Through Week 6 of the 2025 NFL regular season, 41 quarterbacks have seen starting action from all 32 teams, including one QB starting for two teams.<\/p>\n
Although some of the usual elite passers (and runners) are pushing to be the best, there are some surprises among the stellar.\u00a0 Likewise, there are a few QBs struggling more than expected, with injuries to two stars also throwing off the grades.<\/p>\n
Here’s a ranking of every starting quarterback so far, from best to worst. With MVP becoming a QB-dominated award, also consider this the power rankings for the top NFL individual honor:<\/p>\n
MORE NFL WEEK 7:<\/p>\n
NFL quarterback power rankings 2025Grade: A<\/p>\n
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs<\/p>\n
Mahomes is back as a dangerous downfield distributor with his upgrade in weaponry starting to manifest in him firing the ball everywhere with confidence again. The richest is getting richer with Rashee Rice returning. When Mahomes hasn’t been slicing up defenses with his great impact and improv, he’s also become a more active and effective runner.<\/p>\n
2. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers<\/p>\n
Mayfield has become the ultra-efficient gunslinger and gamer, getting it done with arm and legs despite having skill position injuries affecting all of his front-line backs and receivers. He’s been both comeback captain and cocky closer, leading to a 5-1 start.<\/p>\n
3. Drake Maye, Patriots<\/p>\n
Maye is stealing the show from Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels as the best second-year QB. He’s been allowed to let loose with big downfield arm with new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, making good use of diverse weapons. He also can run well to get key yardage and is protecting himself and the ball well.<\/p>\n
MORE:\u00a0How Drake Maye’s hot start compares historically to Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes<\/a><\/p>\n 4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens<\/p>\n Before Jackson was hamstrung and needed to miss time, he was doing his absolute MVP best to carry Baltimore with offense again. He will return to carve up defenses downfield and also drive them batty with his decisive, explosive running. The Ravens<\/a>‘ offense without him vs. with him is night and day.<\/p>\n 5. Josh Allen, Bills<\/p>\n Allen has had a two-game slump, losing to the Patriots<\/a> and Falcons<\/a>. He might be trying to do too much again to show how valuable he is as the reigning MVP.\u00a0 Other than James Cook and Dalton Kincaid, there’s some question about how good his support is, but he’s still the same daunting dual threat.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Why Josh Allen can’t save the Bills from their most alarming weakness<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Sam Darnold, Seahawks<\/p>\n Go figure Darnold goes from saving his career with his Vikings<\/a> star turn to being better back with his former 49ers<\/a> assistant Klint Kubiak in Seattle. He’s also throwing well downfield with plenty of his new go-to receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The defense under Mike Macdonald is bringing it, but he’s the big reason the Seahawks<\/a> have taken a more pleasant offensive turn.<\/p>\n \u00a9 Robert Deutsch <\/p>\n 7. Dak Prescott, Cowboys<\/p>\n Prescott is responding well to Brian Schottenheimer’s more pass-friendly play-calling, even while missing go-to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. He’s locked into a new weapon George Pickens, throwing deep with Javonte Williams providing a better rushing outlet. His chemistry with tight end Jake Ferguson is uncanny. Dak is doing everything he can to win games and make up for the bad all-around defense.<\/p>\n 8. Matthew Stafford, Rams<\/p>\n Stafford has been smart to keep feeding Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as much as possible to resettle and rejuvenate himself as a pocket passer.\u00a0 Now he’ll need to hope Nacua won’t miss much time to keep up the familiar mojo for Sean McVay.<\/p>\n 9. Jared Goff, Lions<\/p>\n Goff is right there playing near his MVP-caliber level of 2024, working better to erase the shaky road narrative. He has seem to be more comfortable with Josh Morton being more aggressive with the passing game to take further advantage of the high floor in the running gma.e<\/p>\n NFL HQ:\u00a0Live NFL scores<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Updated NFL standings<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Full NFL schedule<\/a><\/p>\n Grade: B \u00a9 Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images <\/p>\n 10. Daniel Jones, Colts<\/p>\n Jones’ story of career revival to thriving in the Colts<\/a>‘ system has been fun. He’s executing Shane Steichen’s run-powered offense with Jonathan Taylor well, using all the talent of rookie tight end Tyler Warren and reminding everyone that Michael Pittman Jr. is one tough receiver to cover.