fact that Tyler Shough managed to lead New Orleans to a very respectable 5-4 record is impressive. He also finished on a high note, completing 70.6% of his passes with an average of 293 yards per game over his final four contests while having 5 TDs and 1 INT in that stretch. After adding Jordyn Tyson in the first round, Shough will have another high-caliber weapon to work with, and heâll be more experienced in Kellen Mooreâs system.
From 2020 to 2024, Jacoby Brissett started a total of 21 games, and he tallied 22 TDs and 11 INTs in the process. Last year, he was suddenly at his best, averaging a career-high 240 YPG while recording 23 TDs and 8 INTs in just 12 starts. But heâs learning a new system now and reportedly wants a raise too. Brissett needs to maximize his rare opportunity and hit the ground running before the new regime finds a younger long-term solution. However, if his stellar play from 2025 carries over into 2026, the Cardinals could surprise people, especially with Jeremiyah Love around.
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers
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The No. 1 overall pick in 2023 has slowly improved each season, doubling his win total from the previous year in back-to-back campaigns. Bryce Young will still be just 25 when the season starts, and weâre expecting more growth as his supporting cast is better than ever.
Even in a down year, Tua Tagovailoa still had the second-highest TD rate of his career. The issue, obviously, was an interception rate nearly twice that of his previous five seasons. Given a chance to reset in a domed stadium, thereâs enough reason to believe a motivated Tagovailoa returns to peak form in Atlanta.
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
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Bo Nix led the NFL with 612 passing attempts, yet he had 776 fewer yards than the league leader, who had 15 fewer attempts. The hope is that Jaylen Waddleâs arrival can help Nix connect on more explosive plays. If not, the Broncos will take a player who hasnât tossed fewer than 25 touchdowns or more than 12 interceptions as a pro.
Kyler Murray is a former No. 1 overall pick, but he never really lived up to his potential. Now the 28-year-old is given another chance, playing for a QB whisperer in Kevin OâConnell. Yet, having one of the NFLâs best receivers in Justin Jefferson, plus Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, canât hurt. The last time OâConnell had a mobile QB, Josh Dobbs caused some issues. Imagine what he can do with an elite talent who has even better traits?
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Houston Texans at New England Patriots
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After an incredible rookie season, C.J. Stroud has come back down to earth in the past two seasons. While heâs still an above-average QB who has led the Texans to the playoffs all three years of his career, Houston needs more consistent production out of their 24-year-old QB. A rebuilt offensive line, and the health of his top receivers will be big factors as he heads into his fourth season.
If âIndiana Jonesâ can sustain the play we saw from him across Weeks 1-8, where he completed 71.1% of his passes for an average of 257 passing yards to go with 17 TDs (13 passing, 4 rushing), and 3 INTs, then the Colts have one of the NFLâs best quarterbacks. Yet, after recovering from an Achilles tear, Jones will have some ground to make up as he works his way back from injury.
Even after a down year for the No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield still had an excellent season last year, tallying 3,693 passing yards, 26 TDs, and 11 INTs. But he was much better in the two seasons prior, which suggests Mayfield has room for improvement heading into 2026. However, after losing Mike Evans, there are some questions about whether Mayfield is truly ready for a bounceback season.
At his best, few quarterbacks are more effective game-changers than Jayden Daniels. But he was limited to just seven games last season and he wasnât quite the same player, never topping 250 passing yards and scoring just two touchdowns as a rusher. We have no doubts that Daniels will return to superstar status, but the Commanders could use more explosive pass-catchers to complement Terry McLaurin.
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
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Even without a proven No. 1 target, the Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers offense is tough to defend. Just when you think every square inch of the field is covered, he has a tendency to connect on a deep pass downfield. Despite taking over for a future Hall of Famer, Love has never led a losing season, and he hasnât thrown more than 11 interceptions either. Plus, getting top target Tucker Kraft back, who was limited to just eight games after a torn ACL, should help Love be more consistent in 2026 too.
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
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In his second season, Caleb Williams had 21 fewer completions than his rookie year, despite attempting six more passes. Even though he wasnât quite as accurate, thereâs no denying that the former No. 1 overall pick became more dangerous, improving his touchdown total by seven while taking 44 fewer sacks. We canât wait to see how big of a leap the 24-year-old takes heading into Year 3.
