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Who is the best quarterback in the NFL? Who is the worst quarterback in the NFL? You’ll soon find the answers to both of these questions in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings.
Fans are always debating player rankings, and when it comes to the NFL, there is no position that is more hotly debated than QB. This is why we continue to maintain our annual quarterback rankings all year round.
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 2023 NFL QB rankings capture how all 32 starting quarterbacks perform every week. Updated weekly throughout the season, who are the best NFL quarterbacks right now? Here are our top 32 NFL QB rankings. Come back and see how they change after each game.
NFL QB Rankings countdown from 32-1
32. Zach Wilson, New York Jets (Last week: 31)
| TD:INT | Passing yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Zach Wilson stats | 4/5 | 911 (6.1 YPA) | 61% | 58.8 |
The Jets’ fairytale season is over. But not if Wilson can prove the world wrong. The former No. 2 overall pick gets another chance at leading the Jets earlier than anyone anticipated, but he still boasts the same traits that got him drafted so high to begin with. Now that he’s been getting all the first-team reps in practice, we should see the Jets’ passing attack slowly improve over time, and we finally saw just that when Wilson woke up against Kansas City. Then he channeled that momentum into a win, but it came against the NFL’s worst defense while Breece Hall carried the team behind a 177-yard day. Wilson was efficient (73.1 percent completion rate), but he’s lucky another late interception didn’t cost another win.
Why is Zach Wilson the NFL’s worst starting QB? Despite trending up as of late, Wilson has a better WR1 than most of his peers ranked in the bottom tier, but yeah, his offensive line has room for improvement. Still, he makes too many risky throws, isn’t completing enough passes, and hasn’t found consistency. That doesn’t mean the Jets should abandon ship any time soon on the 24-year-old.
31. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (LW: 30)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Bryce Young stats | 5/4 | 750 (5.2 YPA) | 63.8% | 48.4 |
In his second NFL start, making his first appearance on national television, Bryce Young struggled. He completed over 60 percent of his passes for the first time in his NFL career, but the 4.64 yards per attempt was one of the lowest single-game marks by an NFL quarterback this season. Inexperienced signal-callers are a product of their environment, and Young’s supporting cast and offensive line have not put him in a position to succeed.
Related: Top 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year candidates
30. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 29)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Kenny Pickett stats | 5/4 | 1,027 (6.5 YPA) | 59.7% | 57 |
This is why you shouldn’t buy into preseason hype. In exhibition games, Kenny Pickett looked like the franchise quarterback the Steelers propped him up as. On comes the regular season, and it’s the same player we saw early in his rookie year. In his first seven games last year, Pickett averaged 6.02 yards per attempt with a negative TD-INT ratio (3-8) and a 71.8 passer rating. It’s only been five games, but he looks like the same player. But maybe he’d have a fighting chance if the Steelers gave him a better offensive line.
29. Mac Jones, New England Patriots (LW: 17)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Mac Jones stats | 5/6 | 1,008 (6 YPA) | 62.5% | 58.3 |
The Patriots were betting that the Mac Jones we witnessed in 2022 was an imposter. The idea was that with the experienced Bill O’Brien coming on board, the third-year QB would settle back into his rookie form, which was good enough to reach the postseason. Even if they lack a true No. 1, his cast of receivers is improved, so if Mac is the real deal, we should see it this season. The Patriots aren’t asking him to do much, opting for a lot of screens, which should tell you all you need to know about how much they trust their former first-round QB. That paranoia hit the fan during the past two losses, with Jones being benched after throwing pick-sixes. The Patriots have plenty of room for improvement at QB.
28. Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts (Anthony Richardson ranked 27th)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Gardner Minshew stats | 2/0 | 553 (6.7 YPA) | 68.7% | 62.9 |
The Colts are off to a 3-2 start, and in an ideal world, Anthony Richardson would still be under center. But a concussion and a shoulder injury have allowed Minshew to remind fans of the sudden spark he can provide. He’s had a heavy hand in all three Colts wins, and now Richardson’s upcoming absence gives Minshew an extended chance to show why he deserves a shot at a starting role next season. He’s always had a low turnover rate and might even provide a boost to Coach Steichen’s passing offense too.
