Certain NFL teams have top-tier quarterbacks, while others do not. So, which of the league’s eight divisions has the strongest overall talent at the quarterback position? In other words, which divisions offer the most excitement based on their collective star quarterbacks? Additionally, which divisions are likely to be the most competitive?
Kirk Cousins (Falcons)
Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers)
Derek Carr (Saints)
Bryce Young (Panthers)
It’s no surprise that this division is often seen as the weakest among the eight. Cousins is a reliable and skilled pocket passer, but at nearly 36, he’s recovering from a serious injury and adjusting to a new team. Mayfield shows determination but has struggled to put together consistent seasons. Carr is tough and resilient but can be inconsistent, still looking for a standout performance in crucial games. Meanwhile, Young, while composed, remains a significant question mark after a slow start in a struggling team environment. Betting on any of these quarterbacks comes with considerable risk.
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Aidan O’Connell (Raiders)
Bo Nix (Broncos)
This is certainly a top-heavy group. Mahomes is already on the path to the Hall of Fame after winning his third Super Bowl in five years, consistently setting the standard whether he’s throwing long or performing under pressure. He’s always an exciting player to watch. Herbert is an ideal prototype, boasting a strong arm and impressive size, although questionable coaching decisions have hindered his performance late in the season. The rest of the quarterbacks are uncertain: O’Connell showed determination as a rookie backup but could lose his spot to Gardner Minshew. Nix, despite having solid college experience, remains a complete unknown. Overall, this division can mostly be viewed as a competition between two standout players.
C.J. Stroud (Texans)
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
Will Levis (Titans)
Anthony Richardson (Colts)
This is the Division of Young Potential and Uncertainties. Stroud aims to meet MVP expectations after a remarkably impressive debut, demonstrating both ball control and the ability to throw deep with veteran-like confidence. Lawrence seeks to justify his hefty new contract after three seasons marked by flashes of impressive passing and some questionable decision-making. Both Levis and Richardson possess the size, style, and mindset reminiscent of difference-makers like Josh Allen, but they come with limited experience and injury concerns. If they can all stay healthy, the potential for explosive play is significant.
5. NFC North
Jordan Love (Packers)
Jared Goff (Lions)
Sam Darnold (Vikings)
Caleb Williams (Bears)
This group has seen substantial changes in both personnel and perceptions. Love concluded his first stint as a starter with one of the most dynamic arms in the league, promising Green Bay another standout quarterback. Goff has limitations outside of the structure but has revived his career, transforming from a Rams castoff to the resilient leader of possibly the most balanced offense in the NFL. Darnold might be a temporary solution for rookie J.J. McCarthy, but with a solid arm in a strong system, he could achieve career-high numbers. Williams has yet to play in the NFL but possesses natural playmaking ability. This division could experience significant growth within a year.
4. NFC East
Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
Daniel Jones (Giants)
Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
Another division with a strong top tier, but with more proven production at the top and greater potential at the bottom. Hurts showed some inconsistency as a decision-maker following his MVP bid, but he has demonstrated the toughness and skills necessary for Super Bowl success. Prescott may not have the playoff credentials of Hurts, but he remains one of the league’s smartest all-around quarterbacks. Jones has struggled with turnovers and injuries during New York’s ongoing rebuild, yet he has led a playoff run as a dual-threat quarterback. Daniels raises concerns due to his slender frame but could bring significant excitement. At least two of these quarterbacks are likely to compete for a playoff spot.
3. NFC West
Brock Purdy (49ers)
Matthew Stafford (Rams)
Geno Smith (Seahawks)
Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
This is the “Just Win” division. While this may primarily apply to the top quarterback, Purdy has proven to be an effective leader for San Francisco, demonstrating efficiency and the ability to extend plays, with a record of 21-6, including playoffs, as a starter. Stafford is nearing the end of his career due to injury concerns but still has a strong arm, three years after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl. Smith continues to seek consistency but has shown the ability to deliver in clutch situations. Murray remains unpredictable in his passing but is still elusive and now has some solid offensive support. This division could be highly competitive.
2. AFC East
Josh Allen (Bills)
Aaron Rodgers (Jets)
Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
Jacoby Brissett (Patriots)
This is the boom-or-bust division. Despite a revamped receiving corps, Allen remains a force, showcasing unmatched flair as a powerful scrambler and deep-ball thrower. Rodgers has significant health concerns as he recovers from a serious injury at nearly 41 years old, but his precision as a thrower is hard to overlook, especially with a talented roster around him. Tagovailoa depends heavily on timing and is still trying to prove himself on the big stage, but he is one of the league’s top accurate passers. Brissett is better suited as a backup but can serve as a capable bridge to rookie Drake Maye. This group could easily feature three Pro Bowl quarterbacks.
1. AFC North
Joe Burrow (Bengals)
Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Deshaun Watson (Browns)
Russell Wilson (Steelers)
Which other division, aside from the Mahomes-led AFC West, can boast a top duo with two NFL MVPs and three conference championship appearances? Burrow must stay healthy to remain relevant, but when fit, he has proven to be one of the most composed and skilled passers under pressure, second only to Mahomes. Jackson is a constant threat whenever he has the ball, and his passing improved significantly in 2023. Watson has been a source of concern due to his inconsistent availability but has shown glimpses of his former Pro Bowl self. Wilson is not the same athlete he was during his championship years and may soon give way to the more dynamic Justin Fields, but he brings a wealth of experience. This division and its quarterbacks may face challenges, but they are consistently tough opponents.