NFL QB Rankings for 2020
A ranking of the 32 Starting NFL Quarterbacks.
These are the NFL Quarterback Rankings heading into the 2020 NFL season. Each QB is ranked based on their 2019 performance, potential, and their previous track record for consistency. This list will take a little bit of everything into account. The NFL Quarterback play as of 2020 is better than it probably has ever been.
A lot of that has to do with the rule changes that now favor Quarterbacks and NFL Offenses. A lot of that also has to do with the NFL shifting to Quarterbacks that are great athletes and can make plays with their legs. Traditional drop-back prospects are slowly being faded out. Not completely though.
Teams still know that you need a Quarterback that can win within the pocket. However, it helps tremendously if that Quarterback, with the rule changes of today being taken into account, has some mobility.
So with these things in mind let's get right into this list!
1. Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs
2019 Stats: 11–3 QB Record, 26 TD, 5 INT, 65.9 Cmp.%, 4,031 Passing Yards, 105.3 Rate
The Breakdown:
This ranking is a no-brainer. Mahomes is just his third season, and second as a full-time starter has won his first Super-Bowl and is already a League MVP. After signing the biggest contract in NFL history, Mahomes is on the fast track to a Hall-of-Fame Career.
2. Lamar Jackson: Baltimore Ravens
2019 Stats: 13–2 QB Record, 36 TD, 6 INT, 66.1 Cmp.%, 3,127 Passing Yards, 113.3 Rate, 1,206, Rushing Yards, 7 Rush TD
The Breakdown:
The battle between Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes as the two best quarterbacks in the NFL is exciting and reminiscent of the Peyton Manning and Tom Brady Rivalry in the AFC. Who is Peyton and who is Brady?
Well right now it looks like Lamar is Peyton and Mahomes is Brady because of the Super-Bowl win, and Lamar (much like Peyton early in his Career) has yet to win a playoff game in his still very young career, despite his historic brilliance during the regular season. One thing is for sure, Jackson is arguably the most fun to watch Quarterback in the NFL right now and is must-see T.V. whether you’re a Ravens fan or not.
3. Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks
2019 Stats: 11–5 QB Record, 31 TD, 5 INT, 66.1 Cmp%, 4,110 Passing Yards, 106.3 Rate, 342 Rushing Yards, 3 Rush TD
The Breakdown:
At the start of his career, Russell Wilson was mostly looked at as a really good game manager that handed the ball off to “Beast Mode”. As the years have passed and the team around Wilson has started to deteriorate, Wilson has had some burden of having to carry the Seahawks. He has done just that. He has become one of the elite Quarterbacks of the NFL, and his spot this high on the list is very warranted.
4. Deshaun Watson: Houston Texans
2019 Stats: 10–5 QB Record, 26 TD, 12 INT, 67.3 Cmp%, 3,852 Passing Yards, 98.0 Rate, 413 Rushing Yards, 7 Rush TD
The Breakdown:
It’ll be interesting to see the type of season Watson has without his former top Wide-Out, DeAndre Hopkins who was foolishly traded in the heist of the Decade to the Arizona Cardinals for Running-back David Johnson. Still, I have faith in Watson and he has proven to be the Class of the AFC South in terms of Quarterbacks.
5. Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers
2019 Stats: 13–3 QB Record, 26 TD, 4 INT, 62.0 Cmp.%, 4,002 Passing Yards, 95.4 Rate
The Breakdown:
Some experts and media have said that A-Rod is on the decline. Well, if a 6.5 Touchdown to Interception ratio is a “decline”, I’ll take said Quarterback as mine if you don’t want him. The Packers share those sentiments and feel like Rodgers is closer to the end, otherwise, they wouldn’t have foolishly drafted Jordan Love with the 26th Overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
6. Drew Brees: New Orleans Saints
2019 Stats: 8–3 QB Record, 27 TD, 4 INT, 74.3 Cmp.%, 2,979 Passing Yards, 116.3 Rate
The Breakdown:
Drew Brees continues to resist “father-time” and is still playing like a top Quarterback heading into his 20th season in 2020. Wow-what a good omen. Maybe it’ll be the Saints year to finish off a playoff run and have Brees win a Championship so he then can retire, and ride off into the sunset. If his great play at his advanced age continues in 2020, it’s certainly not out of the question.
7. Tom Brady: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2019 Stats: 12–4 QB Record, 24 TD, 8 INT, 60.8 Cmp.%, 4,057 Passing Yards, 88.0 Rate
The Breakdown:
With Brady going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2020 NFL Season is off to an odd start. 2020 in general has been an odd year. That’s beside the point and off-topic. I still cannot believe Brady is going to be wearing another uniform that isn’t the New England Patriots.
