Quarterback rankings for top 32 NFL QBs heading into 2022

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and these offense-explosive drives have never been better. The league currently has established elite QBs and young superstars with a dizzying array of dual-threat skills.

For this reason, ranking the NFL’s starting quarterbacks again in 2022 remains an interesting but challenging task for sports news.

The rules are the same: past performances matter, but the focus is more on uptrends and predictions for the upcoming season. Going forward, we expect more than half of the players in the league to have a special talent at the most important position.

While quarterback owners are loaded, no one needs to do some work to get their passer/runner considered in the big leagues. Here’s how TSN stacks them up against each other, 1-32, based on 22-year projected starters:

2022 NFL Quarterback Rankings

1. Josh Allen, Bills

Allen didn’t have the highest passing efficiency last season, but stunning vision tests show that his big arms and great athleticism make him the most dominant all-around force at the position. He still ties it all together at 26, and he’s the new NFL MVP favorite for good reason.

Key stats for 2021: 4,407 passing yards, 36 passing TD, 15 INT, 92.2 passing rating, 63.3 completion percentage, 60.7 ESPN QBR, 6.8 yards per attempt, 763 rushing yards, 6 rushing TD

2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

With his season starting at 27, Mahomes’ production and performance space remains a dream come true for most of his contemporaries. He’s adjusting to a temporary life without Tyreek Hill and a change in the coaching staff, but he’s entering a prime time for a pass-first offense in a different way.

Key stats for 2021: 4,839 passing yards, 37 passing TD, 13 INT, 98.5 passing rating, 66.3 completion percentage, 62.2 ESPN QBR, 7.4 yards per attempt, 381 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD

3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Rodgers, who turns 39 in December, is a model of super-efficiency after winning back-to-back NFL MVPs for the first time in his career. He fits nicely into Matt LaFleur’s RPO offense. Rodgers will go through another major overhaul without Davant Adams and a different mix of receiving teams, but expect typical elite play.

Key stats for 2021: 4,115 passing yards, 37 passing TD, 4 INT, 111.9 passing rating, 68.9 completion percentage, 69.1 ESPN QBR, 7.8 yards per attempt, 101 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD

4. Tom Brady, Buccaneers

Brady made good on his promise to play until 45 after a brief retirement and realized he had at least one special season in Tampa Bay chasing a final Super Bowl ring. He will do so without Bruce Arians, Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown as they adjust to major changes to the receiving team and the absence of center Ryan Jensen. Brady ended up being a prolific goat and more age-resistant than anyone in NFL history.

Key stats for 2021: 5,316 passing yards, 43 passing TDs, 12 INTs, 102.1 passing rating, 67.5 completion percentage, 68.1 ESPN QBR, 7.4 yards per attempt.

5. Justin Herbert, Chargers

Herbert’s excellent first two seasons set a new standard for young quarterbacks. He’s a precise and accomplished frontcourt passer who uses the right shots and has incredible size and athleticism. Like Allen, Herbert is likely to earn his first MVP soon and join Mahomes, Rodgers and Brady at the exclusive club. Herbert was set for a monster-level 3rd year in the second year of the same offense, and this time it was a huge team success.

Key stats for 2021: 5,014 passing yards, 38 passing TD, 15 INT, 97.7 passing rating, 65.9 completion percentage, 65.6 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt, 302 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD.

6. Joe Burrow, Bengals

Burrow, who made everyone forget the torn ACL that ended his rookie season, earned his No. 1 pedigree overall in Year 2 and was bolstered by a reunion with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Playing well in the low-court passing game, he displayed top-notch arm, accuracy, toughness and intangibles for much of the Super Bowl.

Key stats for 2021: 4,611 passing yards, 34 passing TD, 14 INT, 108.3 passing rating, 70.4 completion percentage, 54.3 ESPN QBR, 8.9 yards per attempt, 118 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD.

7. Dak Prescott, Cowboy

Prescott is recovering well from his own devastating injury in 2020 to match his contract extension. He thrives on Karen Moore’s offense, and the Cowboys have adjusted the personnel around him to further his strengths. Duck gave Dallas a Super Bowl-worthy passer; it just took more of the rest of the team to get there.

Key stats for 2021: 4,449 passing yards, 37 passing TD, 10 INT, 104.2 passing rating, 68.8 completion percentage, 54.6 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt, 146 rushing yards, rushing TD

8. Russell Wilson, Broncos

Wilson, who turns 34 in November, faces the challenge of playing in Seattle for the first time in his career. Wilson handled his first real injury well and maintained a career-consistent efficiency. His age and new situation may not bring the same benefits, but he definitely gives the Broncos an overall boost in a position they haven’t had in a long time.