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In his fifth season, Trevor Lawrence took a huge stop toward living up to his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick under head coach Liam Coen. Still just 26, now weâre curious to see how Lawrence can build upon a season in which he led his team to 13 wins while tossing a career-high 29 touchdowns.
NFL: NFC Divisional Round-San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
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A turf toe injury hampered Brock Purdyâs season in 2025, limiting him to just nine games. When healthy, he had one of the NFLâs highest touchdown rates (7.0%). What was concerning was that Purdy also had the highest interception rate of his career (3.5%). Letâs hope it was just the toe bothering him, because the 49ers still have a very good backup in Mac Jones.
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
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Despite coming off a career-high 25 passing touchdowns, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles both agree they need to be more consistent on offense. He completed just 64.8% of his passes, which is the second-lowest rate of his career. He also had the lowest rushing yardage per game. After the Eagles have retooled and reloaded offensively, Hurts may be in for a make or break season.
NFL: Super Bowl LX-Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots
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No one can say it was a one-year wonder anymore after Sam Darnold led his team to back-to-back 14-win seasons, with a different offensive coordinator each time. Now heâll have to essentially prove himself again now that offensive playcaller Klint Kubiak has moved on. Yet, Darnold was downright dangerous last season, averaging 12.5 yards per completion while developing strong chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
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Other quarterbacks may put up better numbers, but Justin Herbert has performed well considering what heâs been given for a supporting cast. Last year he lost both starting tackles yet still fueled the Chargers to another playoff appearance. The Chargers donât have an alpha receiver, but Herbert does a good job spreading the ball around nevertheless.
We canât go purely off accomplishments anymore. While Patrick Mahomes may have three Super Bowl rings, heâs coming off arguably the worst season of his career. Mahomes finished with a career-low 62.7% completion rate, his lowest TD rate, and nearly his highest INT rate too. Now heâs coming off a torn ACL, and the Chiefsâ pass-catchers are still largely unproven, but thereâs potential.
Always a threat to record a 4,000-yard season, Dak Prescott now has two 4,500-yard campaigns under his belt. Last year Prescott got a boost from the Cowboysâ George Pickens acquisition, and as long as he suits up for Dallas again in 2026, we expect Brian Schottenheimerâs scoring attack to remain one of the NFLâs best.
The former No. 1 overall pick may not have eye-popping arm strength or mobility, but thereâs no denying that Jared Goff is one of the NFLâs toughest quarterbacks to defend. Last year, even after his offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed for Chicago, Goff still had 34 touchdowns, which was his third season in a row with 30 or more scores. Heâs been one of the NFLâs best since 2022 and we donât anticipate that changing in 2026.
NFL: Super Bowl LX-Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots
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Heâs preparing for his age-24 campaign, but Drake Maye is already one of the NFLâs best quarterbacks. Like Burrow, Maye managed to lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season of play. Burrow hasnât been back since, can Maye write a different story in New England? Weâre still skeptical of the Patriotsâ pass-catchers, but Maye is the type of elevator who makes his teammates better.
While he missed four games in the heart of the season, Lamar Jackson still performed well when healthy. His 7% touchdown percentage was the second-best of his career, and he was averaging an NFL-high 13.3 yards per completion. However, he lacked explosiveness as a runner, averaging a career-low 26.8 yards per game. The hope is that Jackson will return to peak form in all aspects in 2026.
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
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Josh Allen couldnât quite carry over his 2024 MVP campaign into 2025. While he was still effective as a rusher, and even more accurate as a passer (career-high 69.3% comp. rate), Allen finished with his fewest passing touchdowns since 2021. Part of his passing TD dip is thanks to James Cookâs dynamite season, but it was clear that Allen wasnât quite his best, and weâre not sure D.J. Moore is the solution either.
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Even though he was only available for eight games, Joe Burrow was extremely effective in that short stint. He had the second-highest TD rate of his career (an average of over two per game), and Burrow had been avoiding sacks at his best rate yet. Motivated after not appearing in a playoff game since the 2022 season, we fully expect the Bengals QB to play like his hair is on fire again in 2026.
NFL: NFC Championship Game-Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
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The NFLâs best quarterback last season finally won his first MVP award, but he fell short in his bid for a second Super Bowl ring. Now 38 years old, Staffordâs league-leading 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns will be very hard to replicate. Yet, we expect him to still be elite with his superstar receivers, but chances are he wonât rank No. 1 by the end of the season again.