Nonetheless, Brady is going to have an embarrassing display of weapons at his disposal on the Offensive end, and a coach in Bruce Arians, whose offensive system made Carson Palmer look like a Hall-of-Famer at times. As an offensive unit, Tampa is going to be a really fun team to watch.
8. Matt Ryan: Atlanta Falcons
2019 Stats: 7–8 QB Record, 26 TD, 14 INT, 66.2 Cmp.%, 4,466 Passing Yards, 92.1 Rate
The Breakdown:
Matt Ryan is that solid durable starter that you can always count on to be there on every single Sunday, Thursday, or Monday for game day. I’ve never quite considered him elite. He’s kind of like Eli Manning but without the Super-Bowls. His case for the Hall-of-Fame will be an interesting one if he doesn’t win a Super-Bowl. Unfortunately, that seems like a likely scenario. The Falcons as a team, hardly look like a Franchise on the precipice of making a Super-Bowl run.
9. Cam Newton: New England Patriots
2019 Stats: 0–2 QB Record, 0 TD, 1 INT, 56.2 Cmp.%, 572 Passing Yards, 71.0 Rate
The Breakdown:
I’ll be honest. I was tempted to rank Newton higher than this because I believe when we do these rankings at the end of the Year, Newton’s current Ranking won’t do him justice. Cam Newton was done dirty by the Carolina Panthers after he had made them perennial contenders, had multiple playoff appearances and brought the team the most sustained level of success in its young history.
Bill Belichick and Cam Newton are a match made in Heaven. If you want to know the reasons why Newton and Belichick are going to dominate next season, check out my article here, where I breakdown the new pairing.
10. Jimmy Garoppolo: San Francisco 49ers
2019 Stats: 13–3 QB Record, 27 TD, 13 INT, 69.1 Cmp.%, 3,978 Passing Yards, 102.0 Rate
The Breakdown:
The constant scrutiny on Garoppolo doesn’t make any sense to me. The man is a winner and has a remarkable 21–5 Record as a Starter. Without Garoppolo, we saw what happened to the 49ers a couple of years ago. The 49ers have a good team around Jimmy G, but he is no babysitting Quarterback. The 49ers were able to make it to the Super-Bowl because they have themselves a legitimate Franchise Quarterback.
If Jimmy G continues with his great accuracy and can stay healthy, he could see himself higher on this list, especially with Quarterbacks like Brees, Brady, and Rodgers, all closer to the end.
11. Kirk Cousins: Minnesota Vikings
2019 Stats: 10–5 QB Record, 26 TD, 6 INT, 69.1 Cmp.%, 3,603 Passing Yards, 107.4 Rate
The Breakdown:
This may be another controversial ranking but I don’t care. Cousins is one of the most accurate deep-ball throwers in the NFL, and one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL. Period. He’s tough, doesn’t miss games, and has proven to be a very reliable player.
12. Dak Prescott: Dallas Cowboys
2019 Stats: 8–8 QB Record, 30 TD, 11 INT, 65.1 Cmp.%, 4,902 Passing Yards, 99.7 Rate
The Breakdown:
Prescott had a breakout year for the Cowboys last season. It was just overshadowed by Quarterbacks on this list that are better than him. However, that’s no knock on Dak. In fact after Dak, in my opinion, there’s a huge drop-off. Dak’s season was also overshadowed by the fact that the Cowboys failed to make the playoffs.
Still, Dak showed that he can push the ball down the field, and the Cowboys took the “training wheels” off. He’s a player that can move up this list as the aforementioned older Quarterbacks at the top continue to phase out.
13. Carson Wentz: Philadelphia Eagles
2019 Stats: 9–7 QB Record, 27 TD, 7 INT, 63.9 Cmp.%, 4,039 Passing Yards, 93.1 Rate
The Breakdown:
No offense to Carson Wentz, but he is where the “drop-off” in these NFL QB Rankings begins. First, I would like to say that Wentz’s talent is unquestionable. However, your ability to answer the bell when your team needs you the most has to count for something.
Whether that’s getting your first playoff win, coming through in clutch situations on the field, and perhaps Wentz’s biggest problem, staying healthy. Sound familiar NFC East fans? Well, I don’t blame you because the Cowboys just transitioned from a Quarterback that had these Qualities and his name was Tony Romo. That’s right. I said it. I said what I said.
