The NFL is a Quarterback-driven league, and the best signal callers give their teams a nearly untouchable advantage over their opponents when it comes to winning games and pursuing championships.

If you have one, you do whatever it takes to lock in that guy long term. If you don’t have one, you do whatever it takes to try and acquire one.

So how do the league’s 32 projected starting QBs stack up heading into 2024? It’s a tough exercise, but a fun one to get a bead on where each team stands at the game’s most important position.

For these rankings, this is how I see the QB landscape laying out right now before any snaps are taken in 2024. I will update this list periodically throughout the season as QBs win/lose jobs and the story of the 2024 NFL season is told. For now, here is my Offseason ranking of all 32 projected starting QBs.

1. PATRICK MAHOMES | CHIEFS

Status: Superstar | Trending: UP

He does more for his team than any other QB because he excels in absolutely every area of the game. He’s mentally ahead of everyone else and physically able to deliver throws nobody else can at his level of consistency. He rarely makes a mistake, which means you have to be perfect to beat him. He’s the clear QB1 in the league until further notice.

2. JOSH ALLEN | BILLS

Status: Superstar | Trending: EVEN

Maybe the most physically gifted QB in the league, Allen goes above and beyond as a passer and playmaker. He’s Cam Newton as a runner, and Brett Favre as a passer. If I were starting an NFL team in 2024, I’d take Allen over any of the QBs except for the guy who’s number 1 on this list.

3. JOE BURROW | BENGALS

Status: Superstar | Trending: UP

Burrow has the league’s best killer instinct at the QB position, and it’s why he’s the QB the other guys don’t want to play when games matter most. Burrow’s elite recognition skills and decision-making make up for his otherwise mediocre physical talents. Still, the Bengals’ signal caller is a no-brainer Top 5 guy when healthy.

4. JUSTIN HERBERT | CHARGERS

Status: Superstar | Trending: EVEN

Herbert is an artist with the ball in his hands. He makes more insane throws on a weekly basis than any QB, and the simple fact is he hasn’t had near the consistent help on the outside or on the Offensive Line as his counterparts listed above him here. The marriage of Herbert and new OC Gregg Roman wouldn’t have been my first pick for the QB’s development in 2024, but at least it means he’ll get some help from the run game and scheme this season.

5. LAMAR JACKSON | RAVENS

Status: Superstar | Trending: EVEN

Nobody asks their QB to do more for the offense than the Ravens do of Jackson, who now has 2 MVP awards under his belt, despite being maybe the worst pure passer of any of the top 17 or 18 guys on this list. Jackson stressed defenses like no other QB, making him more dangerous than a traditional QB. He may never be able to get his squad over the hump when things get tight in the playoffs, but he’ll always give his team a shot if he’s healthy because there’s just no consistent way to stop him for 60 minutes.

6. DAK PRESCOTT | COWBOYS

Status: Star | Trending: EVEN

Prescott may be the most polarizing QB in league circles, with many critics quick to jump on his higher turnover volume and inability to close things out in the playoffs. His supporters, like myself, recognize that he’s playing the position at a level of difficulty that most other QBs are not forced to operate at, and he still puts up insane numbers and underlying stats that prove his value and skill. I’d take Prescott any day of the week as my QB.

7. TREVOR LAWRENCE | JAGUARS

Status: Star | Trending: DOWN

Lawrence is trending down, but only because he was as hyped a prospect coming out of college as any QB since Payton Manning, and he honestly hasn’t had nearly the supporting cast to really show his elite skillset as some of the guys above him on this list. Lawrence takes big swings that can sometimes get him in trouble, but he’s a good QB with a Top 5 ceiling. If his new weapons can finally provide some semblance of consistency on the outside, I expect Lawrence to re-emerge as a borderline Superstar QB in short order.

8. C.J. STROUD | TEXANS

Status: Star | Trending: UP

Stroud is coming off one of the more impressive Rookie seasons of all time for a QB. I was pretty bullish and outspoken about Stroud as my top QB in the 2023 class, ahead of Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, and he did nothing but crush even my expectations in Year 1. The supporting cast is great, but Stroud is quickly becoming one of those QBs who just always has an answer for everything a defense can throw at him. His ceiling is astronomical.

