20 Best NFL QBs Right Now, 2026 (Updated)

Team: Carolina Panthers
Last Ranking: 12
2026 Stats: 158-269 58.7 CMP% 1,921 YDS 13 TD 5 INT 89.1 RTG
Bryce Young seemed destined to join Tim Couch, David Carr, and Jamarcus Russell as the biggest busts to be selected with the top overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Alabama alum resembled a boy amongst men during his first few seasons—and it wasn’t just due to his slight frame. Young lacked confidence and couldn’t read a defense. But he turned it around last season and has continued to improve in 2026, showing nice touch, good pocket awareness, and forming real chemistry with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. —Thomas Golianopoulos

Team: Cleveland Browns
Last Ranking: 20
2026 Stats: 163-249 65.5 CMP% 1,806 YDS 7 TD 3 INT 91.2 RTG
Entering the season, the Cleveland Browns seemed like prime candidates to tank for one of the many potential franchise quarterbacks who could be available in the 2027 NFL Draft. Deshaun Watson won the preseason quarterback competition over Shedeur Sanders but no one was excited to say the least. Watson, who was returning from a torn Achilles, struggled in preseason games and then took shots at the Browns fanbase at the podium. There was also the lingering question of why would the organization even want to employ this person considering that dozens of women have accused him of sexual misconduct and assault. But new coach Todd Monken has stuck with him and Watson has rewarded him by playing his best football since the 2020 season.—TG

Team: Atlanta Falcons
Last Ranking: —
2026 Stats: 104-168 61.9 CMP % 1,282 YDS 9 TD 5 INT 90.9 RTG
This season has been a roller-coaster ride for Penix. He was excellent in his first two starts of the 2026-27 campaign as he led the Falcons past the Packers (35-14) in Week 3 and past the Saints (45-24) in Week 4. Penix had a 101.4 passer rating against Green Bay, and a 127.7 passer rating against New Orleans. Penix played decent in Falcons losses to the Ravens and Bears, and then played exceptionally well against San Francisco in Week 7. He threw for 3 TDs and had zero picks in Atlanta’s 29-20 upset win over the previously unbeaten Niners. Things bottomed out in Week 8, when Penix threw a career-high 4 interceptions in a 16-0 loss at Tampa Bay. Penix did have a decent excuse for the performance considering the game was played in a monsoon (Tampa Bay did not even complete a pass).—Matt Burke

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Last Ranking: —
2026 Stats: 175-288 60.8 CMP% 1,871 YDS 13 TD 6 INT 86.2 RTG
The four-time MVP is calling it a career at the end of season 22, his second with the Steelers and his first with head coach Mike McCarthy since their years together in Green Bay. Rodgers is no longer the quarterback from back then—age and a 2023 Achilles tear have robbed him of his athleticism—but he was still good enough to drag the Steelers to a division title last season. 2026 has been more of the same. Rodgers has obviously lost his fastball yet somehow has the Steelers atop the AFC North. —TG

Team: New York Jets
Last Ranking: —
2026 Stats: 165-239 69 CMP % 1,913 YDS 12 TD 3 INT 104.5 RTG
The long-suffering Jets fan can’t be mad at Geno Smith’s performance this season during his second go-around with the franchise. The 36-year-old QB has kept the Jets in most games this season, and he’s even pulled out a few victories along the way. He helped Gang Green to a 23-10 win over the Titans in Week 1, and then a 17-12 victory over the Browns in Week 5. Geno’s done a pretty good job of protecting the football, as he did not throw his first interception this season until Week 6. His top individual game in the early portion of the season came in Week 3 against the Lions when he completed 31-of-37 passes for 321 yards and 3 TDs.—MB

Team: Seattle Seahawks
Last Ranking: 8
2026 Stats: 127-211 60.2 CMP% 1,478 YDS 10 TD 9 INT 79.5 RTG
Sammy D went from seeing ghosts with the New York Jets to lifting the Lombardi Trophy with the Seattle Seahawks. A lot happened in between. Darnold made stops in Carollina, San Francisco, and, finally, Minnesota, where he revitalized his career in 2024 before leaving in free agency. Darnold was the same guy in Seattle: a hyper-athletic big armed QB, who sometimes needs to dial down the recklessness a bit. But he also proved to be a deft play-action passer and big-time playoff performer. Must cut down on the picks if Seattle is to defend their title. —TG

Team: Washington Commanders
Last Ranking: 17
2026 Stats: 91-145 62.8% 976 YDS 6 TD 0 INT 96.2 RTG
It was unlikely that Jayden Daniels could replicate his magical 2024 campaign—winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading the Washington Commanders to an unexpected trip to the NFC Championship Game. But season two was an unmitigated disaster. Daniels was lucky to escape in one piece—a myriad of injuries including a left-knee sprain and a gruesome dislocated elbow (non-throwing arm) limited him to seven games, But the greater concern for the Commanders is that even when Daniels was healthy, he didn’t resemble the elusive and accurate dual threat that flummoxed defenses in 2024. Daniels has looked better with each since returning from a two-game absence after dislocating the same elbow in Week 2. —TG

Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Last Ranking: 16
2026 Stats: 180-283 63.6 CMP % 2,124 YDS 19 TD 5 INT 101.4 RTG
Captain Kirk was supposed to be a placeholder until top overall pick Fernando Mendoza was ready for game action. After all, Cousins hasn’t been the same since tearing his Achilles in October 2023. Never the most mobile QB, Cousins could no longer maneuver the pocket in Atlanta and his throws lacked zip. But the 15-year veteran (!!!) is doing more than just babysitting Mendoza during his first season with the Raiders. Though his arm talent has diminished since his prime, Cousins is still one of the best rhythm quarterbacks around and has the Raiders rebuild ahead of schedule. —TG

Team: Houston Texans
Last Ranking: 15
2026 Stats: 160-247 64.8 CMP% 1,867 YDS. 11 TD 1 INT 100.7 RTG
Stroud’s 2025 hovered somewhere in between his 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year form and the sophomore slump in 2024 that ended with the Texans firing their offensive coordinator. On his best days, the Ohio State product is a cerebral QB who anticipates well and is accurate with his ball placement. But the lasting image of Stroud from 2025 was him melting down against New England in the AFC Divisional Round. In one of the worst postseason performances of all time, Stroud threw four first-half picks and completed just 42 percent of his passes in the Texans’ 28-16 loss. Stroud is extension eligible but has yet to re-sign with Houston. Watch this space. . . — TG

Team: Dallas Cowboys
Last Ranking: 4
2026 Stats: 197-302 65.2 CMP% 2,046 YDS 14 TD 5 INT 93.2 RTG
If quarterback rankings were based solely on regular-season play, Dak Prescott would have a legitimate case for a spot near the top. The 33-year-old veteran once again eclipsed the 4,500-yard mark in 2025, tossing 30 touchdowns and leading a group that quickly became one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. However, in Dallas, regular-season accolades are the only thing that can be talked about for as long as most can remember. Despite his statistical brilliance and undeniable leadership, the playoff ghosts that have plagued quarterbacks since Troy Aikman are still doing damage, and Prescott is again facing that scrutiny as he heads into a new season. He possesses all the pre-snap brilliance, decision-making and arm talent you could want in a franchise quarterback, but it’s unfortunately only been on full display in Weeks 1-17.—Jeff Smith

Team: Green Bay Packers
Last Ranking: 14
2026 Stats: 192-312 61.5 CMP% 2,246 YDS 16 TD 6 INT 92.4 RTG
The transition from Aaron Rodgers is officially in the rearview mirror and honestly doesn’t even feel like a talking point anymore. This is largely thanks to Jordan Love being completely comfortable in the driver's seat. Despite missing time briefly in 2025, the Packers' signal-caller delivered the type of efficient play that we’re now accustomed to seeing from him. He posted a solid 101.2 passer rating and threw just six interceptions over 15 games. Love has fully mastered Matt LaFleur's system, blending his natural arm talent with an impressive ability to make the right reads pre-snap. He might not have posted eye-popping yardage totals last year, but his ability to take care of the football and deliver clutch throws down the stretch proves Green Bay is set at the quarterback position once again. —JS

Team: Los Angeles Rams
Last Ranking: 7
2026 Stats: 204-303 67.3 CMP% 2,146 YDS 15 TD 8 INT 93.2 RTG
The Rams reloaded prior to last season, adding Davante Adams to an already talented receiver room and remaking their offensive line. Still, no one saw that coming. In Year 17 Stafford resembled 2004 Manning or 07 Brady in terms of production and he captured his first MVP, quieting those retirement rumors that shadowed him the previous offseason. Stafford was excellent in the playoffs, yet the Rams’ season ended in the NFC Championship Game because the defense couldn’t stop the Seahawks offense. In response, the Rams went all in, trading for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. It’s Super Bowl or bust in Inglewood. Stafford looked his age in September but has since rebounded and rounding into form. —TG

Team: San Francisco 49ers
Last Ranking: 2
2026 Stats: 146-211 69.2 CMP% 1,748 YDS 15 TD 4 INT 110.1 RTG
Brock Purdy’s 2025 season was a frustrating tale of what could have been for the 49ers’ consistently reliable signal-caller. Limited to just nine games due to nagging shoulder and toe injuries, the former "Mr. Irrelevant" still managed to post a 100.5 passer rating and a blistering 69.4 completion percentage when healthy. Critics can (and likely will) continue to push the narrative that Purdy is a product of Kyle Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system, but the tape tells a different story. Purdy processes information at lightning speed, operates with anticipation that can rival any NFL quarterback, and has consistently displayed impressive accuracy throughout his career. If he can just stay on the field, the 49ers remain legitimate Super Bowl threats.—JS