Carson Wentz is vastly overrated and is the modern-day version of Tony Romo. I’ll be even franker. There’s a reason why the Eagles invested a 2nd round pick on Quarterback Jalen Hurts. I don’t care what any Carson Wentz fan or supporter says, no team that has their supposed Franchise Quarterback takes a Quarterback in the Second Round to be a Backup.
I get the feeling that somewhere down the road Wentz will continue to regress, not stay healthy, and the Eagles will move on from their once-promising but highly touted Quarterback, much like the Titans did recently with Marcus Mariota. Taking all of this into account, this is a rather generous ranking for Wentz, who I could make the argument could be lower, and justifiably so. I feel generous though, and Wentz’s talent and potential keep him from being lower on this list.
14. Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers
2019 Stats: 0–2 QB Record, 0 TD, 1 INT, 56.5 Cmp.%, 356 Passing Yards, 66.0 Rate
The Breakdown:
If the 2019 season wasn’t an indication or example of how fortunate Ben Roethlisberger has been to have played for such a great Coach and Organization, I don’t know what is. The Steeler’s went 8–6 without him, so when people say he’s the best Quarterback of the Legendary 2004 QB Class. I chuckle. It’s Hilarious. The man has played with more Hall-of-Famers than Philip Rivers, and Eli Manning Combined. Yet has never won a Super-Bowl MVP. He’s not a great leader on or off the field either. What he is though, is a great talented Quarterback that brings all the physical tools, which is why the Steelers Organization has put up with his drama-queen attitude.
15. Jared Goff: Los Angeles Rams
2019 Stats: 9–7 QB Record, 22 TD, 16 INT, 62.9 Cmp.%, 4,638 Passing Yards, 86.5 Rate
The Breakdown:
Goff dropped off in terms of his production last season. He’s still a solid player though and someone you can win games with for sure. The question is has he peaked? Or will he get better? Only time will tell.
16. Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills
2019 Stats: 10–6 QB Record, 20 TD, 9 INT, 58.8 Cmp.%, 3,089 Passing Yards, 85.3 Rate, 510 Rushing Yards, 9 Rush TD
The Breakdown:
Josh Allen is one of my favorite young Quarterbacks to watch in the NFL. He throws lasers, has the best arm in NFL, and can make plays with his feet. It’s been impressive to watch him carry the Bills with the limited talent around him.
The Bills made the right choice in the 2018 NFL Draft as Allen also had very little to work with within college. He’s used to having to carry a team on his back. As the Bills continue to put more pieces around him, Allen will only get better and could be much higher on this list by the end of next season.
17. Ryan Tannehill: Tennessee Titans
2019 Stats: 7–3 QB Record, 22 TD, 6, INT, 70.3 Cmp.%, 2,742 Passing Yards, 117.5 Rate
The Breakdown:
Tannehill has always been a solid Starting Quarterback. Even with the Dolphins. They just never put the pieces around him consistently enough. Well, the Titans had the right pieces around Tannehill last season and we saw what he could do. However I don’t expect Tannehill to keep up the elite level of production that he produced last season and I think this ranking is perfectly conducive to the type of Quarterback that Tannehill is, not bad, pretty good at times, but replaceable.
18. Matthew Stafford: Detroit Lions
2019 Stats: 3–4–1 QB Record, 19 TD, 5 INT, 64.3 Cmp.%, 2,499 Passing Yards, 106.0 Rate
The Breakdown:
Matthew Stafford is an aging overrated, veteran Quarterback who is constantly mentioned in the top 10 when Rankings of the best NFL Quarterbacks come up. It’s very puzzling to me so I’ll keep it short and sweet while I debunk why Stafford is not a top 10 Quarterback.
In 11 seasons as a starter, Stafford has no playoff wins, a career losing record, just 1 Pro-Bowl, only 3 Playoff Appearances, and just 4 seasons with a winning record. He’s a rocket-armed compiler who will retire with impressive “empty” stats and nothing to show for it. The most Overrated Quarterback in the NFL at this point. Oh and I forgot to mention his putrid record against teams with a winning record. Matthew Stafford doesn’t need to be on any Top 10 QB list except for most Overrated, disappointing, biggest tease, or best Quarterback at losing.
19. Daniel Jones: New York Giants
2019 Stats: 3–9 QB Record, 24 TD, 12 INT, 61.9 Cmp.%, 3,027 Passing Yards, 87.7 Rate
The Breakdown:
The one they call “Danny Dimes” had a very good start to his NFL career. There are things for him to work on. Sure. Like his fumbling problem, and possibly being or not being able to stay healthy. Nonetheless, we all saw the arm talent to make the throws on the run, the mobility, and poise in the Pocket. I think Jones will continue to grow and get better as a young Quarterback on the come-up.