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Jonathan Taylor, Josh Allen highlight quarter-season awards<\/a><\/p>\n 11. Jordan Love, Packers<\/p>\n Love has been a bit overshadowed by Josh Jacobs and the now Micah Parsons-led defense. But he’s finding his groove by sticking with his most reliable and available options, led by Tucker Kraft and Romeo Doubs through the red zone. Now the deep ball is opening up well with rookie Matthew Golden having more impact.<\/p>\n 12. Joe Burrow, Bengals<\/p>\n Burrow wasn’t so sharp early, facing some tough defensive matchups but it’s difficult to drop him beyond here as it’s clear the Bengals<\/a> can’t move the ball the same way overall without him leading everything.<\/p>\n MORE: When Joe Burrow is epxected to return from turf toe injury<\/a><\/p>\n 13. Jayden Daniels, Commanders<\/p>\n Daniels is trying to make up for missed time and has been a bit rusty without Terry McLaurin. But the pieces, including extra receivers and a traditional running game, are coming together again to get him on track to resemble his rookie self.<\/p>\n 14. Justin Herbert, Chargers<\/p>\n Herbert being around the middle makes sense because of his maddening inconsistency despite his immense talent with arm and athleticism. He can often get into a rut of bad decisions but when on point, nobody has prettier QB play.<\/p>\n 15. Jalen Hurts, Eagles<\/p>\n Hurts has also dropped with some early struggles connecting with his receivers, hurt by the fact Saquon Barkley isn’t providing the usual running game support for Hurts through either ground or air. Hurts has yet to get on his hot streak, but everyone knows he can find his Super Bowl MVP ceiling fast for the second half.<\/p>\n 16. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers<\/p>\n Rodgers has been solid, more so than spectacular, knowing his burden isn’t as heavy when the Steelers<\/a>‘ defense is back on track, playing well and the running game can provide more support. He is delivering what he needs, including the dangerous deep connection with DK Metcalf.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Where Aaron Rodgers ranks among oldest NFL players<\/a><\/p>\n 17. Mac Jones, 49ers<\/p>\n Jones has been a solid sub as the expected good schematic fit. The 49ers top backup for Kyle Shanahan has made the most of what receivers he has healthy and knowing he has the ultimate outlet in Christian McCaffrey. Still, the 49ers are lacking in the same deep ball prowess a healthy Brock Purdy provides.<\/p>\n 18. Marcus Mariota, Commanders<\/p>\n Mariota did his job in the games Daniels missed by moving the ball around well for Kliff Kingsbury. He’s settled into his valuable second career well and is a good leader and locker-room presence to support Daniels.<\/p>\n 19. C.J. Stroud, Texans<\/p>\n Stroud has gotten sharper of late after a slow start as he’s getting the gist of having more control in an improved passing offense from last season. He needs to stay hot to help Houston win a suddenly much tougher AFC South with Indianapolis and Jacksonville ahead.<\/p>\n 20. Caleb Williams, Bears<\/p>\n Williams is also adjusting to a brand-new system with some moving pieces, but the entire engine is starting to hum more under Ben Johnson. He’s been key in leading the rebound from a rough 0-2 start.<\/p>\n 21. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals<\/p>\n Brissett brought their offense to life more than expected, filling in for Kyler Murray in Indianapolis by being confident in his healthy weapons, perhaps motivated by a former Colts starter’s revenge factor.<\/p>\n 22. Tyrod Taylor, Jets<\/p>\n Taylor played well enough in his lone start in Week 3 that the Jets got closest to their first win in a shootout against the Buccaneers<\/a>. He also is getting Aaron Glenn to consider whether he’s the better option to bridge vs. sticking with Justin Fields’ run-heaviness.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0How many teams has Tyrod Taylor played for?<\/a><\/p>\n Grade: C 23. Brock Purdy, 49ers<\/p>\n Purdy has had continued durability issues early to curb the early returns on his new contract. He needs to shake them off, be steadfast to return and show that same dangerous downfield passer in time for him to be fully loaded with key weapons again.