So who are the top 15 quarterbacks in the NFL, the guys who are the best at the most important position in football? Here is one man’s opinion:
The Elite Quarterbacks
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City): A case could be made for Mahomes and a few other QB’s to be at the top of the list going into the Super Bowl. But after Mahomes’ performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, there is no question who is No. 1. He was named the MVP of the game playing with a high ankle sprain!
2. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia): Speaking of guys playing through pain, Hurts matched Mahomes blow for blow in the Super Bowl playing with an injured shoulder. He has a tremendous upside as a rushing quarterback.
3. Josh Allen (Buffalo): Partially torn UCL. Staying in Detroit for a week because of a Buffalo snowstorm. The Damar Hamlin situation. So much was thrown at Allen this season, and he persevered.
No protection
4. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati): We haven’t seen what Burrow can really do yet because his offensive line just does not protect him. If he can get a better protection, the Bengals’ “Mr. Cool” can move up the list.
5. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Get ready for a breakout season for Herbert with former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore now taking that role in LA.
6. Jared Goff (Detroit): Any quarterback that has the Lions on the cusp of making the playoffs deserves a mention. He had 29 TD passes and just seven interceptions this season.
7. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville): Urban Meyer almost ruined Lawrence. Thankfully, Doug Peterson was there to resurrect him.
Concussion Protocol
8. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami): This one should come with an asterisk. Tagovailoa is enormously talented, but will the concussions take their toll?
9. Dak Prescott (Dallas): When will Prescott stop throwing interceptions and coming up short in big games? The Cowboys have to ask that question, because Prescott has shown at times that he can be a winner.
10. Geno Smith (Seattle): Smith made everyone forget Russell Wilson and silenced the critics. That ought to be worth something.
11. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore): Oh, how the mighty have fallen. One injury-filled season after another has left us wondering if he will regain his form.
Fields of Dreams?
12. Justin Fields (Chicago): The Bears have given Fields nothing to work with in two seasons. His running is spectacular. His passing needs some work.
13. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay): Is this it for Rodgers? When he emerges from his four days of darkness, will he be ready to lead someone to the promised land (playoffs?)
14. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota): Captain Kirk steered the Vikings’ ship well this season when he was connecting with Justin Jefferson. If Jefferson was blanketed, Cousins was ineffective.
15. Daniel Jones (New York Giants): Jones performed well in the regular season, leading the surprising Giants into the playoffs. Can he repeat that quarterback performance?