20. Philip Rivers: Indianapolis Colts
2019 Stats: 5–11 QB Record, 23 TD, 20 INT, 66.0 Cmp.%, 4,615 Passing Yards, 88.5 Rate
The Breakdown:
It’s very puzzling to me why it took national media, and most importantly the Chargers to notice the drop off in Philip Rivers's play. For those of us paying attention, or more specifically me, the drop-off started in 2014. There is no difference between the current Philip Rivers and 2014 Rivers.
The man has had many chances to deliver the goods and has played on really good teams. He’s the one that held the Chargers back from that time frame. I think playing for a small market team for most of his career, San Diego has helped Rivers from being exposed for what he has been for most of his career, another Matt Stafford.
Rivers is an Overrated compiler who gets a good narrative, and excuses by national media as to why he hasn’t been able to deliver. Meanwhile, those same people detract from the accomplishments of someone like Eli Manning who has gotten it done and who doesn’t get the same excuses for the times he didn’t.
Taking everything into consideration, it’s clear that Eli Manning was no doubt the best Quarterback of the 2004 class. But that’s a subject for another time. Rivers playing for the Colts won’t change anything. He may even put up great numbers. They’ll be empty, and he’ll choke in the playoffs as he usually does if he even guides the Colts that far.
21. Derek Carr: Oakland Raiders
2019 Stats: 7–9 QB Record, 21 TD, 8 INT, 70.4 Cmp.%, 4,054 Passing Yards,100.8 Rate
The Breakdown:
Carr has the makings of a solid young Quarterback. The problem is we haven’t seen him play in many games that matter so it’s hard to tell how good he is. Right now the Raiders are continuing to rebuild their roster under the Jon Gruden era while Carr is right in the middle of his prime.
This is kind of like the Archie Manning with New Orleans Saints days. Is Carr partly to blame for the Raiders' dismal record during his tenure? Yes, of course, he’s the leader, he’s the Quarterback. However, when you put his performance into context and what he’s had to work with, and the rebuild, it’s hard to put him lower than this. He’s still in his prime and can turn it around.
22. Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals
2019 Stats: N/A (Rookie)
The Breakdown:
You know there’s a huge drop-off coming when a Rookie Quarterback that has yet to play an NFL down is ranked this high with 10 more spots still left to fill. However, that’s only part of it. The fact of the matter is Joe Burrow is the most NFL-ready QB prospect from the 2020 Draft coming into this NFL season.
I wasn’t high on Burrow per se, but I do think he’s a safe prospect in that he has very low bust potential. I think at worst he’s Alex Smith or a healthy version of Sam Bradford. Those are two solid league average to above average, at times, Quarterbacks that you can win with when healthy.
23. Baker Mayfield: Cleveland Browns
2019 Stats: 6–10 QB Record, 22 TD, 21 INT, 59.4 Cmp.%, 3,827 Passing Yards, 78.8 Rate
The Breakdown:
I was shocked when the Browns took Baker Mayfield with the 1st Overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has proven to be better than I thought. At least when he is at his best. He wasn’t in 2019 and could quickly prove to be a bust if he continues to regress. That wouldn’t be surprising honestly. I was never high on him, to begin with.
24. Sam Darnold: New York Jets
2019 Stats: 7–6 QB Record, 19 TD, 13 INT, 61.9 Cmp.%, 3,024 Passing Yards, 83.4 Rate
The Breakdown:
Darnold is another Quarterback who I thought was a little overrated as a prospect coming out of USC. I was very high on him initially as a Freshman at USC. However, the obvious flaws in his game began to be exposed. He’s still young though and has time to grow, although big market fan bases like New York aren’t patient.
25. Tyrod Taylor: Los Angeles Chargers
2019 Stats: 8 Appearances as a Back-up Quarterback
The Breakdown:
This ranking is assuming that Tyrod Taylor beats out the 6th Overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Justin Herbert which shouldn’t be too hard for Taylor to do. Herbert is the least NFL-ready prospect that I can remember being over-drafted this high in some time. I would have to go back to 2011 when the Jaguars foolishly traded up and Drafted Blaine Gabbert 10th Overall.
Taylor is a solid Quarterback and the best Quarterback on the Chargers roster right now. He’s the perfect example of Black Quarterbacks needing to be twice as good to get half the credit. His really good Quarterback play with the Bills from 2015–17 proves that.
