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. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (Last week: Unranked)
- Trevor Lawrence stats (2022): 68.1%, 510 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
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. But we’re a long way away from cracking the top ten.
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19. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers (LW: Unranked)
- Jimmy Garoppolo stats (2022): 61.9%, 154 passing yards, 1 TD
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 played parts of one game, Garoppolo is an easy choice to add to any top NFL quarterback ranking list. 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.
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18. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (LW: 20)
- Jared Goff stats (2022): 57.7%, 471 passing yards, 6 TD, 1 INT
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 some stupid mistakes. Even a top receiver won’t help him if that continues. 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 tied for the most point in the NFL through two games. We’re in for another rollercoaster season.
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17. Mac Jones, New England Patriots (LW: 18)
- Mac Jones stats (2022): 64.6%, 465 passing yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
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. He’s such an unknown. The Patriots have never given him much to work with, but he’s always managed to help them stay afloat, which is better than we can say for several others, such as Daniel Jones.
16. Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders (LW: 16)
- Carson Wentz stats (2022): 65.5%, 650 passing yards, 7 TD, 3 INT
- 35 rushing yards
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 two games. Like usual, Wentz has shown he can be a playmaker, but he’s also given us a glimpse of why he’s been shown the door twice since becoming the No. 2 overall pick in 2016. The Commanders didn’t trade for him so they could narrowly lose games, so he’ll have to dig deep for a win against Philly in Week 3.
15. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (LW: 16)
- Ryan Tannehill stats (2022): 60.6%, 266 passing yards, 2 TD
- 7 rushing yards
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. We saw signs of those struggles in Week 1, losing to the Giants after putting up just 20 points. It may take time for Tannehill to get in sync with his new receivers, but if the Titans dig themselves into a hole vs the Bills, Raiders, and 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.
14. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 15)
- Jalen Hurts stats (2022): 56.3%, 243 passing yards
- 90 rushing yards, 1 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. The biggest question is his arm, and Hurts didn’t do much to quell those concerns in Week 1. Still, he leads one of the most potent offenses in football thanks to being able to operate a dominant ground game. Does that make him a top quarterback? Not from a pure passing perspective, but the NFL is all about wins, so he deserves some respect.
13. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 12)
- Derek Carr stats (2022): 61.8%, 547 passing yards, 4 TD, 3 INT
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. Can Carr drive the new-look Raiders back to the playoffs in a loaded AFC West? His first test against the Chargers didn’t go well, with Carr making multiple mistakes. This is expected when learning a new offense. While Carr didn’t turn the ball over at all in Week 2, he’s still not on the same page with his targets. He has to do better this week against the Titans to avoid an 0-3 start.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Raiders, check out #RaiderNation rumors, rankings, and news here.
12. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (LW: 11)
- Kyler Murray stats (2022): 63.9%, 470 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
- 57 rushing yards, 1 TD
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.
11. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (LW: 9)
- Matthew Stafford stats (2022): 72.7%, 512 passing yards, 4 TD, 5 INT
- 2 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. The Rams squeaking past the Falcons shouldn’t have anyone feeling good about this team. Once again, Stafford leads the NFL in interceptions, and he’s not connecting on any plays downfield. Both are big red flags.
NFL QB Rankings Top 10
10. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos (LW: 7)
- Russell Wilson stats (2022): 58.9%, 559 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- 5 rushing yards
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 two games, Wilson hasn’t looked the part or come close to living up to outside expectations, and now he takes on one of the best defenses in football with the 49ers paying a visit to Empower Field at Mile High.
9. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings (LW: 13)
- Kirk Cousins stats (2022): 71.9%, 277 passing yards, 2 TD
Opinions on Kirk Cousins are all over the place, but he’s never had a season where he’s thrown more than 13 interceptions. He’s not armed with a cannon like Mahomes or Allen, but he also doesn’t hurt you on gameday. Simply put, when given a strong supporting cast, Cousins can thrive. Usually, when learning a whole new offense, there are some hiccups. Not for Captain Kirk, as he’s used to it. That’s exactly what we saw in Week 1, where he routinely found Justin Jefferson running free. Yet, that’s just one game. Can he do it again against the Eagles on Monday night? With an 8-17 record in primetime, history suggests he can’t.
Related: Overpaid or underrated: 2022 outlook for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins
8. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (LW: 17)
- Tua Tagovailoa stats (2022): 71.1%, 739 passing yards, 7 TD, 2 INT
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 and likely climbing up these NFL QB rankings this season. Obviously, that’s up to Tagovailoa, but the Week 1 showing against a Bill Belichick defense was impressive enough to shush some naysayers. Does that mean he’ll ever ascend to the levels of Mahomes now that he has Tyreek Hill? Of course not. Wait. Maybe he can. Six touchdowns in one game, with four in the final frame? Let’s not put a ceiling on this kid yet. His next test comes against the Bills, a team he’s struggled greatly against, with a 56.4% completion rate and four picks to just one touchdown toss.
WATCH: Tua Tagovailoa leads one of the best comebacks in NFL history, throws six touchdowns
7. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 5)
- Joe Burrow stats (2022): 64%, 537 passing yards, 3 TD, 4 INT, 13 sacks
- 73 rushing yards
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. However, that honeymoon period is over. The Bengals are looking more like the Bungles after an 0-2 start that has left Burrow battered behind what’s seemingly an even worse protection scheme. A chance to get right against the Jets is just what this team needs.
6. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 4)
- Tom Brady stats (2022): 59%, 402 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- -3 rushing yards
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. While the seven-time Super Bowl champ is off to a rough start, 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, but he also has a career-low completion rate thus far. This week we get a battle of MVPs as Brady takes on Rodgers, but TB12 might not have his top target.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (LW: 6)
- Aaron Rodgers stats (2022): 69.5%, 429 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- 9 rushing yards
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. Seeing how he handles a much better Buccaneers defense could be telling compared to his first two opponents. Rodgers has thrown an uncanny three interceptions to the Bucs in his last two matchups.
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (LW: 8)
- Lamar Jackson stats (2022): 64.4%, 531 passing yards, 6 TD, 1 INT
- 136 rushing yards, 1 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. Just when we thought Jackson was set to turn in yet another fantastic game-winning performance, Tua Tagovailoa shows up out of nowhere. Still, the Ravens QB was incredible against the blitz, completing 13-of-16 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns for a perfect passer rating. He’s been impressive, both while throwing and, of course, while running. His 11 100+ yard rushing games are a new NFL record.
3. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 3)
- Justin Herbert stats (2022): 72%, 613 passing yards, 6 TD, 1 INT
- 2 rushing yards
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. It’s not hard to see why when he toughs it out through a gutsy performance where he suffered fractured rib cartilage in Week 2. 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 2-0. A battle against Jacksonville can get Herbert back on track.
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2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 3)
- Patrick Mahomes stats (2022): 73%, 595 passing yards, 7 TD
- 4 rushing yards
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.
Mahomes has squashed the idea that he’d miss Tyreek Hill, leading the Chiefs to an average of 35.5 points scored through two games. 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. Now he’s up to six touchdowns against the blitz. He’s also been great outside the pocket (92.3% completion rate, 121 yards, 3 TDs on 13 attempts). Defensive coordinators don’t know how to limit the 26-year-old gunslinger. We’ll see what Gus Bradley’s Colts defensive unit can cook up in Week 3.
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1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (LW: 1)
- Josh Allen stats (2022): 83.9% 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. There’s no reason to hold him out of your lineup against the Titans on Monday night.
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.
