The 2022 NFL season is finally here. Despite the regular season only now beginning, the debates never end. Who’s the best quarterback in the NFL? Who’s the worst? We can’t answer that second one, but we have prepared a fresh batch of NFL QB rankings where we rank the top-20 quarterbacks in the league today.
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There weren’t any rookie quarterbacks who cracked our top 20 a season ago, and it’s unlikely Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, or anyone else sneaks in this year either. Instead, we’re wondering if Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, or Mac Jones make their way into the top 20. One already has.
It remains to be seen if another will join him. Of course, there are a few dual threats, such as Justin Fields or Trey Lance, who could also take the league by storm, but the Chicago Bears haven’t given their QB much to work with.
In recent times we’ve seen players like Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson blow past all expectations. Who will be the superstar signal-caller who emerges during the 2022-23 season? There are several candidates, some of which you’ll find featured below.
Deshaun Watson‘s 11-game suspension has prompted us to remove him from this list, where he had been ranked ninth. Let’s give another QB a chance for a few weeks until Watson can take the field again in Week 13.
Updated weekly throughout the football year, here are our top-20 NFL QB rankings.
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NFL QB Rankings countdown from 20-1
20. Mac Jones, New England Patriots
- Mac Jones stats in 2021: 3,801 passing yards, 22 TD, 13 INT
- 129 rushing yards
The best rookie quarterback from 2021 wasn’t the first, second, or even third one selected. Instead, it was Mac Jones who slipped under the radar, then proceeded to be the QB who brought the Patriots back to the playoffs.
Now he’ll look to continue what was a highly efficient campaign while finding a way to be more aggressive without throwing more interceptions. His new offensive coordinator/QB coach will have a major role in his development over the next few seasons, which could be disastrous considering Matt Patricia and Joe Judge are expected to take over. Just how high does Mac’s ceiling go? Based on the preseason, Jones looks poised to fail to live up to his first-year performance, he’ll have to prove us wrong before climbing up in the pocket of these rankings.
19. Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders
- Carson Wentz stats in 2021: 3,563 passing yards, 27 TD, 7 INT
- 215 rushing yards, 1 TD
Now on his third team in as many seasons, Carson Wentz finds himself with a stronger core of pass-catchers than he had in his lone season with the Colts. Yet, it might also be his last chance to prove he can be an above-average starter. Playing in the NFC East again, where he gets to face off against the Eagles twice per year, Wentz will be at his best in 2022, and if he can start all 17 games again, he just might be.
18. Baker Mayfield, Carolina Panthers
- Baker Mayfield stats (2021): 3,010 passing yards, 17 TD, 13 INT, 60.5% completion rate, 83.1 QB rating, 7.2 YPA, 6-8 record
Baker Mayfield gets the fresh start he wanted. He struggled playing through a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder last season, impacting his effectiveness and accuracy. Between the durability woes, issues in pressure situations and some maturity problems, the Cleveland Browns were ready to move on.
The Carolina Panthers take advantage. Mayfield isn’t a great quarterback, but he is one of the 20 best starting quarterbacks in the NFL. He boasted a 74.8% On-Target rate when healthy in 2020 and now joins an offense with Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Rashard Higgins. Now that Mayfeld has been named the Panthers’ starting QB, it will be interesting to see how he performs Week 1 against his former Browns team.
17. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Jared Goff stats in 2021: 3,245 passing yards, 19 TD, 8 INT
- 87 rushing yards
We’re expecting a bounceback year from Jared Goff in 2022. Not like ‘elite’ Goff, like we saw glimpses of with the Rams, but the former No. 1 overall pick should improve now that he’s equipped with a respectable group of receivers. Not only that, Goff has to be motivated by seeing his old team win a Super Bowl. Firmly entrenched as the starter as he enters his second year in Detroit, don’t be shocked if the Lions take a leap, led by Goff.
16. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
- Ryan Tannehill stats in 2021: 3,734 passing yards, 21 TD, 14 INT
- 270 rushing yards, 7 TD
In a perfect world, the Tennessee Titans would have at least tried to move on from Ryan Tannehill in search of an upgrade this offseason. Contractual ties prevented such a move, but he’s not in the top half of NFL starting quarterbacks, which means he may not have enough to carry the King Henry-led squad to the promised land. Maybe that’s why they were intrigued by Malik Willis.
With that said, Tannehill is above-average, and with a stronger, healthier supporting cast, the Titans can repeat as strong AFC contenders. There’s just no indication that Treylon Burks and Robert Woods are better than A.J. Brown and Julio Jones.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Titans, check out #Titans rumors, rankings, and news here.
15. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
- Jalen Hurts stats in 2021: 3,144 passing yards, 16 TD, 9 INT
- 784 rushing yards, 10 TD
Everyone in the NFL will be watching Jalen Hurts closely to see if he can help the Eagles soar to new heights. One of the best dual-threat QBs in the league, Hurts offers a high floor and an even higher ceiling as he continues to develop and build chemistry with his now deeply talented receiver corps. While he may not be the best from a passing standpoint, he might be able to approach 1,000 yards on the ground this year and rise even further in many NFL QB rankings aside from fantasy football.
14. Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts
- Matt Ryan stats in 2021: 3,968 passing yards, 20 TD, 12 INT, 67% completion rate
Matt Ryan didn’t find himself in a good situation with the Atlanta Falcons. Playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in football with a thin cast of weapons, he managed what production he could. Having just turned 37, Ryan doesn’t have the arm strength he used to have. However, he graded as PFF‘s second-highest passer on intermediate throws (10-19 yards) and posted the 10th-highest QB rating (110.0) on play action. Ryan will be the best Colts starting quarterback in years, serving as the ultimate game-manager who will do everything Frank Reich asks.
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13. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
- Kirk Cousins stats in 2021: 4,221 passing yards, 33 TD, 7 INT
- 115 rushing yards, 1 TD
Opinions on Kirk Cousins are all over the place, but if you ask his new head coach and general manager, they’re big fans of the QB. That’s all that matters going forward. Paired with one of the best wide receivers in football in Justin Jefferson, Cousins should be in for another 4200+ yard year, which he’s achieved in three of his four seasons in Minnesota. The only year he didn’t, the Vikings made the playoffs, but they’re expected to embrace the air attack under Kevin O’Connell. Armed with one of the best offensive skill position groups in football, Cousins could even find himself on the fringe of the MVP conversation if he starts out hot against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Related: Overpaid or underrated: 2022 outlook for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins
12. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
- Derek Carr stats in 2021: 4,804 passing yards, 23 TD, 14 INT
- 108 rushing yards
We’re eager to see how Derek Carr adapts to the Josh McDaniels system. Both are bright offensive minds, it should be a great fit. Now that Davante Adams has landed in Vegas, Carr could have his best season yet, which is no small feat. Can Carr drive the new-look Raiders back to the playoffs in a loaded AFC West? An inner-division battle is set for Week 1. Expect to see plenty of fireworks at SoFi Stadium.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Raiders, check out #RaiderNation rumors, rankings, and news here.
11. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
- Kyler Murray stats in 2021: 3,787 passing yards, 24 TD, 10 INT
- 423 rushing yards, 5 TD
Everyone wanted to pile on Kyler Murray this offseason, it’s not exactly justified. He’s steadily improving as he gains experience, and when his playmakers aren’t on the field as we saw in 2021, there’s more that falls on Murray’s shoulders. As one MVP once said, R-E-L-A-X when it comes to K1. He’s a franchise quarterback, and the Cardinals have paid him as such. The only reason he falls outside of the top-10 in our NFL QB rankings is due to the quality of passers currently in the league, but Murray has a good chance of climbing into the top ten, maybe even the top five.
NFL QB Rankings Top 10
10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (LW: 8)
- Matthew Stafford stats in 2021: 4,886 passing yards, 41 TD, 17 INT
- 43 rushing yards
After 12 seasons toiling in Detroit in which they never won a playoff game, Matthew Stafford teamed up with Sean McVay in L.A. and immediately won a Super Bowl. The presence of Cooper Kupp gives Stafford one elite option, but the absence of Odell Beckham Jr. might be more impactful than we thought. In Week 1, Stafford’s Rams didn’t have much of a downfield threat nor the time to connect, even if there was one. Allen Robinson’s disappearance, along with a shoddy offensive line, and Stafford’s surgically-repaired elbow are all cause for concern.
9. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos (LW: 10)
- Russell Wilson stats in 2021: 3,113 passing yards, 25 TD, 6 INT
- 183 rushing yards, 2 TD
We didn’t get to see Russell Wilson cook a year ago, but the nine-time Pro Bowl QB didn’t suddenly drop off after years of playing smart football. That’s what the Broncos are banking on with their blockbuster trade for the SB XLVIII winner. Finally in a new location where he’ll still have a loaded receiving corps, Russ should be back to his best self going forward, which places him just inside the top-10 among the NFL QB rankings with a chance to rise to the top five quickly.
