Several NFL teams will kick off training camp next week, marking the start of the journey toward Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in February.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, six quarterbacks were chosen within the first 12 selections, with all expected to start in Week 1 of the upcoming season. Notably, Jayden Daniels, who was picked second overall by the Commanders, stood out as a strong MVP contender during his rookie year.
This year’s draft saw only two quarterbacks—Cam Ward (first overall, Titans) and Jaxson Dart (25th overall, Giants)—taken in the first round, both of whom could potentially start in Week 1.
The league currently boasts numerous talented young quarterbacks; however, breaking into the top five is a challenging feat when considering the elite players already occupying those spots.
Let’s dive into our initial QB rankings for the 2025 season.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
2024 stats: 3,928 yards, 26 TD, 11 INT
Despite a disappointing showing in the Super Bowl LIX defeat to the Eagles, Mahomes remains the premier player in professional football. Since becoming a starter in 2018, he has secured three Super Bowl titles and two MVP awards, consistently reaching the AFC Championship Game each season.
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
2024 stats: 4,918 yards, 43 TD, 9 INT
Burrow nearly reached the 5,000-yard mark last season, pushing the Bengals towards the playoffs after an initial 1-4 start. If he and his team can maintain their health, they’re likely to be a formidable contender in the AFC, boasting a potentially top-tier offense.
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
2024 stats: 3,731 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT
Allen secured the Bills’ fifth consecutive AFC East title and claimed his first league MVP award last year. However, playoff success has been elusive, primarily due to his 0-5 record against Mahomes. To propel Buffalo to its inaugural Lombardi Trophy, he must eventually overcome this hurdle.
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
2024 stats: 4,172 yards, 41 TD, 4 INT
Jackson’s impressive 41-4 TD/INT ratio is remarkable. As both a passer and a runner, he poses significant challenges for defenses. However, like Allen, he hasn’t consistently excelled in the playoffs. As long as Jackson stays healthy, the Ravens will be serious contenders in the AFC.
5. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
2024 stats: 2,903 yards, 18 TD, 5 INT
Hurts shined throughout the Eagles’ playoff journey, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs, which served as redemption after his earlier loss to them in Super Bowl LVII. When healthy, Hurts is a powerful dual-threat quarterback.
6. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
2024 stats: 3,568 yards, 25 TD, 9 INT
Daniels had one of the most impressive rookie seasons for a quarterback in league history, demonstrating exceptional skills both in passing and running. His performance significantly boosted the Commanders’ win total and led them to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. Expectations are high as Daniels enters his second year.
