NFL QB Rankings: Trevor Lawrence climbs into top 10, Carson Wentz slides

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.

Deshaun Watson‘s 11-game suspension prompted us to remove him from this list, where he had been ranked ninth. The same goes for Dak Prescott‘s injury. Let’s give a couple other QBs a chance for a few weeks until they can take the field again.

Updated weekly throughout the season, here are our top-20 NFL QB rankings after Baker Mayfield and Matt Ryan fell off the map.

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NFL QB Rankings countdown from 20-1

20. Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders (Last week: 15)

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. It hasn’t gone well through three games. Like usual, Wentz has shown he can be a playmaker, but he’s also displayed why he’s been shown the door twice since becoming the No. 2 overall pick in 2016, most recently getting sacked nine times in a 24-8 blowout. The Commanders didn’t trade for him to keep losing, so he’ll have to outduel Cooper Rush and the Cowboys in Week 4.

19. Mac Jones, New England Patriots (LW: 16)

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. But showing growth in his second season isn’t a given. With zero WR1 options on the roster and questionable play-calling, Jones will have his work cut out for him. So far, Jones has done just enough to cling to being in the bottom half of these NFL QB ranks, but an ankle injury could force him out of the lineup for a few weeks.

18. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers (LW: 18)

A Trey Lance injury isn’t the way anyone wanted to see Jimmy G re-enter the starting lineup, but football is truly unpredictable. Despite having just one start this season, Garoppolo is certainly among the top half of current NFL quarterbacks. He’s proven to be a smooth operator who has a knack for leading his teams to victory. Now he gets to pick up right where he left off, with George Kittle and Deebo Samuel making Garoppolo look like a wizard in the Bay Area. Garoppolo has the Rams up next, who he’s beaten in five of their past six matchups, with a three-point NFC Championship loss being the most recent.

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17. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (LW: 20)

In a perfect world, the Tennessee Titans would have tried to move on from Ryan Tannehill in search of an upgrade this offseason. Hefty salary cap penalties prevented such a move, but he’s not in the top half of NFL starting quarterbacks, which means the 34-year-old QB may not have enough to carry the King Henry-led squad to the promised land. We’ve seen plenty signs of those struggles through three weeks. Maybe the three-INT playoff game got him rattled, but Tannehill hasn’t been able to recover since. He’s officially on the hot seat, and at 1-2, if the Titans continue to dig themselves into a hole vs the Colts, it may not be long until Malik Willis gets a chance.

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

16. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos (LW: 10)

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. The Broncos are banking on that with their blockbuster trade for the SB XLVIII winner. Yet, Denver’s offense has struggled under Nathaniel Hackett, and there’s reason to be concerned long-term. Through three games, Wilson hasn’t looked the part or come close to living up to outside expectations, and now he takes on a winless Raiders squad that’s starving for their first win. But their pass defense has also allowed the sixth-most passing yards through Week 3. By all appearances, Wilson should be in for a bounceback game.

15. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (LW: 17)

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. Unfortunately, Jameson Williams is still sidelined. And Goff still makes stupid mistakes, unlike Tom Brady, this QB is human. Even a top receiver won’t help Goff continues to consistently have mental lapses. While Goff’s back to completing just under 60% of his passes, he’s also helping lead a more explosive Lions offense that’s currently in second place in scoring in the NFL through three games. We’re in for another rollercoaster season, but this one should have more bright spots.

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14. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 12)

We’re eager to see how Derek Carr adapts to the Josh McDaniels system over time. Now that Davante Adams has landed in Vegas, Carr could have his best season yet, which is no small feat, but he’ll have to overcome an 0-3 start. Carr’s connection with Davante Adams hasn’t been as smooth as many expected (50% catch rate), and the QB has the fourth-highest rate of turnover-worthy throws at 5.7%. An upcoming matchup against the Broncos is a must-win.

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

13. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings (LW: 14)

Opinions on Kirk Cousins are all over the place. While he’s on pace for 17 interceptions, he’s never had a season where he’s thrown more than 13. He’s not armed with a cannon like Mahomes or Allen, but he also doesn’t typically hurt you on gameday. When given a strong supporting cast, Cousins can thrive. We’ve seen the same version of Cousins in 2022, one good game followed by a dumpster dive, with another good one sandwiched after. A ‘primetime’ matchup in London against a lockdown Saints passing D allowing just 183 passing yards per game could send this rollercoaster freefalling again.

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

12. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (LW: 11)

Everyone piled on Kyler Murray this offseason. It’s not exactly justified. He’s steadily improved as he gains experience, and when his playmakers aren’t on the field as we saw in 2021, more falls on Murray’s shoulders. Yet, that may also be a problem.

In Week 1, without DeAndre Hopkins due to suspension, Murray looked like he was nowhere close to being able to go round-for-round with Patrick Mahomes. Few can, but now in his fourth season, it shouldn’t matter so much who his receivers are. He’s supposed to elevate the entire team. Well, that’s exactly what happened in Week 2. Murray put his team on his back, carrying them to overtime. He’s a dynamic player, but his consistency is still a concern, which was on full display against the Rams, where he failed to find the end zone.

11. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (LW: 9)

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. For now, Stafford has held on through a few rough performances leading the NFL in interceptions, but he’s never been picturesque. The Rams are 2-1, and his elbow still appears fine. All is well in L.A.

NFL QB Rankings Top 10

10. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 7)

After a surprising Super Bowl appearance, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have a long way to go to get back to the same stage this season. Still facing an overwhelming amount of pressure thanks to a shoddy offensive line, Burrow has forced too many bad decisions early on, but he’ll settle in throughout the year. The third-year pro can have his best performance thus far in Week 4, taking on a Miami defense that’s allowed 297 passing yards per game through three weeks.

9. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 4)

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. The seven-time Super Bowl champ is off to a rough start, but 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.

Brady has been under fire through two games against teams with a haunting pass rush. Questions about his offensive line will linger all season long. For now, Brady has navigated the murky waters just fine. Next up is a Sunday Night Football event, going toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in Week 4.

8. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 19)

Two years after the Jaguars selected Lawrence No. 1 overall, a prospect who was hyped to be a generational QB held in the same regard as Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning, no one would have guessed it would take so long to start showing his potential. But here we are, and the Tank for Trevor process is finally bearing fruit. Placed in an offense that actually has some playmakers outside and in the backfield, along with a coach who knows what he’s doing, and boom, Lawrence looks like an NFL QB who has the chance to become special. Kirk Cousins, an 11-year-pro, looked like a rookie against the Philly secondary, how can a second-year-pro like Lawrence do?

Check out our latest fantasy football rankings

7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 3)

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. 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. Had it not been for a missed communication between Herbert and Gerald Everett, who requested to be removed from the game due to fatigue, the Chargers could be 2-1.

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6. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (LW: 6)

Looking to win back-to-back-to-back MVPs, Aaron Rodgers will return to top form in 2022. Yet, like last season, it will have to come after a slow start. Rodgers may need time to get on the same page as his new-look receiver room, but we fully expect him to be in the MVP conversation by season’s end. While the Patriots may no longer have TB12, Bill Belichick’s cutoff hoodie still roams the sideline, and AR12 has averaged just 220 passing yards in three career games against the coaching GOAT, so we’ll see what happens this week.

5. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (LW: 8)

Playing in a high-powered offense that features two 1,000-yard receivers and another in Mike Gesicki who’s not far behind, Tua Tagovailoa should have no trouble staying a top-ranked NFL QB this season. Obviously, that’s up to Tagovailoa, but three very impressive games thus far have people discussing him as an MVP candidate. Let’s not put a ceiling on this kid yet. His next test comes against the Bengals, who he hung 296 yards and a touchdown on as a rookie.

WATCH: Tua Tagovailoa leads one of the best comebacks in NFL history, throws six touchdowns

4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 9)

Everyone was watching Jalen Hurts to see if he could help the Eagles’ offense fly in 2022. 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. The biggest question had been his arm but Hurts clearly heard these knocks, drastically improving over the offseason. He’s the only player to have ever recorded 900+ passing yards and 150+ rushing yards in the first three games of a season and leads the NFL in yards per attempt, showing why defenses need to respect his passing ability too.

3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 3)

Anyone who’s ever witnessed Patrick 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 a variety of arm angles on the run, whether he’s looking at his receiver or not. He’s not missing Tyreek Hill, and teams have tried to pressure the 4x Pro Bowl QB, but it hasn’t worked.

Mahomes faced a career-high blitz rate in Week 1 (54%) but still threw four touchdowns when blitzed. He’s also been great outside the pocket. Defensive coordinators don’t know how to limit the 26-year-old gunslinger. We’ll see what Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay defense have in store this week.

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

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (LW: 4)

While Lamar Jackson largely had a down season impacted by injuries a year ago, 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. He’s been impressive, both while throwing and, of course, while running. Jackson’s 12 100+ yard rushing games are a new NFL record, and he’s only going to keep putting that record further out of reach for the next ten years. The player who some said wasn’t a quarterback leads the NFL in QB rating and passing touchdowns through three weeks. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (LW: 1)

The Bills are a great team, but Josh Allen is the reason why they’re such a popular Super Bowl pick. Most QBs either have arm strength, accuracy, or mobility. Allen has all three. He wasn’t always this good, but adding Stefon Diggs has seemingly helped Allen go from an inaccurate cannon to being able to sink your battleship with a single strike. He ranks 11th in the NFL in average time to throw (2.7 seconds), and getting the ball out quicker than he has in the past (eighth-slowest in 2021) makes Allen even more lethal both in short-areas and deep downfield.

Next, Allen faces a Ravens defense allowing more passing yards than any other opponent, meaning it will be tough to dethrone his No. 1 spot in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings.

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