<\/p>\n 24. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars<\/p>\n Lawrence is a hard quarterback to evaluate because, despite how erratic and head-scratching his passing results are, he is also a gritty throwback game player who has great toughness and leadership qualities. When he turns it on as a passer in the new offense, though, watch out.<\/p>\n 25. Bryce Young, Panthers<\/p>\n Young has settled better in Dave Canales’ offense, armed with his true go-to guy, Tetairoa McMillan. More receiving help is coming and he knows the running game with either Rico Dowdle or Chuba Hubbard will provide support. Young’s breakout can still come.<\/p>\n 26. Kyler Murray, Cardinals<\/p>\n Murray is frustrating as a No. 1 overall pick, too, because his running has been reduced as a massive factor and the downfield passing remains off although getting better with No. 1 Marvin Harrison Jr.. Having a sprained foot from which to recover makes it only tougher.<\/p>\n 27. Bo Nix, Broncos<\/p>\n Nix has had a sophomore slump with both his downfield passing and decision-making. The defense is carrying the team and the Broncos are winning more in spite of him than because of him, which was the case often last year. He needs to string together several get-well games to feel there isn’t a regression.<\/p>\n 28. Jaxson Dart, Giants<\/p>\n Dart has provided some fun highlights with his running and big-armed passing so far, but the typical rookie struggles with trying to do too much and turnovers have been prevalent in his starts. He can make a big jump into “B” status the rest of the season.<\/p>\n 29. Michael Penix Jr., Falcons<\/p>\n Penix also came out of the gate slowly with high expectations in his first season as a starter but is starting to put it together with Drake London and Bijan Robinson lifting him under Zac Robinson. He can also have a meteoric rise with the running game and defense being extra supportive.<\/p>\n 30. Justin Fields, Jets<\/p>\n Fields is compiling with his running and making the most of his limited weapons, but he struggles to push the ball downfield still and has gone more erratic with more dependence on his legs. Being a misfit early in the new Jets system hasn’t helped; play-calling tailored more to his strengths would.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Where Broncos-Jets ranks among worst NFL London games of all time<\/a><\/p>\n 31. Spencer Rattler, Saints<\/p>\n Rattler was written off as being an afterthought starter, keeping the pocket warm for second-rounder Tyler Shough and then a potential franchise first-rounder in 2026. But he’s doing the little things right in Kellen Moore’s favorable offense and shown off more confident and effective deep throwing than expected.<\/p>\n 32. Carson Wentz, Vikings<\/p>\n Wentz has the incredible run of starting for six teams in six seasons, to the point he will get yet another revenge game vs. the Eagles. Wentz has been so-so running the Rams-adjacent system of Kevin O’Connell with more clunky playmaking.<\/p>\n 33. Joe Flacco, Bengals<\/p>\n Flacco did provide an on-field and locker-room spark when he was acquired to start for Joe Burrow over massive struggling backup Jake Browning. He played well considering the circumstances vs. a tough Packers defense on the road and will get better should he keep eliminating his turnover issues from Cleveland.<\/p>\n Grade: D 34. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins<\/p>\n Tagovailoa has been healthy himself, a big plus, but the protection of himself has been moot with him totally dependent on dink and dunk minus Tyreek Hill with Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane doing the after-catch work. Tagovailoa has been making bad decisions and not helping out his beleaguered play-calling coach, Mike McDaniel.<\/p>\n 35. Geno Smith, Raiders<\/p>\n The Seahawks look like geniuses for swapping out Smith for Darnold at the right time. He’s had a major struggle in a Chip Kelly offense that should fit him better, with old turnover woes dominating his play now, minus go-to tight end Brock Bowers.<\/p>\n 36. Russell Wilson, Giants<\/p>\n Wilson wasn’t expected to last long for the Giants with his tentative passing, shakier decision-making and diminished effectiveness as a runner. He might be at the end of the NFL line.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27254443_0.jpg.webp.webp\")
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