9. MATT STAFFORD | RAMS

Status: Star | Trending: EVEN

Stafford continues to defy the boundaries of what a QB should be able to do as a passer. He still boasts otherworldly arm talent at the ripe old age of 36, and quite honestly makes the Rams a true Super Bowl contender in the NFC in 2024. Despite his age, I’d be pretty surprised if we’re talking about Stafford as having taken a step back in 2024. I think he’s got several years of high-level play in his future.

10. AARON RODGERS | JETS

Status: High-End Starter | Trending: DOWN

Is Aaron Rodgers actually that good anymore? I’d say yes, even though the narrative around him is tainted by his Achilles injury and rather edgy personality. While I don’t expect MVP-level Rodgers to walk out of the tunnel at MetLife Stadium in September, I do expect the kind of surgeon-like gameplay we’re used to seeing out of one of the most talented QBs of all time.

11. KYLER MURRAY | CARDINALS

Status: High-End Starter | Trending: EVEN

A lot of people have forgotten just how dynamic Murray is when healthy, and how much he stresses defenses with his ability to take off and run, deftly maneuver in the pocket, and deliver high-quality passes all over the field. He has underrated arm talent and his offensive supporting cast was upgraded rather considerably this offseason. I expect a real bounce-back campaign from the diminutive dynamo!

12. JORDAN LOVE | PACKERS

Status: High-End Starter | Trending: UP

By the end of the season, Love could easily be hovering around the Top 5 of this list. He’s a special talent and it appears that his years of development behind Aaron Rodgers have paid off handsomely for the Packers. Love is still a little inconsistent with his footwork and it can mess with his accuracy on routine throws, but there’s no denying the special abilities he has when the play breaks down and he’s forced to improvise. Love ranked 5th overall in EPA/play in 2023, and finished 2nd in that mark over the final 8 weeks of the season, behind only Prescott. He’s so fun to watch and is ascending as we head into 2024.

13. JARED GOFF | LIONS

Status: High-End Starter | Trending: UP

Meet the NFL’s 2nd-highest paid QB by per-year earnings! After signing his new mega-deal with the Lions, Goff is ready to make a run back to the NFC Championship game and hopefully beyond in 2024, and he’s absolutely capable of dispersing the rock at a high-level in OC Ben Johnson’s sophisticated and successful scheme. While he doesn’t boast nearly the athleticism or high-end traits that some of his colleagues listed above him do, Goff makes plays and is a master distributor of the football. He deserved every penny of his new $212M deal, in my opinion.

14. KIRK COUSINS | FALCONS

Status: High-End Starter | Trending: DOWN

Cousins’ current situation in Atlanta is well-documented at this point, and it has to be somewhat of a let-down for a guy who came to the Falcons with the idea that he was the guy for the foreseeable future to take a talented, improving roster to new heights under new Head Coach Raheem Morris and OC Zach Robinson, who’s scheme should be fairly familiar to Cousins because of his experience in Vikings’ HC Kevin O’Connell’s system for the last 3 years. In 2023, Cousins was playing maybe the best football of his career and has the football IQ and experience to lift Atlanta out of the QB doldrums in 2024. I expect him to play well.

15. BROCK PURDY | 49ERS

Status: Scheme-Dependent QB1 | Trending: EVEN

Brock Purdy is a beneficiary of the league’s most QB-friendly offensive scheme, it’s true, but his consistency and ability to dial up the intensity in big moments is rare, so it’s tough to find a real sweet spot for him in these rankings for me. In the end I feel that he is an above-average starter who relies on a complete understanding of the system he’s in and his role in it to run an efficient, and even explosive offense. Burdy’s supporting cast is also one of the NFL’s best, which provides a major boost to his stat lines.

16. TUA TAGOVOILOA | DOLPHINS

Status: Scheme-Dependent QB1 | Trending: DOWN

Much like Purdy, I believe Tua’s insane stats and high efficiency marks have more to do with the scheme he’s in and the talent around him than it does actual high-end Quarterbacking skills. Tua plays with fantastic anticipation and awareness, allowing him to take advantage of defenses who are out of position trying to keep up with the elite speed the Fins boast on the outside. That said, if he’s forced off his spot or has to make plays outside of structure, things can fall apart quickly. He’s a starting QB, make no mistake, but his floor and ceiling aren’t that far apart.

