A rare phenomenon, more than a third of NFL franchises have changed starting quarterbacks compared to the first week of the 2022 season. No less than 11 new pitchers (12 if we include a suspended Deshaun Watson) who will start the 2023 season.
Between rookies, changes of cycles, exchanges and bets, new faces will be on display in the four corners of the country. With its share of uncertainties. So who are the best NFL quarterbacks?
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Reigning MVP, reigning champion, a Hall of Famer jacket already guaranteed to be on his shoulders one day, Patrick Mahomes has no equivalent currently in the NFL. The very few doubts that he could remain, he swept them away in 2022. Despite the loss of his number one receiver in the person of Tyreek Hill, he broke his career record for yards by exceeding the bar of 52oo yards. Monstrous.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Despite a playoff campaign that ended earlier than expected, Josh Allen continues to prove his importance and his value to his team. A statistical record still strong in the pass, the quarterback of the Bills uses his exceptional physical qualities to add more than 750 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.
3. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Surprise of the season, Jalen Hurts revealed himself in 2022. Showing himself to be decisive and fair in his choices and his game, he carried his team to the Super Bowl, collecting votes for the MVP trophy in the process. If he can still progress in the pass, especially with his cast, the Philly player is the NFL double threat quarterback par excellence.
4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Probably one of the best passers in the league, the Bengals playmaker is capable of cutting through any defense. His duo with Ja’Marr Chase is one of the NFL’s most formidable pairings.
5. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
When he arrived in the 2022 offseason, he was supposed to be a transitional player after the Wilson era, having to fight with Drew Lock for the starting position. Twelve months later, Geno Smith, was confirmed, extended and gave guarantees that we did not know him. At 32, he is at the height of his career and perfectly surrounded to continue his momentum.
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Affected in the ribs quickly at the start of the season, Herbert logically experienced a drop in production, particularly in terms of scoring efficiency. Yet at 25, the former Oregon player remains a safe bet capable of being productive and efficient. The arrival of Kellen Moore as a new offensive mentor could even take him to a new level.
7. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
After a rookie season of ups and downs, the former Clemson college star was completely transformed last season with the arrival of Doug Peterson. More precise, more productive, simply better, Lawrence even won his first career playoff game by leading an incredible comeback. A comeback which also underlined his very great strength of character, recovering after a first half where he had notably launched 4 interceptions. Promising.
8. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
After two consecutive MVP titles, Rodgers has slowed down significantly in 2022. Deprived of Davante Adams, he has marked time and sometimes seemed to turn 39. Yet his new start in New York seems to have reinvigorated him. His ego and his resentment towards his former leaders in Green Bay could make him formidable again.
9. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
While we thought he was destined to finish his career as an understudy, Goff proved last year that he had the level of a solid starter. Well settled behind one of the NFL’s best lines, he has shown himself to be a ” game manager more than precious capable of making the attack impactful. If his team acts as the favorite of his division, it is also thanks to him.
10. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Finally freed from the noise around his contract, Lamar can once again focus on his game. his ability to continue his game as explosive as exposed to shocks.
11. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Often mocked, Cousins nevertheless continues to chain solid seasons. He carried his team to the division title and compiled seasons over 4,000 yards. Solid without being exceptional, his connection to Jefferson remains a valuable asset.
12. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Another injury-hit season, Prescott also threw a career-high number of interceptions. Quite solid in the season, it lacks impact in the playoffs. The loss of his offensive coordinator could also disrupt his habits.
13. Daniel Jones, New York Giants
Well helped by his new coach Brian Daboll, he is coming out of his best season to the point that his franchise has extended him for a lucrative contract. A level that remains far from the best in the league, but a progression curve that gives hope to New Yorkers.
14. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
The former Alabama star is typically the quarterback who needs the right conditions to shine. That’s what his franchise did between recruiting Hill and choosing McDaniel as head coach. Leader in the number of yards per attempted pass, Tua showed very encouraging signs unfortunately hampered by terrible shocks to the head. The risks around his health are great, which inevitably impacts his position in the rankings.
15. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Pushed out by the Raiders, Derek Carr bounced back to Louisiana. An environment that could well suit him as the New Orleans franchise seems the opposite of that of Nevada. Targets, a line and a defense, he could finally be in the near ideal situation to reach his ceiling.
16. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Unthinkable. Last player chosen in the 2022 draft, Brock Purdy established himself through injuries during the season as a starter. So much so that some think the 49ers would have gone for the Super Bowl if he hadn’t injured his elbow in the NFL Finals. He gave his staff enough guarantees to push Trey Lance out despite the huge investment the franchise had made in him. An idyllic half-season that he will have to confirm very quickly to assume the ambitions of his team.
17. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
As efficient as a pure runner, Fields has become a permanent threat. His aerial game still needs to improve a lot, but the arrival of a number 1 receiver in DJ Moore should help him. If he follows the same progression curve as Jalen Hurts, the Bears could finally find happiness in a position that has never really smiled on them.
18. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Heir to Rodgers, Love takes flight solo. If its level over a season necessarily remains an enigma, the signs are positive and the samples seen are better with each outing. After signing a one-year half-guaranteed contract for 2024, this year will be decisive for his future.
19. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Never brilliant and often erratic, Murray remains an enigma. Injured at the end of the season, he will not be operational for the recovery. In a team that has chosen total reconstruction, he could even see his position threatened in the event of a 1st draft choice in 2024. A funny situation for the player to manage.
20. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
Gone are the days when Watson was among the elite of his position. After a year and a half without playing, the return to the field was not without difficulty. Far from justifying his enormous contract, the few games at the end of the season did not give high hopes to Cleveland supporters. It is expected at the turn in 2023.
21. Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders
A new starting position for Garoppolo for whom the Raiders chased Carr. Again associated with Josh McDaniels whom he had known during his years in New England, he is the system quarterback par excellence who manages an attack by minimizing errors. And that’s all.
22. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
The post-Super Bowl hangover has been violent in the City of Angels. Starting with Matt Stafford. In addition to an average level of play, he especially missed the entire second half of the season due to injury. From the height of his 35 years, his physical condition will be scrutinized.
23. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
Expected as the missing link that could bring Denver back to the fore, Wilson’s freshman year was a fiasco. Author of his worst season, he seemed unable to positively impact the game of the Broncos. Now directed by Sean Payton, we will quickly know if it was a simple accident or if it is simply no longer so “Dangerous”.
24. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
At 35 and after a more than mixed 2022 season, Tannehill is playing his last card. After Will Levis’ draft, he will be under pressure to keep his job.
25. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
Only 7 touchdowns in 13 games, Pickett’s rookie season was not easy. Restricted by his offensive system or simply limited? Rather well surrounded, he must progress quickly.
26. Mac Jones, New England Patriots
The Year 2 wall was merciless for Mac Jones. In decline in all areas, the arrival of Bill O’Brien will have to revive him or risk seeing his starting position in danger.
27. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
His status as the 1st draft pick puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders. But the cast around him should not allow him to work miracles in his first year.
28. Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
The sample is small, but enough for Arthur Smith to give him his confidence for the coming season. Bijan Robinson’s draft will take the pressure off him. It’s up to him to take advantage of it to play fair.
29. Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
Again the sample is small. Only one pro game for Howell in his rookie season. With a committee of more than attractive targets, Howell will have the weapons to shine, or at least be evaluated.
30. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
Brilliant at Ohio State, Stroud needs to prove he can perform at the top echelon. In a team under construction, 2023 will above all be a season of breaking in and learning.
31. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
The rating for NFL dual threat quarterbacks is on the rise following the recent successes of Jackson or Hurts. But Richardson seems to go even further. Physical phenomenon, it is still very rough and it will need time to progress. With a limited receivers committee and Jonathan Taylor absent at the start of the season, the slope could be very steep.
32. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fired from the Browns, fired from the Panthers, Mayfield has been a lost soul for 2 years. Landed in Tampa, he will have the heavy task of succeeding Tom Brady. His recent level is anything but reassuring despite the presence of excellent receivers in his attack.