27. Joshua Dobbs, Arizona Cardinals (LW: 16)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Joshua Dobbs stats | 6/2 | 980 (6.3 YPA) 94 (1 TD rush) |
65.8% | 65.6 |
With Kyler Murray still not close to a return, the Cardinals went out and traded for Joshua Dobbs to hold down the fort until their franchise QB returns. Dobbs has a mild amount of athleticism, which helps him buy time, but don’t expect a high-powered attack from this Cardinals offense any time soon. The efficiency has been impressive for a new arrival, and no one expected Dobbs to defeat the Cowboys. Yet, the inexperience of a player with just seven career starts was evident in Week 5, where Dobbs completed just 46.8 percent of his passes while committing three turnovers and taking three sacks. Tough to win that way.
26. Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons (LW: 32)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Desmond Ridder stats | 4/3 | 1,073 (6.9 YPA) 57 (2 TD rush) |
65.3% | 52.1 |
Understandably, the Falcons weren’t serious about bringing in a different QB to overtake their third-round pick from 2022. Ridder had played in just four NFL games coming into the year, but his supporting cast is impressive. It’s just not a very deep group of talent. Ridder came into Week 5 with the highest rate of turnover-worthy plays yet the fourth-fewest pass attempts among starters. Then, he woke up, putting forth the best game of his life with his first 300-yard game in a fiery comeback win over Houston.
25. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (LW: 19)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Jordan Love stats | 8/6 | 1,083 (6.7 YPA) | 55.6% | 64.6 |
Love has had several plays that make one wonder if he’s an NFL QB. Despite learning behind one of the NFL’s greatest for three seasons, Love is showing just how much reps matter. While you can see some potential, such as when he makes effortless throws look routine, the former first-round pick has far more moments that should never be repeated. He’s far from the future at QB in Green Bay.
24. Sam Howell, Washington Commanders (LW: 24)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Sam Howell stats | 6/6 | 1,349 (7.1 YPA) 101 (1 TD rush) |
68.6% | 64.7 |
Sam Howell is doing his best to show why he deserves to be the Commanders’ starting QB, flashing his dual-threat capability while thriving with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, who are a much better 1-2 punch than most teams have. Howell held his own in Week 1, but it was also against one of the worst teams in football. Then he sparked a comeback from down 18 points against Denver in a nearly flawless performance. But then came a four-INT effort in Week 3, showing why the Commanders shouldn’t be sold on their former fifth-round pick just yet. Especially considering Howell’s on pace to be sacked more than any other QB in NFL history, averaging 5.8 per game.
23. Daniel Jones, New York Giants (LW: 28)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Daniel Jones stats | 2/6 | 884 (5.9 YPA) 197 (1 TD rush) |
68.8% | 65.6 |
In his second year running Brian Daboll’s offense and his fifth season in the NFL, Daniel Jones still can’t get into a rhythm. Playing behind what’s been the worst offensive line in football hasn’t helped, and neither has a lack of weapons, but at some point, Danny Dimes needs to prove he can be an elevator on a consistent basis. He’s already thrown more interceptions in five games than he did all of last season, and his 28 sacks taken put him on pace to set a new record, but not a good one.
22. Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 22)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Jimmy Garoppolo stats | 6/7 | 917 (7.3 YPA) | 68.8% | 64.4 |
Garoppolo had won 70% of his starts across his nine-year career coming into 2023. While wins aren’t a fair way to measure a QB’s ability, in Jimmy G’s case, it may mean something, as he’s always been a careful player who avoids turnovers. But not this season, where he currently leads the NFL in interceptions. We haven’t seen Garoppolo at his best just yet, in fact, we’re suddenly seeing a turnover-prone QB who is making bone-headed mistakes. This isn’t what the Raiders had in mind.
21. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (LW: 21)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Ryan Tannehill stats | 2/5 | 1,052 (7.4 YPA) | 63.3% | 76.4 |
The selection of Will Levis indicates the Titans are planning for the future, but Tannehill is a capable starter. The issue is he won’t be able to elevate a team anymore at this stage of his career. As long as Tannehill plays within himself and reduces his turnovers, he should keep the Titans in the playoff mix, but consistency is key for a player who often has an efficient afternoon but disappears the next week.
20. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (LW: 19)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Deshaun Watson stats | 4/2 | 678 (6.6 YPA) 83 (1 TD rush) |
63.8% | 68.7 |
Not having Nick Chubb as the focal point has seemingly unleashed Watson to play freely. Suddenly we saw a QB ready to cut it loose again, and somehow it led to his best completion rate yet as a member of the Browns. If this is the new Watson, the Browns might have a keeper after all, but now he needs to return to health after missing Week 4’s loss.
19. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (LW: 23)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Derek Carr stats | 4/2 | 946 (6.3 YPA) | 65.3% | 64.3 |
Carr likely wasn’t at full strength in Week 4’s loss to the Bucs, which could have led to the conservative approach. Still, 3.4 yards per attempt? That’s… not NFL material. Once he returns to health, Carr should level out and return to the good but not great QB he’s proven to be. That’s more of what we saw against New England when Carr drove the Saints to 34 points in his second-best game with his new team.
18. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears (LW: 21)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Justin Fields stats | 11/5 | 1,143 (7.5 YPA) 191 (1 TD rush) |
61.8% | 74.4 |
Once the Bears started empowering their young second-year QB by allowing him to use his mobility to his advantage, Fields flourished a season ago. With the adjustment, Fields quickly broke an NFL record for the most rushing yards by a QB in a single game, and he’s just the third quarterback ever to post a 1,000-yard rushing season. But the Bears haven’t asked him to run as much this year. It makes no sense not to take advantage of possibly the best rushing QB in football’s skillset, but this is why the Bears are 1-4. Now Fields is finally back to showing promise, throwing multiple dots to D.J. Moore in a convincing TNF win. While the Bears haven’t always provided much to work with, he’s suddenly looking like the future in Chicago again.
17. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (LW: 17)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Dak Prescott stats | 5/4 | 1,061 (6.6 YPA) | 69.3% | 68.4 |
Mike McCarthy is tasked with maximizing Dak Prescott’s potential as the new play-caller in Dallas, a season after the Cowboys QB tied for an NFL-worst 15 interceptions. Despite having the NFL’s best interception rate heading into Week 5, Prescott returned to making mistakes with just the third three-interception game of his career against San Francisco, putting the game entirely out of reach.
16. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos (LW: 12)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Russell Wilson stats | 12/4 | 1,305 (7.1 YPA) | 65.9% | 72 |
Despite hiring Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton, Wilson’s second year isn’t off to a better start, with the Broncos still battling inconsistency without putting together a full four quarters. However, it was nice to see Russ cook downfield with two 50-plus-yard bombs to Marvin Mims in Week 2. More of that, and Wilson can become one of the NFL’s elite QBs again, but it looks like he’ll need to start scoring more touchdowns if the Denver defense wants to allow 70 points. For all the criticism the Broncos receive, this isn’t all on Russ. He’s been significantly better than last season when he completed just over 60 percent of his passes, but he’s not without fault either, which includes a pitiful 95-yard day against Kansas City.
15. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 27)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Joe Burrow stats | 5/3 | 1,045 (5.3 YPA) | 62.4% | 67.9 |
It’s nice to see Burrow show up this season, helping the Bengals move to 2-3 in what was by far his best game of the year with a 317-yard, three-TD day. If he can prove his calf injury issues are behind him, Burrow will quickly return to being a top-five QB, but digging an early hole has hurt.
14. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (LW: 15)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Geno Smith stats | 5/1 | 846 (6.9 YPA) | 68.3% | 77.4 |
Who is the most accurate QB in the NFL 2023? Last year, it was Geno Smith in one of the biggest surprises of the season. Now Smith’s back operating the Seahawks offense with efficiency. Not only does Smith complete passes at a high rate, but his pocket awareness and ability to evade defenders while stepping up to make accurate throws is what helps him maintain his status as an above-average QB who often shows flashes of becoming a consistent Pro Bowler.
13. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (LW: 10)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| C.J. Stroud stats | 7/0 | 1,461 (7.9 YPA) | 61.2% | 75.3 |
The Texans are going all in on getting C.J. Stroud as much experience as he can handle, allowing him to attempt 47 passes in Week 2’s loss. It led to an impressive 384-yard day, but he also took six sacks, showing he’s still taking a bit too long to process information. Boasting the second-most passing yards in NFL history through his first four starts, the Texans can’t be discouraged by what they’ve seen so far, especially after inspiring wins over Jacksonville and Pittsburgh. He’s one of two QBs without an interception this season, showing off the trademark accuracy he’s become known for. Now he’s even made history for having the most consecutive pass attempts without a pick.
12. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 9)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Baker Mayfield stats | 7/2 | 882 (7.1 YPA) | 69.6% | 76.7 |
The No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma just one year before Murray was selected in Arizona, Mayfield has had an unusual NFL career. He was good as a rookie in Cleveland and great in his third season with the Browns but had yet to replicate his success since. Now Mayfield has another chance, and it comes with some of the best receivers he’s ever played with. Mayfield’s bringing attitude to Tampa Bay, leading to renewed optimism for a Buccaneers team that desperately needed an offensive identity without Tom Brady. Mayfield’s playing arguably the best ball of his career, with new highs in completion rate while taking the fewest sacks of his NFL life.
11. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (LW: 14)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Matthew Stafford stats | 5/5 | 1,451 (7.1 YPA) | 61% | 80.5 |
Stafford’s elbow must be feeling better, as he’s back to having the most passing attempts in the NFL, averaging 40.6 throws per game. A rough start without Cooper Kupp by his side would have been understandable, but Stafford is making it look like it doesn’t matter who the Rams start at receiver in Coach McVay’s offense. Still one of the strongest arms in the NFL, even at 36 years old, the Rams feel like a team that can hang with anyone when Stafford’s on fire.
Who are the top 10 NFL quarterbacks?
10. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings (LW: 7)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Kirk Cousins stats | 13/4 | 1,498 (7.3 YPA) | 67.1% | 77.1 |
When he’s not facing pressure, Cousins is one of the most accurate QBs in the NFL. His connection with Justin Jefferson is as potent as any QB-WR duo today, and the arrival of Jordan Addison to go with T.J. Hockenson gives the Vikings more weapons than most. While he still doesn’t get the respect, Cousins is a big reason why the Vikings have a top-ten passing attack. He’s not the cause of the Vikings’ problems in 2023, but he’s had a contributing role, like being late with his read during last Sunday’s 99-yard pick-six. It didn’t cost his team a win this time, but it’s a classic example of what holds Cousins back. Going toe-to-toe with Mahomes expectingly didn’t result in a win, but the Vikings QB gave his team a chance to win, and that’s all you can ask against the Chiefs. But now he’ll have to see if he can continue being one of the most productive QBs in the NFL without the game’s best receiver due to injury.
9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 13)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Jalen Hurts stats | 6/4 | 1,262 (7.5 YPA) 206 (4 TD rush) |
67.2% | 76.8 |
Hurts went from a quarterback who needed to prove he could hold down the gig to establishing himself as an MVP candidate in his second full season as a starter. The Eagles struck gold with the 2020 second-round pick, but no one ever expected Hurts to be a top-ranked QB in the NFL. Hurts is back to performing as one of the best QBs in football this season, averaging 344.3 yards over his last three matchups, leading the Eagles to a 5-0 record.
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (LW: 8)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Jared Goff stats | 9/3 | 1,265 (8 YPA) | 69.8% | 90.6 |
Goff has had a career like no other. The former No. 1 overall pick reached the Super Bowl in just his third season. Then his value tanked to the point where his team had to pay the Lions just to take his contract. Now Goff’s returned to fame by helping restore the roar for the Lions. He’s still a QB who can do enough to get you to the playoffs, but don’t expect much more. Goff can make all the throws, yet there are still too many lapses where he misses the read or makes inexplicable decisions. However, he’s still an above-average QB and is playing some of the best ball of his career.
7. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (LW: 6)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Brock Purdy stats | 9/0 | 1,271 (9.3 YPA) | 72% | 78.4 |
It’s time to buy in on Brock Purdy. His draft pedigree, or the fact that he has the unique distinction of being Mr. Irrelevant, has no bearing on his ability to play QB. Purdy is wise beyond his years, taking great care of the ball, and continues to give his best playmakers chances to pick up YAC with accurate throws. His incredible efficiency (95.2 percent completion rate) in Week 4’s win over Arizona exemplifies why the 49ers are so tough to beat — because they don’t shoot themselves in the foot with Purdy at QB. He’s yet to lose a regular season game as a starter, and is one of two QBs without an interception this season.
6. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 12)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Trevor Lawrence stats | 5/2 | 1,258 (7 YPA) 132 (0 TD rush) |
67.2% | 85.6 |
Trevor Lawrence is on the brink of becoming great, and if he can become more consistent, he might earn that elite label for good. Having a strong connection with Calvin Ridley should help, but the Jaguars need better protection to make life easier on the former No. 1 pick. Lawrence faced a heavy amount of pressure in London against Buffalo, leading to three fumbles (two lost) and five sacks. When he did have time to throw, Lawrence struck gold, connecting on five passes of 20 or more yards, including the picture-perfect 32-yard strike to Ridley to help seal the win.
Who are the top five quarterbacks in the NFL right now?
5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (LW: 4)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Lamar Jackson stats | 4/2 | 1,030 (7.2 YPA) 265 (4 TD rush) |
69.9% | 89.3 |
One of the most dangerous running QBs in football, Jackson has been able to spread the ball around to more playmakers and even broke out for his 13th game with 100 or more rushing yards, albeit in a losing effort against Indianapolis. Jackson’s been good but not MVP-level great so far. Two turnovers in Pittsburgh cost the Ravens a win, but he also fell victim to several dropped passes from his receivers. Even if the raw stats don’t show it, Jackson’s been one of the most accurate QBs in the NFL this season.
4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 3)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Justin Herbert stats | 7/1 | 1,106 (7.6 YPA) | 71% | 76.3 |
Few players are as gifted as Justin Herbert, who has one of the strongest arms in football. But he also has great instincts, knowing when to adjust his release point or move around the pocket to make a throw on the run. He’s one of the best QBs in football, and watching him operate is a true treat. Herbert finally threw his first pick of the season in Week 4, but that hasn’t hurt his stock.
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (LW: 2)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Josh Allen stats | 11/5 | 1,407 (8 YPA) 120 (3 TD rush) |
73.1% | 89 |
Just like last season, Allen initially slipped in our NFL QB rankings thanks to a string of boneheaded mistakes. At his best, there may not be a better-combined runner/passer in football. While his decision-making could improve, the Buffalo QB has an elite skill set. With just as many incompletions as touchdown tosses (four) against Miami, Allen showed why he’s one of the best NFL quarterbacks today. But then he initially stumbled in London, where the Bills either punted or committed a turnover on 8-of-11 drives. Yet, Allen was surgical on the other three touchdown drives, making tight window throws on the run while putting the team on his back to maintain his status as a top-five QB.
2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 2)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Patrick Mahomes stats | 11/5 | 1,593 (7.1 YPA) | 68.3% | 85.5 |
Who is the No. 1 quarterback in the NFL? Usually the answer is Patrick Mahomes, but his cast of receivers has let him down this season. Winning his second MVP and second Super Bowl trophy, there’s no question Mahomes belongs near the top of all NFL QB rankings, but let’s be honest, he’s had his fair share of erratic decisions too. A matchup against the worst defense should have presented Mahomes with a chance at a huge day, and he did post his highest passing yards of the season, but there were missed opportunities in Denver.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (LW: 1)
| TD:INT | Pass yards | Comp rate | PFF grade | |
| Tua Tagovailoa stats | 11/5 | 1,614 (9.7 YPA) | 71.6% | 84 |
Leading a Mike McDaniel offense that features two 1,000-yard receivers, Tagovailoa will have no trouble staying a top-ranked NFL QB as long as he can stay healthy. Delivering with elite accuracy while being the most explosive offense in football, no QB has been better than Tagovailoa through five weeks. A rare two-interception day in Week boosted his turnover total, but he’s still been one of the most accurate passers in the league.
Who leads the NFL in QB rating?
At 123.1, Brock Purdy leads the NFL in passer rating through Week 5 of the NFL season.
Who led the NFL in QB rating in 2022?
The 2022 NFL season’s QB rating leader was Tua Tagovailoa at 105.5. Here were the rest of the top-ten players in passer rating last season.
- Tua Tagovailoa: 105.5
- Patrick Mahomes: 105.2
- Jimmy Garoppolo: 103
- Jalen Hurts: 101.5
- Geno Smith: 100.9