The NFL has seen a rise in quarterback talent like never before. Having said that, there still must be a list of the best quarterbacks currently playing, and that’s what we’re going to cover today!
#1: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
The reigning MVP still has much to show us in the Playoffs, but there is no doubt he can take over a game within a few minutes. His incredible accuracy, along with a cannon of an arm. Allen’s decision-making had many people doubting his ability to win in this league, but after a very efficient 28-6 TD-Int ratio, he dominated the league every game.
He was second in the league in rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks with 12, only passed by Jalen Hurts, who had 14, to go along with 531 yards on the ground.
When it comes to dominating a game, no single player in the league can do it like Allen. He’s shown us he can work with whatever is at his disposal and win MVP. The pocket awareness, the accuracy while receiving pressure, and the scrambling ability he can pull out at any given moment are not toppled by any quarterback in the NFL today.
#2: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
While it may not be agreed upon, Burrow has proven he is as elite as they come. If he hadn’t begun the 2024 season on such a disastrous note, the Bengals could have stirred things up in the AFC Playoffs and may have seen themselves higher on this list, but that’s not the case.
Burrow led the league in both passing yards (4,918) and passing touchdowns (43), as well as competing in two of the best games of the 2024-25 season. While both were losses to the Bengals divisional opponent Baltimore Ravens, he still had a masterclass performance in both contests.
Coming off a torn ACL is never easy for any athlete. Recovering and showcasing new skills and remaining elite is incredibly rare. You can not take that for granted when evaluating Burrow amongst other quarterbacks.
Entering the 2025 season, expect dominance from the get-go as the Bengals retained their star receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While the defensive side has much left to be desired don’t expect another missed playoff from these Bengals.
#3: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
While this selection can be argued, I believe it is unfair to make a top 3 quarterbacks list and not include Jackson in one of those spots. Does he contain the accuracy Mahomes has? No. Does he have the elite weapons Jalen Hurts has? No. Does he have the hero story and campaign Baker Mayfield has? No. Jackson has his own story. One containing two league MVP honors, the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, and the 2024-25 league leader in TD-Int ratio at 41-4.
The man wins games. He has proven he will always win games when healthy. The strategic value Jackson brings every week is one of the best in the league. He’s shown he can scorch you through the air or with his legs, depending on how he is feeling.
Having said all of that, it felt as if something was off during the 2024-25 NFL Playoffs. We got a thriller in the divisional matchup between the Ravens and Bills, which we all wanted. Jackson turned the ball over twice costing the Ravens much-needed points both times. While Mark Andrews’ two-point mishap certainly didn’t help, much of the blame fell on Jackson. Expect the same resilience and top-level play out of the quarterback next year. Perhaps he’ll find his way back to the top spot.
#4: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Controversial? Of course. Say what you want, but Mayfield is getting a former Second Team All-Pro receiver back in Chris Godwin. While his star receiver was out injured for 10 games of the 2024-25 season, Mayfield didn’t slow down much.
Finishing the year third in yards and tied second in passing touchdowns, Mayfield led the Bucs into the 2024-25 NFC Playoffs on his back. Suffering injury after injury throughout the year, the resilient former No. 1 overall pick decided to prove all his doubters wrong.
While he did lead the league in interceptions thrown (16), it’s not as serious as that number projects. Most of his interceptions came in games out of reach, and Mayfield tried to move the ball downfield. He’s a winner. Just like Jackson, Mayfield will give you his 100% every game of the year. If he can shy away from turning the ball over, which I’m assuming he’ll do he can be even better. While it’s confusing now, don’t be shocked when Mayfield enters and stays in MVP talks throughout the 2025-26 season.
#5: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Is it shocking and possibly insane to put a second-year quarterback on the list of the top 5? Maybe, but just the year before CJ Stroud found himself on many top 5 lists. While he won’t be here this go around, I don’t expect to see a sophomore slump from the former Heisman Trophy winner.
The former 2nd overall pick had an illustrious rookie year bringing life back to a Commanders fan base that was possibly never there. He took what was assumed to be a middle-of-the-road team to the NFC Championship where he would go on to lose. He was crowned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the highest hopes of any draft selection entering their sophomore year since Cam Newton with the Carolina Panthers.
Daniels showed us more than glimpses of being a top quarterback in the league. Having numbers that break rookie records and put you in comparison with Jackson and Allen will do that to you, but what exactly did Daniels do this past year that puts him on the top 5 list?
Being recognized as an elite passer with a good 25:9 TD-Int ratio and a phenomenal rusher, he all quarterbacks in rushing yards. He also led a hopeless franchise to taste the sweetness that only the best teams in the league get to have. It’s hard to do anymore in a year, let alone your rookie year. Expect Daniels to show up in more top 5s as the year progresses.