Key 2021 stats (Seahawks): 3,113 passing yards, 25 passing TD, 6 INT, 103.1 passing rating, 64.8 completion percentage, 54.7 ESPN QBR, 7.8 yards per attempt, 183 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD

9. Lamar Jackson, Ravens

Jackson picked up some Nuggets as a passer when he missed five games last season. B = But he has some concerns about the offensive line and the traditional running game. The Ravens also made sure to reshuffle the receiving team to better match him. Jackson looks better and healthier than the past few seasons, and he should look more like the 2019 MVP as he’s playing on his second contract. The noise is always there. Passing is once again the number one advantage.

Key stats for 2021: 2,882 passing yards, 16 passing TDs, 13 INTs, 87.0 passing rating, 64.4 completions, 50.7 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt, 767 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs.

10. Matthew Stafford, Rams

Stafford proved a great fit for Sean McVeigh’s low-field passing game and provided Jared Goff with a big arm and execution upgrade. He used his usual high-efficiency ego and kept it balanced to lead the league in interceptions. The 34-year-old carries his first Super Bowl ring, and he’s getting more much-needed honors on the right team. It might help him get into the Hall of Fame

Key stats for 2021: 4,886 passing yards, 41 passing TD, 17 INT, 102.9 passing rating, 67.2 completion percentage, 63.8 ESPN QBR, 8.1 yards per attempt.

11. Deshaun Watson, Browns

Watson has spent the entire 2021 season with the Texans, and off-court concerns have clouded him, leading to a six-game suspension (for now) as he restarts his career in Cleveland. Looking back on where he was last on the floor, those stats started him talking about “the best young QB in the league.” There’s no doubt he can be as great as anyone when he’s able to put it all back together again after a long hiatus with a new team.

Key stats for 2020: 4,823 passing yards, 33 passing TD, 7 INT, 112.4 passing rating, 70.2 completion percentage, 63.7 ESPN QBR, 8.9 yards per attempt, 444 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD.

12. Derek Carr, Raiders

Carr has cooled off after two of his most productive NFL seasons as offense injuries and line tremors affected his support. He should feel refreshed playing with college player Davante Adams to expand his weaponry and benefit from a more dynamic system under new coach Josh McDaniels. It probably adds up to Karl’s best 31 games.

Key stats for 2021: 4,804 passing yards, 23 passing TD, 14 INT, 94.0 passing rating, 68.4 completion percentage, 52.4 ESPN QBR, 7.7 yards per attempt.

13. Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Murray’s efforts to improve passing efficiency and reduce his reliance on running in his third season have had mixed results. He remains one of the most dangerous all-around quarterbacks, and his confident attitude should inspire him to fulfill his contract. But not having DeAndre Hopkins for a long time will hurt, as in 2021, and there are skepticisms about a Marquise Brown reunion.

Key stats for 2021: 3,787 passing yards, 24 passing TD, 10 INTs, 100.6 passing rating, 69.2 completion percentage, 57.3 ESPN QBR, 7.9 yards per attempt, 423 rushing yards, 5 rushing TD

14. Kirk Cousins, Vikings

Cousins ​​has benefited from one of the better receiving units from Justin Jefferson, a terrific support charge with Dalvin Cook and an ever-improving offensive line. With Kevin O’Connell, he also now has a more innovative and offensive head coach. He’s still in a good position to get more out of his big arm and has effectively settled in, but that still limits his performance in midfield with limited results.

Key stats for 2021: 4,221 passing yards, 33 passing TD, 7 INT, 103.1 passing rating, 66.3 completion percentage, 52.3 ESPN QBR, 7.5 yards per attempt.

15. Jalen Hurts, Eagles

Hurts still has a lot of room to grow as a passer, and he needs to do that soon to gain full confidence as a QB for Philly’s current and future team. The Eagles should get back into the passing game with their new top perimeter A.J. Brown relied heavily on running last season. Hurts’ big year in his final ability was key to propelling them into the playoffs.

Key stats for 2021: 3,144 passing yards, 16 passing TDs, 9 INTs, 87.2 passing points, 61.3 completion percentage, 48.5 ESPN QBR, 7.3 yards per attempt, 784 rushing yards, 10 rushing TD.

