ABALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
A+ Effort!
Lamar Jackson is the best QB in the NFL. Over 4,000 passing yards, nearly 1,000 rushing yards, and 45 total touchdowns. MVP front-runner, and rightfully so.
Joe Burrow (CIN): A
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a first down during the third quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Dazzled us all season long with an absolute clinic on pure passing. Maybe the most accurate passer in the league, Joe put this team on his back and pushed like hell for the playoffs.
Josh Allen (BUF): A+
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Started the season slowly (by our expectations) but finished like a MONSTER. He is so incredibly valuable to his team.
Patrick Mahomes (KC): B
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
You have to give it to Mahomes – maybe the most resolute QB in the league. Unfazed by game or situation, the only reason he’s not higher is his stats, which dipped this season. Oops. I just got flagged for roughing. Sigh.
Bo Nix (DEN): B
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Another rook with a better-than-I-expected grade out. Wasn’t high on him in the draft, but Payton has really worked his magic with yet another QB.
Justin Herbert (LAC): C+
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Decent little rebound, and he made a bonafide WR out of Ladd McConkey. He just doesn’t have much else on a run-first, second, and sometimes third offense.
CJ Stroud (HOU): C+
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Texans 30-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
A step back, or was he playing in the clouds in 2023? Losing Nico and Tank definitely hit hard, but CJ is developing into a solid Tier 3 guy with Tier 2 potential.
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): C
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins embraces Tua Tagovailoa #1 after leaving the game with an injury during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
I really wish this guy would retire, truly for his health and safety. But there’s no denying that when they’re firing on all cylinders in Miami, Tua can produce. Inconsistency and injuries remain issues.
Aaron Rodgers (NYJ): C
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
I have such a disdain for Rodgers. I’m not sure I can write an unbiased article. Had him at a D (which by his standards that’s about right), but looked his stats over again and moved him to a C. His QBR is garbage, and that also speaks volumes.
Drake Maye (NE): C+
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs with the football during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
I really enjoyed watching Maye play. Once he took over, I he was steady and showed tremendous poise as a rookie. New coach, a few more weapons, and he’ll be a solid game manager.
Trevor Lawrence (JAX): C
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tools and talent around him, I’m not sure why Lawrence can’t take the next step. Maybe new head coach Liam Coen (see Baker Mayfield) can unlock the next level in him.
Pittsburgh QBS (PIT): C-
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Split between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the season was just mehhhhh as we watched the Steelers fade again in January. Both are adequate; neither are winners at this point.
Las Vegas QBS (LVR): D
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Brutal QB room but the best facial accessorizing in the NFL. Neither played like they wanted the job, and Davante Adams hated it so much he faked an injury for weeks until they traded him. Having Brock Bowers translate stats is the only thing that kept this grade from being an F.
Cleveland QBS (CLE): D-
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after his team’s 29-24 win against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Speaking of dumpster fires, my god. Winston was the best of the bunch, but he was up to his old tricks as well. Curious where 2025 goes.
Tennessee QBS (TEN): F
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
I want to like Will Levis, but another terrible decision-maker. He’s got the moxy, he just doesn’t make plays (for his team).
Anthony Richardson (IND): F
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The worst starting QB in the NFL – talent-wise, commitment-wise, and otherwise. Terribly inaccurate, fragile, and lazy – and the stats (and wins) reflected it.
