NFL QB Rankings: Joe Burrow shows his stripes, reaches top-five status

Who is the best quarterback in the NFL? Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are widely viewed as two of the best players in football. While they set an elite standard for quarterback play, our 2022 NFL QB rankings capture how the top 20 quarterbacks perform every week. Updated weekly throughout the season, here are our top-20 NFL QB rankings, with Matthew Stafford, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson disappearing from the list as of late.

Related: Weekly Fantasy Football rankings 2022

NFL QB Rankings countdown from 20-1

20. Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland Browns

On the fringe of these weekly quarterback rankings, Brissett’s stay on this list is a short one, as he’s set to be replaced later this week. Much like the Browns have done. While Brissett’s no Deshaun Watson when it comes to mobility or his otherworldly arm, the former did help keep the Browns afloat while completing the highest rate of passes in his career. He did his job as a relief pitcher. Now it’s time to hand the ball to Watson and see if he can close out the game.

Brissett will have no trouble landing a top backup gig this offseason and possibly could find himself in a starting role again, either holding down the job until a rookie is ready or as part of a training camp competition.

19. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Goff has bounced back a bit in 2022, but he’s still making costly mistakes and has fumbled five times. But mostly, the former No. 1 overall pick is just inconsistent. While the team is still leading the eighth-ranked pass offense, Goff’s bound to be replaced by a top draft pick next season.

For now, expect to see Goff do just enough to keep the Lions in the mix but ultimately come up short, as we saw against Buffalo. Goff predictably balled out against a woeful Jaguars defense, and he has a chance to do the same against the Vikings, who allow the most passing yards in football.

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18. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

After throwing three interceptions in Tennessee’s playoff loss a season ago, Tannehill’s thrown just four picks since. But it’s not like he’s been afraid to sling it downfield, as the Titans QB is tied for second place in the NFL in yards per attempt. Most importantly, Tannehill’s been able to keep the Titans in playoff contention.

Yet once again, we saw what happens when Tannehill can’t generate enough scoring plays, losing in a blowout to Philadelphia, where he had a total of 175 yards. Next up is a Jacksonville defense that just got steamrolled by Jared Goff and the Lions, maybe the Titans can see something on tape they can take advantage of.

17. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

The first 12 games of Carr operating the Josh McDaniels offense haven’t been great, but the Raiders have also dealt with a number of injuries to their receiving corps. The Davante Adams connection is alive and well, but even the two-time All-Pro receiver is near his career-low catch rate, which was nowhere near the expectation.

Carr is playing for his job in 2023 at this point, but if that’s the case, he’s done well, leading three consecutive gutsy performances in clutch time. Eventually we’re bound to see another flat tire, which could happen in Week 14 against Jalen Ramsey and Co. Yet, with the Rams likely not able to go round-for-round in a shootout, Carr could be in for more demolition.

Related: If you’re a fan of the Raiders, check out #RaiderNation rumors, rankings, and news here.

16. Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Despite facing less-than-ideal MetLife winds, yet playing the worst defense in football, Danny Dimes posted a 390-yard day in Week 12. He kept up that strong effort by putting up 271 yards against Washington, but there weren’t enough touchdowns to get either win. The Giants are 7-4-1, and the former Duke QB is playing smart football.

We’d love to see Jones with a viable No. 1 receiver, but despite the obstacles in his way, he managed to post the highest passer rating of any other NFL QB this season (153.3) in the win over Houston. Jones will have to be at his absolute best to topple the Eagles’ defense, who’s ranked as a top-10 unit through 13 weeks of play.

Related: Daniel Jones out to prove he’s not the chink in the New York Giants’ armor

15. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

Now that the Chicago Bears are empowering their young second-year QB by allowing him to use his mobility to his advantage, Fields has flourished. With the adjustment, Fields quickly broke an NFL record for the most rushing yards by a QB in a single game in Week 9.

We’re also seeing him step up as a passer, completing 68.3% of his passes in his last four starts. Fields has quickly emerged as possibly the best running QB in football, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store once he gets a better cast of receivers and a more consistent line up front. Battling injuries, Fields now gets an extra week to heal before taking on the playmaking Philadelphia secondary.

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14. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Just 23 years old, Lawrence started the year strong, appearing to make major strides in his second NFL season. Lawrence came back down to earth in the weeks that followed, but he then began trending back up, completing 76.8% of his passes from Weeks 9-12.

It’s not hard to see the Jaguars QB learning with each start, and his comeback win against Baltimore just might be his best performance yet as a pro. Lawrence is getting closer to reaching his potential, even if it’s taken a bit longer than we expected. While he once again completed just 54.8% of his passes against Detroit, Lawrence can get back on track against Tennessee, who’s been a bottom-tier pass defense.

13. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

It’s a new year, but the story stays the same. Kirko Chains, Kirk Thuggins — whatever you want to call him, has been up and down in 2022. When he’s not facing constant pressure, Cousins has mostly been on point in the North Star state, helping form a dynamite duo with Justin Jefferson, who’s accounted for 43% of Cousins’ yardage total this season.

Captain Kirk now sails to Michigan, where he grew up and attended college, but the Lions suddenly are playing good defense, allowing just 220.7 passing yards per game over their past four matchups.

Related: Overpaid or underrated: 2022 outlook for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins

12. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Defending his MVP award has not gone well for Rodgers. The Green Bay quarterback hasn’t been on the same page with his receivers, but even then, aside from Christian Watson’s sudden emergence, his pass-catchers aren’t as explosive as Davante Adams was. Rodgers is on pace for new career lows in passing yardage. The Packers may have won in Week 13, but with Rodgers dealing with injuries to his thumb and ribs, it feels like only a matter of time before he’s shut down for the year.

11. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Having started just seven games, Prescott caught fire against Minnesota, finishing with a near career-best 88% completion rate while posting 40 points on the board. Two weeks later, Prescott’s Cowboys put up an NFL-high 52 points against a top-10 Colts passing defense. Having scored 24 or more points in each start since Prescott’s return, topping that mark should be an easy feat against Houston.

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10. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Don’t count out Brady just yet. Even at 45, he’s still doing his thing. Brady may not be posting video game numbers, but it’s hard to say Brady has had a ‘bad game’ this season, and he’s not necessarily hurting his team either. We see some errant throws, but it’s not like he’s tossing the game away with turnovers. Brady has a tough matchup against the Saints coming up, whom he’s just 2-4 against since joining the Bucs.

9. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

In a contract year, under more pressure than ever, Garoppolo was arguably playing the best football of his career before getting hurt in Week 13. Jimmy G was throwing the fewest interceptions of his career (1.3% of his passes) and had the 49ers in a prime position to secure the NFC West division crown. Once again facing unrestricted free agency, he led his team to a 70.3 win percentage in games he started with San Francisco. We had a good run, Jimmy.

8. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

In the midst of his third season, Herbert leads the NFL in 50+ yard air distance completions since 2020, meaning even if you have the Chargers backed up, defenders can never relax because the next one might sail over your head.

But we’re already impressed with his physical abilities. At this point, we want to see Herbert in the playoffs, yet the Chargers haven’t beaten a single team that’s .500 or better in 2022. Having been sacked 14 times in his past three games, expect Herbert to have less trouble staying upright against the Dolphins, who have struggled to generate pressure this season.

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7. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

One of the most dangerous running QB threats in football, Jackson was on track for another fantastic season on the ground prior to his Week 13 injury. While the Ravens have had some bad luck, a lot of their struggles fall on the pass defense. Still, Jackson doesn’t escape all the blame, as he’s throwing interceptions at a near-career-high rate, and his completion percentage has taken a slight hit. But he’s also pretty much all the Ravens have on offense, aside from Mark Andrews, who’s been banged up. Jackson’s been good but not quite MVP-level great in 2022.

6. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

The biggest surprise of the 2022 NFL season, sure, Smith is a former second-round pick, but he’s never played like one. Until now. Smith’s leading the NFL in completion rate, with the Seahawks performing as a top-five offense. It’s no longer a question of if he can keep up his incredible play. It’s more a matter of how good the 32-year-old can be, starting for just the third year in his career.

Facing the stars of the LA Rams defense, Smith didn’t blink, racking up a season-high 367 passing yards, including a clutch game-winning throw in an extremely tight window in the red zone. Smith should receive plenty of opportunities to put on a show against Carolina, who is likely to give Seattle several extra possessions thanks to their offensive ineptitude.

5. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Playing in a high-powered offense that features two 1,000-yard receivers and another in Mike Gesicki, who’s not far behind in ability, Tagovailoa will have no trouble staying a top-ranked NFL QB this season. Tagovailoa’s three-game absence didn’t slow him down, and the third-year QB could be force his way back into the MVP conversation.

But his effort against San Francisco won’t help, where Tagovailoa completed a season-low 54.6% of his passes and had multiple turnovers (three) for just the second time this season. But that was the 49ers, who have a ferocious pass rush. It’s a little bit different for his next opponent, the Chargers, who have roughly half as many pressures and sacks as San Francisco on the season.

Related: Tua Tagovailoa talks about his ‘deep balls’ growing a lot in 2022

4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Not only has Burrow’s offensive line been inconsistent, he had to manage without his top receiver for four weeks with Ja’Marr Chase sidelined. But Joe Cool responded well, putting 35 or more points on the board in two of the three wins. When the Bengals are clicking, there are few quarterbacks better than the former LSU superstar.

In Week 13, Burrow slayed Mahomes and the Chiefs for the third time in his career, remaining undefeated against Andy Reid’s crew. Yet Burrow takes on the Browns next, whom he’s never beaten, and Deshaun Watson has returned. It should be a fun matchup, with the Bengals playing their best ball as of late.

3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Leading the way for several weeks, Allen has slipped in our NFL QB rankings as of late, thanks to a recent string of red zone interceptions. At his best, there may not be a better-combined runner/passer in football, but we haven’t seen Allen in top form in recent time. While his decision-making could improve, the Buffalo QB still has an elite skill set. If he wants to climb back up, Allen will have to outduel Sauce Gardner, who grades as the second-best cornerback by Pro Football Focus.

See where Josh Allen ranks in our NFL top 100 player rankings

2. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts went from a quarterback who needed to prove he was capable of holding down the gig to establishing himself as a Pro Bowl talent in his second full season as a starter. A second-round pick in 2020, the Eagles struck gold with the Alabama quarterback, but no one ever expected Hurts to be a top-ranked QB in the NFL.

Hurts’ season in 2022 is reminiscent of Jackson’s MVP year in 2019, only Hurts won’t have nearly as many passing touchdowns or rushing yards, but he will finish with more passing yards and rushing touchdowns. Most importantly, the Eagles are in first place.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Even when he’s not doing his best Air Jordan impression, Mahomes is simply magical. The former MVP has the ability to put up 400-yard performances on a weekly basis, and for a while, he had been on pace to break the NFL’s single-season passing yardage record. It will only take one big day to get him back on track.

After losing a shootout to Burrow’s Bengals, Mahomes shouldn’t have trouble outscoring Russell Wilson, but it’s the Broncos’ defense that will pose problems as they allow the third-fewest passing yards in football. Either way, Mahomes is looking like the MVP frontrunner.

Check out our latest NFL defense rankings and how they impact fantasy QBs

This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.