The NFL season is hitting its stride, and it’s time to spotlight the quarterbacks making waves.
You already know the big names – Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have been dominating the field for the past few seasons. But who else is making a name for themselves in 2024?
If you like defensive battles, this list of the top 25 greatest defensive players in NFL history is perfect for you.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, at the helm of the Kansas City Chiefs, is redefining what it means to be an elite quarterback. With three Super Bowl titles under his belt, he’s gearing up to chase an unprecedented three-peat this year.
While some might argue against linking wins directly to quarterbacks, Mahomes challenges this notion by consistently demonstrating his unique ability to dictate the flow of the game.
His vision, agility, and decision-making skills enable him to turn the tide of any match, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson, leading the Baltimore Ravens with electrifying play, is making history and altering the quarterback landscape as we know it.
While still trailing Patrick Mahomes in playoff achievements, Jackson’s regular season accolades speak volumes. Winning his second MVP last year, he has cemented his potential as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Under the guidance of Todd Monken, Jackson’s development as a passer has soared, achieving personal best in several key metrics.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, the heart of the Buffalo Bills, is set for a dynamic season as he collaborates with Joe Brady to craft an innovative offense. Following last season’s success without star receiver Stefon Diggs, Allen is primed to leverage his skills with emerging talents like Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir.
Allen’s unique ability to seamlessly merge his running prowess with sharp passing adds a versatile edge to the team’s strategy.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
In his brief but impactful career, Burrow has shown he’s a top-tier quarterback when healthy. The 2021 season was a testament to his talent—he led the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt.
With elite receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal, Burrow is poised for another standout year. However, with Higgins’ free agency looming, this dynamic duo might see its last year together. Burrow’s playoff record is impressive, and Bengals fans know that as long as he stays healthy, the sky’s the limit.
Gardner Minshew II, Las Vegas Raiders
Gardner Minshew II has emerged as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season. This decision, announced by Head Coach Antonio Pierce, was the result of extensive discussions with General Manager Tom Telesco and Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy.
Minshew’s preseason performance, logging 212 yards and one touchdown, helped cement this choice. Known for his dynamic plays with the Colts in 2023, where he impressed with 3,305 passing yards and a Pro Bowl nod, Minshew brings experience and a proven record of efficiency to the Silver and Black.
The numbers don’t lie! The Vegas NFL lines show that Minshew has the talent to lead his team downfield, and if he stays healthy, fans can expect an electric 2025 season. Against the Chiefs, he had 209 yards and two touchdowns. With this kind of production, he is sure to be one of the top QBs in the league for years to come.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys showcases how a quarterback can elevate a team even without consistent support from the running game. In 2023, amidst challenges, Prescott emerged as a linchpin for the Cowboys’ offense, proving his mettle with impressive stats.
Throwing for an astounding 4,516 yards and leading the league with 36 touchdown passes, he demonstrated his prowess through precision and poise. Notably, his interception count dropped to nine, highlighting his maturity as a playmaker. Prescott’s arm strength, accuracy, and agility keep the Cowboys competitive, positioning him as an essential force on the field.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
At 36, Matthew Stafford remains a powerhouse in the NFL, wielding one of the most impressive arms in the game. Under Sean McVay’s expert guidance, Stafford seamlessly fits into the Rams’ offensive scheme.
Last season, he tallied nearly 4,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns despite missing two games—a testament to his enduring talent. While the Rams improved in protecting him, his sack rate is the lowest since 2011, and early-season challenges loom with offensive line uncertainties, making Stafford’s savvy and experience crucial as they face the Lions in the opener.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy, famously dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last pick in the 2022 draft, continues to defy expectations. In 2023, he achieved a stellar passer rating of 113.0, led the league in completion percentage at 69.4%, and threw 31 touchdown passes, asserting his place among the NFL’s elite.
Critics may argue that he’s buoyed by a talented roster and Kyle Shanahan’s genius play-calling, yet Purdy’s poise in crunch moments has earned him unwavering respect and confidence from his teammates, proving he’s far from irrelevant.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud burst onto the NFL scene with a record-setting rookie campaign, reminiscent of legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana. Leading the league in both passing yards per game and touchdown-interception ratio, Stroud showcased an innate ability to dominate under pressure.
Positioned as the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, his rise has been meteoric, fueled by a robust Texans lineup. Stroud’s poise is perhaps his most remarkable trait, as he consistently exudes maturity beyond his years, suggesting a promising trajectory to join the ranks of the game’s elite quarterbacks.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers, now wearing the New York Jets colors, heads into the new season with questions swirling around his current form versus his legendary past. At 40 and recovering from a significant injury, what can fans realistically expect?
Historically, Rodgers has been an MVP-caliber player, raising teams to heights even when stats waver. The Jets are eager for a playoff appearance for the first time since 2010, which Rodgers could facilitate by merely reaching his 2022 performance level. However, Rodgers himself will likely aim for even more, keen to add another playoff victory to his illustrious career.
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