26. Teddy Bridgewater: Carolina Panthers
2019 Stats: 5–0 QB Record, 9 TD, 2 INT, 67.9 Cmp.%, 1,384 Passing Yards, 99.1 Rate
The Breakdown:
At this point of the rankings, unless you’re a rookie or second-year Quarterback, it’s getting hard to find good things to say. I’ll give it my best shot. Teddy Bridgewater is an injury-prone veteran, game manager, that was over-payed by the Panthers to replace a Quarterback in Cam Newton that is ten times better than him on his worst day. I gave it my best shot. Let's call it like it is. Bridgewater is a slightly below-average Starting Quarterback and a really good backup.
27. Drew Lock: Denver Broncos
2019 Stats: 4–1 QB Record, 7 TD, 3 INT, 64.1 Cmp.%, 1,020 Passing Yards, 89.7 Rate
The Breakdown:
I like the potential that Drew lock showed in his rookie season with the Broncos last year. We all know about the arm talent, his size and physical attributes, and his ability to throw on the run. What surprised me the most, however, was his good decision-making. That’s rare in a rookie Quarterback. I’m excited to see what Lock does in a full season of play.
28. Kyler Murray: Arizona Cardinals
2019 Stats: 5–10–1 QB Record, 20 TD, 12 INT, 64.4 Cmp.%, 3,722 Passing Yards, 87.4 Rate, 544 Rushing Yards, 4 Rush TD
The Breakdown:
Kyler Murray robbed the Rookie of The Year Award from Daniel Jones and Josh Jacobs. Murray wasn’t even close to being the best rookie. For someone with his limited size and stature, you have to justify your status as the Number one pick and Murray just didn’t do it for me. He’s a tad bit Overrated.
I don’t want to harp on the guy though because it was only his rookie season. I don’t see an amazing young player who will climb up these rankings in the future. I see a player who is very limited and will get exposed once you ask him to adjust his game. His limited size is already a huge problem in helping him to adjust.
29. Tua Tagovailoa: Miami Dolphins
2019 Stats: N/A (Rookie)
The Breakdown:
This ranking is assuming that Tua beats out Ryan Fitzpatrick for the starting job. I see no reason other than health why he cannot. I wasn’t high on Tua as a prospect and feel like his lack of durability is going to be a huge issue moving forward. He has some redeeming qualities as an accurate passer who can throw on the move though, I just don’t see Franchise changing Quarterback material. The Dolphins took a humongous gamble.
30. Mitch Trubisky: Chicago Bears
2019 Stats: 8–7 QB Record, 17 TD, 10 INT, 63.2 Cmp.%, 3,138 Passing Yards,83.0 Rate
The Breakdown:
My oh my, how one year can change things. Just two Seasons ago Turbisky led the Bears to a 12–4 Record, was a Pro-Bowler, and was walking on air. Fast-forward now and it’s not even a guarantee that he’s the opening day starter for the team that Drafted him 2nd Overall over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in 2017.
In a way, I feel bad for Turbisky. I don’t think he’s a bad player at all. He just lacks leadership and most importantly, confidence. His confidence gets shot easily. That’s not good when you’re the face of the Franchise. At this point, it’d be a miracle if he turns it around. But it's not impossible. Eli Manning did it. Troy Aikman did it. It can be done.
31. Gardner Minshew: Jacksonville Jaguars
2019 Stats: 6–6 QB Record, 21 TD, 6 INT, 60 Cmp.%, 3,271 Passing Yards, 91.2 Rate
The Breakdown:
Minshew played well for a rookie drafted in the 6th round. His flaws are very apparent though. His limited arm strength limits his upside and he’s not someone you build your team around. The Jags should hope for a losing record next season so they can draft a true Franchise Quarterback in Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
At best Minshew has another good season and the Jaguars are fooled into moving forward with Minshew as their guy. That wouldn’t be ideal. At best he’s a slightly lesser version of Andy Dalton and realistically right now he’s Ryan Fitzpatrick 2.0. Better than he should be but not good enough to be your long-term starter.
32. Dwayne Haskins: Washington
2019 Stats: 2–5 QB Record, 7 TD, 7 INT, 58.6 Cmp.%, 1,365 Passing Yards, 76.1 Rate
The Breakdown:
This is assuming Alex Smith isn’t ready to start week 1. That’s the only way I think Haskins even gets the starting job. Haskins will more than likely start the season, but most definitely won’t finish it. Washington has Alex Smith back in the fold, plus Ron Rivera’s backup plan Kyle Allen, who filled in nicely for him in Carolina. Unless Haskins plays out of his mind and quite frankly shows the potential that he failed to show in his rookie season, he is set to be Josh Rosen 2.0.
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