Ranking NFL quarterbacks before the season kicks off
The 2024 NFL regular season kicks off Thursday, when the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs, host the Baltimore Ravens. To kick off the new season, theScore is launching the NFL quarterback tier rankings for the 32 starters. Throughout the season, lead NFL reporter Josh Tolentino will regularly update this list, based off performance and what he's hearing from league evaluators.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Age: 28
2023 stats: 401-of-597 (67.2%), 4,183 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions
Since taking over as the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2018, Mahomes has led Kansas City to six consecutive AFC Championship game appearances. He finished with a career high in interceptions last season but still led the Chiefs to their second consecutive Super Bowl championship. Will anyone in the league be able to stop Mahomes and Co. from three in a row?
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Age: 27
2023 stats: 307-of-457 (67.2%), 3,678 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
After he signed a five-year contract worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed, Jackson returned to MVP form. The NFL's top scrambling quarterback directed the Ravens to the AFC Championship game, where they ultimately fell short to the Chiefs at home, and received 49 of 50 first-place votes to win his second MVP award in six seasons. His 821 rushing yards were his highest total since 2020, and, at 5,258 career rushing yards, Jackson joins Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Russell Wilson as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to top the 5,000-yard mark.
Under second-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson will look to avoid the pressure he endured in 2023, when he suffered a career-high 37 sacks. Following the Ravens' disappointing postseason exit, can Jackson rise and serve as Kansas City's kryptonite in 2024?
C.J. Stroud, Texans
Age: 22
2023 stats: 319-of 499 (63.9%), 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Stroud enjoyed arguably the best rookie season by any quarterback in NFL history. After setting multiple franchise regular-season records, he led the Texans to a marquee win over Cleveland in the AFC wild-card round, tying the rookie record for most passing touchdowns in a playoff game (three), while also becoming the youngest NFL quarterback to win a postseason contest. Stroud was plagued by 24 dropped passes, but he enters Year 2 with even more offensive weaponry, including wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, and John Metchie III, tight end Dalton Schultz, and running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce.
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Age: 27
2023 stats: 244-of-365 (66.8%), 2,309 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
After Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury on his throwing hand in Week 11, he revamped his offseason workout and nutrition plan and added 10 pounds of muscle. His processing and decision-making skills cement him among the league's best throwers.
Matthew Stafford, Rams
Age: 36
2023 stats: 326-of-521 (62.6%), 3,965 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
The Rams entered their bye week last season with a disappointing 3-6 record. But Stafford helped guide the team to a 7-1 finish, as the franchise clinched the playoffs and doubled its win total from 2022. Stafford and the Rams recently received praise from Tom Brady, who labeled them as a threat to dethrone the Chiefs. Even as he enters his late 30s, Stafford still possesses one of the prettiest deep balls in the game.
Aaron Rodgers, Jets
Age: 40
2023 stats: N/A
Rodgers logged just four snaps in last season's debut before he tore his Achilles. Still, he's just a couple of years removed from producing back-to-back MVP seasons, which keeps him among the elite.
Josh Allen, Bills
Age: 28
2023 stats: 385-of-579 (66.5%), 4,306 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 18 interceptions
Allen is built with just about every trait that offensive coaches long for at the position. He's got size (6-foot-5, 237 pounds), arm strength, foot speed, and athleticism. But Allen can be plagued by his indecisiveness, as evidenced by his career-worst 18 interceptions last year.
Jordan Love, Packers
Age: 25
2023 stats: 372-of-579 (63.7%), 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Some NFL pundits and fans have already catapulted Love into the discussion of top NFL quarterbacks. He is on the cusp of greatness and could move to a higher tier this season. It's been a remarkable 33-year run, going from Brett Favre to Rodgers to Love without missing a beat.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
Age: 26
2023 stats: 388-of-560 (69.3%), 4,624 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 14 interceptions
Tagovailoa turned in the best season of his career and, perhaps more importantly, played in every game for the first time. He torched opposing defenses and led the league in passing yards. In coach Mike McDaniel's scheme, Tagovailoa functions at his best when he can quickly release the football. The big question remains. Can Tagovailoa and the Dolphins win important late-season games, especially in cold weather?
Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Age: 31
2023 stats: 410-of-590 (69.5%), 4,516 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, nine interceptions
Prescott led the league in completions and touchdowns, while his nine interceptions marked his lowest total in a full season since 2018. Entering the final year of his contract, Prescott could explode even further as he seeks a large payday in free agency.
Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Age: 26
2023 stats: 352-of-538 (65.4%), 3,858 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 15 interceptions
Fresh off leading the Eagles to Super Bowl LVIIl and finishing second to Mahomes in 2022 MVP voting, Hurts took a noticeable step back in 2023. He never looked like his true dual-threat self and finished with a career-worst 15 interceptions. His decision-making, in addition to poor coaching, was detrimental to the Eagles, who finished 1-6 to conclude the season. With Saquon Barkley joining an offensive fold that features wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert, there should be no excuses for Hurts and his new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Justin Herbert, Chargers
Age: 26
2023 stats: 297-of-456 (65.1%), 3,134 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, seven interceptions
There's no doubting Herbert's arm strength and talent, but his inconsistencies popped up all too frequently last season. He also missed the final four games and underwent surgery to repair the broken index finger on his throwing hand. Looking ahead, this season will serve as a major test for Herbert after the Chargers lost both of their top receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, along with running back Austin Ekeler, in the offseason.
Brock Purdy, 49ers
Age: 24
2023 stats: 308-of-444 (69.4%), 4,280 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Purdy is enjoying tremendous success under coach Kyle Shanahan. Often labeled as a game manager within Shanahan's QB-friendly scheme, Purdy boasts a league-best 118.0 quarterback rating. Although he might not be as flashy as his peers, the reality is that Purdy has already started in two NFC Championship games.
Caleb Williams, Bears
Age: 22
2023 stats: N/A
Williams has yet to handle his first NFL snap, but Bears coaches and executives love the No. 1 pick's natural talent, along with his ability to create off-schedule and complete difficult throws while facing pressure outside the pocket. He enters a unique situation with an offense that already possesses a handful of proven playmakers. The Bears might be a year or two away from seriously competing, but Williams seems poised to accelerate that process.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
Age: 24
2023 stats: 370-of-564 (65.6%), 4,016 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions
Last season was a roller coaster for Lawrence and the Jaguars. The fourth-year quarterback had his team competing for the top seed in the AFC near the middle of the season, but four straight December losses prevented the franchise from appearing in the playoffs for a second straight season.
Kirk Cousins, Falcons
Age: 36
2023 stats: 216-of-311 (69.5%), 2,331 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions
The Vikings fell short of expectations during his tenure, but Cousins has provided high-level quarterback play throughout his career. Coming off a torn Achilles, Cousins enters the season with a new supporting cast headlined by receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, tight end Kyle Pitts, and running back Bijan Robinson. The Falcons begin the season as favorites in a weak NFC South - a prime opportunity for Cousins to exceed and silence his lingering doubters. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. will be waiting in case things take a turn in Atlanta.
Jared Goff, Lions
Age: 29
2023 stats: 407-of-605 (67.3%), 4,575 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
Goff helped bring the Lions back to relevancy while completing the most passes in his career. Facing heightened expectations, he'll need to shore up his lapses that often occur outside the pocket.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Age: 27
2023 stats: 176-of-268 (65.7%), 1,799 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, five interceptions
Murray missed half of the 2023 season as he rehabbed a torn ACL. Upon his return to a four-win team, he performed better than most expected and had his teammates competing late in games. Murray feels primed for a bounce-back season with top draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. joining the wide receiver room.
Geno Smith, Seahawks
Age: 33
2023 stats: 323-of-499 (64.7%), 3,624 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, nine interceptions
Smith's late-career evolution was one of the league's most inspiring stories over the past couple of seasons. While his accuracy took a slight dip last season from his league-high 69.8 completion percentage in 2022, Smith continued to make smart decisions in the pocket. Entering the final year of his deal with guaranteed salary, Smith will look to continue solidifying himself as a leader who can will his team to victory.
Derek Carr, Saints
Age: 33
2023 stats: 375-of-548 (68.4%), 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions
Carr has ranked as a middling quarterback for the majority of his 11-year career. He's susceptible to an occasional turnover and often fails to capitalize on making the explosive play, but he's found longevity in the league as a starter thanks to his leadership and big arm.
Russell Wilson, Steelers
Age: 35
2023 stats: 297-of-447 (66.4%), 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions
Wilson enters the twilight of his career and a new chapter in Pittsburgh with serious question marks clouding his legacy. Will the nine-time Pro Bowler ever return to form? Or are Wilson's best days truly behind him? If one thing's certain, Wilson will be hyper-motivated to erase his disastrous tenure and abrupt exit in Denver.