16. Trey Lance, 49ers

The promising second-year QB has comprehensive results when replacing Jimmy Garoppolo as a full-time starter, but it’s hard not to lean towards being over-aggressive. Lance’s innate combination of arm and motor skills is beyond the scope of prototype-sized charts and profiles. Led by Kyle Shanahan, he also runs a friendly offense with a solid traditional run, solid line and versatile weaponry. The only problem is his inexperience at 22, and how Lance can prove his improvement in such a short time.

Key stats for 2021: 603 passing yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs, 97.3 passer rating, 67.7 completion percentage, 33.4 ESPN QBR, 8.5 yards per attempt

17. Matt Ryan, Colts

Ryan’s final season in Atlanta was a long way from his 2016 NFL MVP level. He showed some decline in arm strength, and efficiency wasn’t there with limited all-around support. He needed a welcome change of circumstances and got it at 37. The Colts are excited to bring him to their heavy-hitting offense to develop their talented young receiving team. Frank Reich and Marcus Bradley resonate very well, so watch out for bounces.

Key 2021 stats (Falcons): 3,968 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 12 INT, 90.4 passing rating, 67.0 completion percentage, 46.1 ESPN QBR, 7.1 yards per attempt.

18. James Winston, Saints

Winston is getting some attention as the comeback player of the year after a serious knee injury (ruptured anterior cruciate ligament). He has successfully transformed into an efficient passer under Sean Payton, and without Payton he is (for now) seen as the undisputed successor to Drew Brees. When Chris Olaf joined Michael Thomas, the Saints struggled to keep their offensive line intact and added to their big score on receiving teams. Winston was backed by a second career, and he was still only 28 years old.

Key stats for 2021: 1,170 passing yards, 14 passing TD, 3 INT, 102.8 passing rating, 59.0 completion percentage, 64.4 ESPN QBR, 7.2 yards per attempt.

19. Ryan Tannehill, Titan

Tannehill is the ideal passer to start a match action game as his arms and athleticism excel against Derrick Henry’s dominant power run. While Tannehiill himself continued to run well, he lost his way as Henry missed most of 2021. He may have reached his ceiling as an independent quarterback, and at 34 after more disappointment in the playoffs, he may see Malik Willis soon in the What to do in Tennessee.

Key stats for 2021: 3,734 passing yards, 21 passing TD, 14 INT, 89.6 passing rating, 67.2 completion percentage, 55.9 ESPN QBR, 7.0 yards per attempt, 270 rushing yards, 7 rushing TD.

20. Mike Jones, Patriots

There’s a reason Jones is getting high praise from Bill Belichick: He “did his job” as a rookie while trying to master a complex, multi-faceted offense to lead the team to the playoffs. His somber, sane young lead bears a resemblance to a young Brady’s defensive and running game. Big data may be limited for a while, but there is no doubt that New England has found new long-term answers.

Key stats for 2021: 3,801 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 13 INTs, 92.5 passing rating, 67.6 completion percentage, 50.9 ESPN QBR, 7.3 yards per attempt.

21. Carson Wentz, Commanders

At first glance, Wentz’s lone season in Indianapolis may not seem like a bad one, but where he let the team down (which is a developing problem in Philadelphia), he’s trying to do a lot and where the offense needs to be. Not playing. For the commanders to get the most out of him, they need to have some wiggle room to do that, while also getting him back into focus so he can play better in low-field passing games Use his big arm. The incarceration of Terry McLaurin and the drafting of Jahan Dotson are great tools for making that happen.

Key 2021 stats (with Colts): 3,563 passing yards, 27 passing TD, 7 INT, 94.6 passing rating, 62.4 completion percentage, 54.7 ESPN QBR, 6.9 yards per attempt, 215 yards rushing, TD.

22. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins

It’s no exaggeration to say that Tagovailoa is primed for success in his third season in the NFL as he’s fit, efficient and shows the benefits of his first-round pedigree. He is well behind his 2020 colleagues Herbert and Burrow in all functions. Tagovailoa has to benefit from new offensive coach Mike McDaniel’s excellent systems, upgraded weapons (Chase Edmonds, Tyreek HIll, Cedrick Wilson) and better pass protection. He should be ready to win a round, but losing means he’s not the right team QB.

Key stats for 2021: 2,653 passing yards, 16 passing TDs, 10 INTs, 90.1 passing rating, 49.7 ESPN QBR, 6.8 yards per attempt, 128 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs.

23. Justin Fields, Bears

Fields, who had a rough rookie season under offensive coach Matt Nagy, had no good plans for him. That was quickly changed by new game caller Luke Gentry, who brought some useful RPO concepts from LaFleur and rival Packers. Fields will have more opportunities to combine his arms and athletics, as more freedom of movement will also help with his temporary growth.

