Ranking Every NFL Division's Quarterbacks: AFC Edition

AFC North

1. Lamar Jackson: Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson has been a top 5 QB since he came into the league. He won NFL MVP twice, 2-time all-pro, and owns the record for quarterback rushing yards in a season. Coming off his second MVP year, Jackson is the clear #1 in this division, maybe even #2 in the whole AFC.

2. Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow has had an inconsistent career so far. He was injured in his rookie year, a Super Bowl appearance in year 2. He followed it up with a Conference Championship loss in year 3 and another injury in year 4. When Burrow is healthy he’s one of the best in the league, and he’s proven that. If he can stay on the field in 2024, the Bengals are likely a deep playoff contender.

3. Russell Wilson: Pittsburgh Steelers

Signed to a 1-year deal in Pittsburgh, Russell Wilson is looking for a fresh start to prove himself again. Unfortunately, his best years are behind him, and Justin Fields will likely own that starting job by next year. Wilson is a great veteran presence, but he doesn’t make the Steelers more of a contender than they already were.

4. Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns

The $230 million man has unfortunately not lived up to his price tag. In 2 seasons, Watson has only played in 12 games for the Browns, 6 in each year. He had a 5-1 record last year in the games he played, so the talent is certainly still there. Given his contract, and his issues staying on the field, the Deshaun Watson deal seems to be doing more harm than good in Cleveland.

AFC West

1. Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs

This pick needs no explanation. Mahomes has 3 Super Bowl wins in 5 years, including back-to-back wins. It may be premature, but he’s in the conversation for “Greatest of All Time”. Patrick Mahomes is the #1 quarterback not just in this division, but in the NFL.

2. Justin Herbert: Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is a player who, despite his surroundings, has shown immense talent. He’s had a rough go of it in LA, whether it’s coaching or injuries to his key playmakers, Herbert hasn’t had a true fighting chance. With new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh coming in, the Chargers might turn it around, and Herbert can reach his full potential.

3. Gardner Minshew/Aiden O’Connell: Las Vegas Raiders

As of this writing, the Raiders haven’t decided who will start this season. Regardless, neither of these guys is a game-changer in Vegas. O’Connell is extremely unproven, only starting 10 games in 2023, and posting 12 TDs to 7 interceptions.

Gardner Minshew has been a great backup just about everywhere he goes. He’s a great locker room presence, he’s someone who won’t go out and lose football games. However, he’s not exactly someone who can lead the charge and win the game either. Both guys have potential, but neither seems like a great option in 2024.

4. Jarrett Stidham: Denver Broncos

The Broncos seem to be rolling with Jarrett Stidham to start 2024. That can quickly change, given they have Zach Wilson, and 2024 first-round pick Bo Nix in the QB room. Stidham has only started 4 games in his career and holds a 1-3 record in those games. If he does start this year, the lights will be bright under Head Coach Sean Payton.

AFC South

1. CJ Stroud: Houston Texans

While only entering his second year, CJ Stroud has become a superstar in Houston. 2023 Offensive Rookie of The Year, a dominant playoff win, and a Pro Bowler. Stroud seems like he’ll be the face of the Texans moving forward, and has already surpassed every other QB in this division.

2. Trevor Lawrence: Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence just received a 5-year, $275 million contract this year, one of the largest contracts in NFL history. After a difficult rookie year, Lawrence has slowly increased his production. He’s seen many of the same problems Justin Herbert has regarding coaching and roster issues. The Jaguars are going into year 3 under Doug Pederson. The consistency should allow Lawrence more room for improvement.

3. Anthony Richardson: Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson was electrifying to watch in his 4 games with Indy. His playstyle is exciting, but it’s also what got him hurt. If Richardson can return and stay on the field in 2024, he has a real shot at claiming this division. He’s third in the South for now, but that can change quickly.

4. Will Levis: Tennessee Titans

Levis had an extremely underwhelming rookie year. He got his first start late in October and faced a tough run of opponents. Now without superstar running back Derrick Henry, the Titans offense looks even weaker. Will Levis has a difficult road in 2024, and the AFC South is too competitive for the team around him to keep up with.

AFC East

1. Aaron Rodgers: New York Jets

This spot could arguably go to Josh Allen. Given Rodgers's age, and coming off of a devastating achilles injury, he might not be the player he once was. He is still Aaron Rodgers though. 4 time league MVP, 1 time Super Bowl MVP, and still one of the best to ever throw a football. The Jets still have a strong roster around him. Aaron Rodgers came in to make them contenders and that’s exactly what he’ll do in 2024.

2. Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL. The Bills have been strong Super Bowl contenders since he came in, and if it wasn’t for Patrick Mahomes, they might already have won it. The Bills roster isn’t the same this year, but Josh Allen is still a top-5 QB in the league. Buffalo has a completely different wide receiver room, maybe a change of pace could be a good thing.

3. Tua Tagovailoa: Miami Dolphins

Tua had an incredible season in 2023, especially given his injury-riddled 2022 campaign. 2023 was his first time playing a full season, and he didn’t disappoint. Tyreek Hill had an MVP-caliber season catching passes from Tua and that will continue this year. In most other divisions, Tagovailoa is higher on the list. Unfortunately, the AFC East is stacked.

4. Jacoby Brissett/Drake Maye: New England Patriots

It’s currently unknown who will start for the Patriots in 2024. Jacoby Brissett is a wonderful backup who any team can rely on, he’s just never been a great starter. Drake Maye is the 2024 3rd overall pick, and there are a lot of question marks around his game.

It would be best for New England to start Brissett, and give Maye some time under a veteran while they work on the rest of their roster. Either way it’s sliced though, this QB room has a difficult division to compete with.

MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here . Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , TikTok a follow for more great content!