Team: Detroit Lions
Last Ranking: 10
2026 Stats: 168-248 67.7 CMP% 1,964 YDS 15 TD 1 INT 110 RTG
Jared Goff’s laid-back demeanor isn’t fooling anyone anymore. The Lions' QB is playing some of the best football we’ve seen in the Motor City. Even with a midseason play-calling change in 2025, Goff once again posted stellar numbers. He finished up the year with over 4,500 yards and 34 touchdowns, cementing himself as the engine of Detroit’s high-octane offense. He remains one of the NFL’s best and smartest passers when he gets time in the pocket, and displays a level of accuracy on intermediate attempts that even the harshest critic would be impressed with. Although Goff’s lone area of struggle seems to emerge under heavy pressure, he is the head of the Lions offense tasked with, once again, picking up their defense. Is the Super Bowl window closed? —JS

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Ranking: 9
2026 Stats: 130-198 65.7 CMP% 1,690 YDS 17 TD 4 INT 112.6 RTG
We were almost about to give up on Trevor Lawrence during the eight-game losing streak that ran into 2024. But last season, under first-year head coach and playcaller Liam Coen, he looked like the Trevor Lawrence that was once hailed as a generatioanl NFL prospect. How did he do it? There was no major overhaul. Coen tinkered with Lawrence’s footwork and emphasized quick, rhythm reads. But the results were there on the field. Lawrence cut down on his picks, made big plays with his arm and his legs, and led the Jaguars to a division title. He has continued to make strides in 2026. —TG

Team: New England Patriots
Last Ranking: 13
2026 Stats: 157-234 67.1 CMP% 1,983 YDS 15 TD 8 INT 100.4 RTG
Any questions about the Drake Maye era in Foxborough were put to rest after his 2025 season. The former UNC standout took a staggering leap forward during his sophomore campaign, consistently playing like one of the best QBs in the game. Maye led the league in passer rating (113.5) and completion percentage (72.0%), showcasing the kind of pinpoint accuracy and poise that New England hasn't seen since a guy named Brady left town. Maye’s stellar numbers as a passer also overshadow his underrated mobility, and following a season when it all came together for the 23-year-old, the sky is the absolute limit for the reigning Most Improved Player. After a slow start to the season, Maye hopes to have regained that 2025 feeling following his early-October outing against Buffalo. —JS

Team: Chicago Bears
Last Ranking: 11
2026 Stats: 112-158 70.9 CMP% 1,267 YDS 6 TD 1 INT 104.6 RTG
It’s been a long time coming, but there’s a real reason to believe that Caleb Williams is the savior at quarterback that Chicago has been praying for. After a turbulent start to his career, Williams flashed the upside and stellar playmaking ability that made him the clear-cut No. 1 pick in 2024. Throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, Williams proved he has the exceptional arm talent and bold playmaking ability to survive in the Windy City. He’s still going through some early NFL struggles, specifically holding onto the ball too long and forcing the issue at times, but a low interception total is one stat that highlights his rapidly maturing decision-making. Williams’ big leap in his second season is a great sign, and now the league will wait to see if he can continue the upward trajectory. Luckily avoided major injury in Week 2 but a new meme was born. —JS

Team: Buffalo Bills
Last Ranking: 3
2026 Stats: 135-205 65.9 CMP% 1,793 YDS 11 TD 5 INT 101.1 RTG
Allen didn’t put up video game numbers like his 2024 campaign but entered the postseason poised to lead the Bills to their first Super Bowl since the 1994 season. Then, a familiar thing occurred. Buffalo lost in the AFC Divisional Round. This time, however, the season didn’t end at the hands of Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow as it had from 2021 to 2025. The Bills lost in overtime to the Denver Broncos and Bo Nix. Allen was terrible on that day, accounting for four turnovers. Now, Buffalo hopes that first-year head coach Joe Brady, the team’s longtime offensive coordinator, can take them to the next level. —TG

Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Last Ranking: 1
2026 Stats: 154-232 66.4 CMP% 1,795 12 TD 4 INT 99.7 RTG
The Chiefs dynasty appeared to come to an end in Week 14 at home against the Texans. Their season then went from bad to worse the next week against the Chargers when Mahomes went down with a torn ACL. At the time of his injury, Mahomes was in the midst of the worst statistical season of his career. But the three-time Super Bowl champ returned in Week 1 and turned back the clock. With Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III running wild, Mahomes is back to picking apart defenses. — TG

Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Last Ranking: 6
2026 Stats: 195-267 73 CMP% 2,115 YDS 20 TD 6 INT 111.6 RTG
It’s almost now-or-never for Joe Cool. Despite posting absurd passing numbers, the story remains the same for Burrow and the Bengals: the offensive line can’t protect him; he can’t stay healthy; and the defense can’t stop anyone. That’s a recipe for disaster—and the Bengals haven’t made the playoffs since the 2022 season. But we can’t quit Burrow just yet. No one throws a prettier deep ball and few are as decisive at the line of scrimmage, although it helps to have Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins lined up on the outside. —TG