Deshaun Watson, Browns
Age: 28
2023 stats: 105-of-171 (61.4%), 1,115 passing yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions
Will Watson ever prove he was worth the largest guaranteed salary - $230 million - in NFL history? Thus far, he's been an extreme disappointment in Cleveland. Over two seasons, Watson has started just 12 games, served an 11-game suspension in 2022, and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 10 of the 2023 season.
Baker Mayfield, Bucs
Age: 29
2023 stats: 364-of-566 (64.3%), 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Mayfield essentially turned a one-year prove-it deal into a three-year contract worth up to $115 million. But can he repeat - or top - his career-best numbers from 2023?
Anthony Richardson, Colts
Age: 22
2023 stats: 50-of-84 (59.5%), 577 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception
It's a shame Richardson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last October to repair an AC joint sprain in his throwing arm. When he was healthy, Richardson displayed glimpses of impactful, high-level play - both with his arm and legs. Second-year coach Shane Steichen is fully aware of Richardson's cannon. Improving his pocket presence and accelerating his processing of defenses will be goals for the duo in 2024.
Bryce Young, Panthers
Age: 23
2023 stats: 315-of-527 (59.8%), 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
It's difficult to assess Young's rookie season given how poor the Panthers handled the entire campaign. Last year's No. 1 overall pick was horrid when under pressure, and he endured a whopping 62 sacks. To aid Young, the Panthers drafted wide receiver Xavier Legette in the first round and added former Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson.
Will Levis, Titans
Age: 25
2023 stats: 149-of-255 (58.4%), 1,808 passing yards, eight touchdowns, four interceptions
Levis possesses the traits of a pro, including an ultra-quick release that needs to be maximized by first-year coach Brian Callahan and coordinator Nick Holz. With DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley manning the outside, Levis should have plenty of opportunities to air it out for a franchise that has long been seen as a run-first offense.
Jayden Daniels, Commanders
Age: 23
2023 stats: N/A
Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick, enters a less-than-ideal situation with a sub-par offensive line that will be susceptible to pressure and sacks. But coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has plenty of experience dealing with and maximizing talent from young quarterbacks. Daniels' rushing ability could help bridge any early growing pains.
Bo Nix, Broncos
Age: 24
2023 stats: N/A
Coach Sean Payton has raved about Nix ever since the Broncos selected him with the No. 12 pick. Nix arrives with plenty of collegiate experience; between Auburn and Oregon, he started the most games in NCAA history for a quarterback (61). His availability and efficiency were his best traits in college. But will his skills translate to the NFL under a coach that is longing for success following last season's disaster with Russell Wilson?
Gardner Minshew, Raiders
Age: 28
2023 stats: 305-of-490 (62.2%), 3,305 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions
Given their need for stability at quarterback, it was alarming that the Raiders neglected to address the position via the draft. From Derek Carr to Jimmy Garoppolo, and now Minshew, the Raiders only continue to move in the wrong direction. Aidan O'Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick who started 10 games last season, waits in the wings.
Daniel Jones, Giants
Age: 27
2023 stats: 108-of-160 (67.5%), 909 passing yards, two touchdowns, six interceptions
By now, the league is fully aware of who Jones is under center. The sixth-year quarterback is a fine athlete, capable of extending plays with his legs and creating out of the pocket. However, he's often plagued by poor decisions and turnovers. Adding rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers could help shore up some of New York's issues.
Sam Darnold, Vikings
Age: 27
2023 stats: 28-of-46 (60.9%), 297 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception
Darnold served as Purdy's backup in 2023, and in his only start during the regular-season finale, he completed 16-of-26 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown in a one-point loss to the Rams. He takes over - at least for now - as the starter in Minnesota after rookie J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending right meniscus tear during training camp.
Jacoby Brissett, Patriots
Age: 31
2023 stats: 18-of-23 (78.3%), three touchdowns, zero interceptions
Sure, first-year coach Jerod Mayo announced Brissett as the Patriots' starter, but it's only a matter of time until No. 3 pick Drake Maye gets the call. Even Mayo himself admitted Maye has outplayed Brissett throughout the summer. Brissett's 2023 season consisted of just three appearances with the Commanders.
Josh Tolentino is theScore's lead NFL writer