17. JALEN HURTS | EAGLES

Status: Mid-Level Starter | Trending: DOWN

Hurts took a step back in 2023 after leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl the previous year, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that he was asked to do so much more last year for a team that was falling apart at the seams by Thanksgiving. Hurts is at his best when he plays within the structure of the offense and can hit open receivers in stride down the field, or use his legs as an RPO specialist to force defenders into compromising situations. Asking him to be an elite pocket passer forces him outside of his comfort zone, though, and is not how you want to deploy him in 2024 to maximize his talents.

18. CALEB WILLIAMS (R) | BEARS

Status: Rookie | Trending: UP

Williams has an unlimited ceiling and a chance to quickly make his mark as a high-end QB in the NFL. For our purposes, though, he’s still a Rookie who has never thrown an NFL pass. Still, he boasts elite arm talent, pocket maneuverability, play recognition, and playmaking ability in and out of structure that it feels safe to project him as at least a middle-of-the-pack starter in Year 1. The Bears have done a fine job of building a team around Williams on offense, so I expect a lot of fireworks from the 1st Overall Pick in 2024.

19. GENO SMITH | SEAHAWKS

Status: Mid-Level Starter | Trending: EVEN

It felt like teams were a little more prepared for defending Geno in 2023 after his breakout 2022 season, but in spite of the relative leveling-out of his play last season, the Seahawks starter proved he could counter-punch enough to remain a solid mid-tier QB who can make all the throws. Overall, Geno doesn’t have near the ceilings of his counterparts that are higher on this list, but he is a capable starter who can still make a couple of “Wow” throws every game.

20. BAKER MAYFIELD | BUCCANEERS

Status: Mid-Level Starter | Trending: UP

Baker Mayfield’s 2024 rebound was unexpected but not unappreciated. He took advantage of great schematics, a good supporting cast, and low expectations to show once again what made him attractive enough to be the 1st Overall Pick of the Draft in 2018. Mayfield’s limitations are more cerebral than anything, and there’s always 1 or 2 head-scratching mistakes on a weekly basis, but he showed plenty of juice in 2023 and could climb this list throughout the year if he continues to show improvement.

21. ANTHONY RICHARDSON | COLTS

Status: Mid-Level Starter | Trending: UP

Another young QB who could skyrocket up this list with a big season, Richardson might be the most athletic specimen we’ve ever seen at the QB position, and his ceiling is through the roof as both a passer and a runner. If he can stay healthy and learn to protect himself in the pocket and on the run, he has a chance to be the kind of player that dictates entire gameplans for opposing defensive coordinators much like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen do to their opponents. Outside of Stroud, Richardson’s trajectory is the one I’m watching the closest in 2024.

22. RUSSELL WILSON | STEELERS

Status: Mid-Level Starter | Trending: UP

This could easily be Justin Fields when it’s all said and done, but I believe head coach Mike Tomlin was beyond thrilled to get Wilson in the building, and I believe the Steelers think he has a lot left in the tank. Wilson’s 2023 was a major bounce-back from his beyond forgettable 2022 campaign under one-and-done HC Nathaniel Hackett. Much has been made of Wilson’s apparent decline from his Seattle heyday, and while I don’t expect an elite QB to march out of the tunnel on the banks of the Three Rivers this fall, I do expect him to play well for a team that hasn’t seen consistently good QB play since 2018 pre-elbow injury for Ben Roethlisberger. Wilson might just have enough left in the tank for a mini-renaissance in Pittsburgh.

23. DEREK CARR | SAINTS

Status: Low-End Starter | Trending: DOWN

I am not a big Derek Carr fan, and his play deteriorated dramatically in 2023, I thought. The Saints don’t really have someone to push him this offseason, unless you’re counting on 5th Round Rookie Spencer Rattler to make some noise in the leadup to the season. That said, Carr can still play well enough in spurts to keep the Saints competitive if their defense plays well and the supporting cast on offense can help lift the team this season.

24. DANIEL JONES | GIANTS

Status: Low-End Starter | Trending: DOWN

Daniel Jones gets a big boost at WR after the Giants drafted Malik Nabers 6th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but there are still so many holes on this roster, and frankly, so many holes in Jones’ game that there isn’t a whole lot of optimism surrounding the former Top 10 pick for this season. That said, Jones’ flashes are really good, which is why he was given a $40M+/yr contract just last offseason. If Jones can play more consistently and minimize the glaring mistakes and injuries that were his downfall last season, maybe there’s a chance he can reset his career in 2024.