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (LW: 9)
- Dak Prescott stats in 2021: 4,449 passing yards, 37 TD, 10 INT
- 146 rushing yards, 1 TD
After leading the top-scoring offense in football last season, no one should be wondering whether Dak Prescott is among the very best quarterbacks in the NFL today. The biggest question heading into Week 1 will be how the line holds up in Big D. Tyron Smith is sidelined indefinitely, which makes rookie Tyler Smith responsible for blocking Prescott’s blindside. The next step is getting past the Divisional Round in the playoffs for Prescott’s Cowboys, but first, they have to get there.
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7. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- Lamar Jackson stats in 2021: 2,882 passing yards, 16 TD, 13 INT
- 767 rushing yards, 2 TD
While Lamar Jackson largely had a down season impacted by injuries, there’s no one worried about his future success. Equally as much of a fantasy star as he is a dangerous game-breaker, expect Jackson to return to his 2019 MVP form, but when will he sign a contract extension? Either way, look for the Ravens’ offense to return to one of the best rushing attacks in football.
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
- Justin Herbert stats in 2021: 5,014 passing yards, 38 TD, 15 INT
- 302 rushing yards, 3 TD
Few quarterbacks have raised their stock as much as Justin Herbert has ever since he entered the NFL as the sixth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Now Herbert is widely regarded as one of the few young marquee names that many would select if they were starting an NFL franchise from scratch. For Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, the sky is the limit over the next few seasons. He’ll get a chance to start off on the right foot if he can take down the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. More important will be how they hold up in the trenches against Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby.
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5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
- Aaron Rodgers stats in 2021: 4,115 passing yards, 37 TD, 4 INT
- 101 rushing yards, 3 TD, -4 receiving yards
Some wondered (perhaps hoped is more appropriate) whether Aaron Rodgers would retire following his second consecutive MVP trophy, but these thoughts were always asinine. Looking to win back-to-back-to-back MVPs, Rodgers will return to top form in 2022.
After agreeing to a new contract that keeps him in Green Bay, there’s no doubt AR12 has several more elite seasons left in his future, but he will have to do so without his ace receiver. Thanks to his rock-solid consistency, Rodgers is still near the top of the NFL QB rankings.
4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Joe Burrow stats in 2021: 4,611 passing yards, 34 TD, 14 INT
- 118 rushing yards, 2 TD
No one anticipated Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals would reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years. It further exemplified just how much a premier quarterback can elevate the rest of his squad in a short amount of time. Few situations had had more eyeballs on them throughout this offseason. Building a better offensive line as they did while Burrow’s still on a rookie contract could go a long way toward getting a Lombardi trophy. We’ll see if they can handle T.J. Watt in Week 1.
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Patrick Mahomes stats in 2021: 4,839 passing yards, 37 TD, 13 INT
- 381 rushing yards, 2 TD
Anyone who’s ever witnessed Mahomes understands why he’s a perennial MVP candidate. He’s fun to watch because he plays backyard football, yet his cannon arm leads to Madden-like video game performances. Few players can release the ball accurately from numerous arm angles on the run, whether he’s looking at his receiver or not. Simply put, Mahomes is spectacular in all aspects of the game. Losing Tyreek Hill will be an adjustment, but not one he can’t overcome.
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2. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tom Brady stats in 2021: 5,316 passing yards, 43 TD, 6 INT
- 81 rushing yards, 2 TD
We can all thank the football gods for Tom Brady realizing he’s not quite ready to retire. There’s no reason for him to place his jersey in the rafters just yet. Brady’s coming off a season in which he led the NFL in attempts, completions, yards, and touchdown throws. There’s no doubt he’ll remain one of the very best in his age-45 year, which is why he lands back near the top of our NFL QB rankings.
How will Brady do in his first season in Tampa without Bruce Arians? Since the coach doesn’t throw footballs, Brady will be his same elite self. The only thing that could hold Brady back is his offensive line, which is starting two players along the interior who have never started a game in their NFL lives.
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (LW: 1)
- Josh Allen stats (2022): 83.3% comp pct, 297 passing yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
- 56 rushing yards, 1 TD
There’s a reason why the Buffalo Bills have annually become a top pick to reach the Super Bowl, his name is Josh Allen. The league has never seen a quarterback who’s as naturally gifted as Allen is. Not only can he uncork a 60-yard airstrike, Allen causes headaches for defenses thanks to a willingness to put his body on the line, stretching to pick up more than just the first down.
Because of his ability to do everything, from scrambling, to firing lasers, to being able to knock a dime off the top of a pylon, Allen ranks No. 1 in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings. Allen was simply surgical in his 2022 debut, displaying not only top-notch accuracy but also getting rid of the ball at the second-quickest rate of his magical career, with an average of 2.47 seconds per throw.
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.