25. DESHAUN WATSON | BROWNS

Status: Replacement Level | Trending: DOWN

The largest overpay and worst contract in NFL history is what Watson has to overcome in 2024, and based on what we’ve seen so far, I don’t have a lot of faith that this situation has many redeeming qualities left in it for Cleveland. Watson has been at or around league worst statistically and across the advanced metrics landscape for the entirety of his Browns career, and if you’re the Browns, the only reason he is slotted to be your starter is the fact that you literally can’t afford to not play him and hope for the best. It’s really a sad state of affairs for a roster that otherwise is ready to compete for Championships.

26. DRAKE MAYE (R) | PATRIOTS

Status: Rookie | Trending: UP

Maye could very well find himself the Patriots QB2 when the season starts, but I think it behooves the Patriots to eventually see what they have this season in the dynamic Rookie, who was my QB1 for the majority of the Pre-Draft process. Maye’s physical traits, prototypical size, and leadership qualities made him my top QB in this class, though I think it will likely take time for him to realize that potential in New England.

27. GARDNER MINSHEW | RAIDERS

Status: Replacement Level | Trending: EVEN

Minshew is just ok, and might very well get beat out by 2nd-year QB Aiden O’Connell if he can’t hold him off in camp. The good news for the Raiders is that neither player has to be good in 2024 because the team is in transition at the position. In the meantime, at least Minshew gives you a QB who thinks he can make every throw and isn’t afraid to test that theory, sometimes to the benefit, and sometimes to the detriment of the team he is attempting to lead. One thing we do know: Both Minshew and O’Connell will have the benefit of an elite WR duo in Devanta Adams and Jacoby Meyers, as well as a potentially dynamic TE duo in Michael Mayer and newly drafted phenom Brock Bowers. That should help in the Raiders evaluation process.

28. JAYDEN DANIELS (R) | COMMANDERS

Status: Rookie | Trending: UP

Daniels has a high-level skillset in the mold of Lamar Jackson, and it’s safe to say that he will be an upgrade on Sam Howell right away for the Commanders. If he can learn to adapt to the speed of the NFL game, protect himself from big hits, and turn fewer pressures into sacks, I believe in the arm talent and overall skill for him to succeed in the NFL.

29. BRYCE YOUNG | PANTHERS

Status: TBD | Trending: UP

Young is trending up because the Panthers made it a priority to add weapons all over the field for the 2nd-year passer. The addition of HC Dave Canales should also help with Young’s development in a QB-friendly scheme with several new additions like former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson and draft picks Xavier Legette (WR) and Jonathan Brooks (RB) that should help alleviate some of the stress from Young’s plate. If the former 1st Overall Pick can settle in and play “point guard” like we saw him do at Alabama, Panthers fans should have reason to be excited moving forward.

30. WILL LEVIS | TITANS

Status: TBD | Trending: UP

Another QB whose team loaded up on weapons to make no mistake about where they are at QB after this season. Levis has seen improvements along the OL and out wide at Receiver this offseason, and it should give the 2nd-year passer a real boost in overall production in 2024. Levis brings a real fire and some high-end traits to the position for Tennessee and could easily find himself rising up this list throughout the season if he realizes his potential.

31. JJ MCCARTHY (R) | VIKINGS

Status: Rookie | Trending: UP

The new Vikings’ QB comes into one of the best situations for a young QB in football, with star players dotting the offensive roster at key positions and an offensive scheme led by HC Kevin O’Connell that helps give QBs easy reads and the ability to make smart decisions even under pressure. McCarthy has a chance to grow quickly in Minnesota, and if he does, the Vikings could be a spicy dark horse candidate in the suddenly ultra-competitive NFC North.

32. BO NIX (R) | BRONCOS

Status: Rookie | Trending: UP

It’s apparently a match made in heaven between Nix and Broncos HC Sean Payton, who it appears had targeted Nix as his guy for the majority of the Draft process under the assumption that the consensus Top 3 guys in Williams, Daniels, and Maye were all off the board by Pick 12. Nix does boast plenty of experience and enough arm talent and physical traits to be intriguing in Payton’s scheme. I’m actually pretty excited to see what he can become over the next 2-3 years.

How would you rank the QBs as we look ahead to 2024? Let me know in the comments and be sure to stay tuned to the Fans First Sports Network for all your NFL news and notes!