Key stats for 2021: 1,870 passing yards, 7 passing TD, 10 INT, 73.2 passing rating, 58.9 completion percentage, 26.4 ESPN QBR, 6.9 yards per attempt, 420 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD.

24. Zach Wilson, Jets

Lance and Tagovailoa are passionate about working in a similar QB-friendly system, but Wilson has some of the same strengths in getting the most out of his arms and athleticism. The Jets have improved Wilson’s offensive line, wide receiver and tight end more to the liking of coordinator Mike LaFleur. Wilson can develop into the most dynamic playmaker in Year 2 with great confidence and complete health.

Key stats for 2021: 2,334 passing yards, 9 passing TDs, 11 INTs, 69.7 passing rating, 55.6 completion percentage, 28.2 ESPN QBR, 6.1 yards per attempt, 185 rushing yards, 4 rushing TD.

25. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars

Lawrence, like Fields, could wash out his rookie season with a dysfunctional coaching staff and questionable offense. Doug Pederson and Press Taylor could put him on the right track, using his enormous physical abilities as weapons and concepts have better potential. A more complete passing game and dedication to the running game is a greatly improved support system for sophomore Lawrence.

Key stats for 2021: 3,153 passing yards, 12 passing TD, 17 INT, 71.9 passing rating, 59.6 completion percentage, 33.5 ESPN QBR, 6.0 yards per attempt, 334 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD.

26. Baker Mayfield, Panthers

Mayfield missed three games last season, but the severity of his shoulder injury suggests he played a lot when he shouldn’t. An inefficient game led the Browns to look to part ways with Watson and escalate. With the 2018 championship trying to get back on track, the Carolina system isn’t overly inspiring, but at least it offers some familiar concepts under Ben McAdoo.

Key 2021 stats (with Browns): 3,010 passing yards, 17 passing TD, 13 INT, 83.1 passing rating, 60.5 completion percentage, 35.1 ESPN QBR, 7.2 yards per attempt, 134 yards rushing, rushing TD.

27. Jared Goff, Lions

Goff had to deal with a tough replacement for the Rams, who are tied with the Super Bowl champions, to replace Detroit’s Stafford. He’s not too different from McVay’s QB, but it’s clear his ceiling has been reached and remains low, with limited arm strength. Despite a strong supporting cast, his transition year is still below average.

2021 Key Stats 3,245 passing yards, 19 passing TDs, 8 INTs, 91.5 passing rating, 67.2 completion percentage, 39.5 ESPN QBR, 6.6 yards per attempt.

28. Mitchell Trubisky, Steelers

Trubisky, a seasoned rookie, held onto the starting spot with rookie first-rounder Kenny Pickett and remaining backup Mason Rudolph. He made good use of his time behind Allen in Buffalo, starting over with Nagy and Chicago. But despite his sturdy arms and great physicality, his accuracy and decision-making are still largely problematic, partly due to his pocket nerves. He probably won’t wait too long to get his second No. 1 ball.

Key 2020 stats (Bears): 2,055 passing yards, 16 passing TD, 8 INT, 93.5 passing rating, 67.0 completion percentage, 53.8 ESPN QBR, 6.9 yards per attempt, 195 rushing yards, TD.

29. Marcus Mariota, Falcons

A high pick in 2015, Mariota hopes he can have a Winston-esque rebounding while also making a surprising new start in the NFC South. He’s still only 28, and while his final season in Tennessee was tough when he was replaced by Tannehill, he’s had a solid two seasons in Las Vegas. He has a good history with coach Arthur Smith, but he still feels like a bridge to rookie Desmond Reed, with more of an edge in his passing and rushing skills.

30. Daniel Jones, Giants

“Danny Deems” has run out of time to convince the Blues that he’s the team’s QB they still want him to be. In the era of Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge, the chaos of rushing and passing turns into chaos. The Giants provided him with the ideal offensive brain tank for Brian Dabore and Mike Kafka, who are known for working with Allen and Mahomes. Jones could also use continued support from a healthy, deeper receiver, a healthy Saquon Barkley and a better line. Otherwise, the Giants will soon be out of the No. 6 pick in 2019.

Key stats for 2021: 2,428 passing yards, 10 passing TDs, 7 INTs, 84.8 passing points, 64.3 completion percentage, 41.5 ESPN QBR, 6.7 yards per attempt, 298 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD.

31. Davis Mills, TX

Mills was an unexpected rookie starter after Houston’s Watson drama. He showed a big arm in a few games, but was unpredictable and ineffective, and didn’t have that much support other than wide receiver Brandin Cooks. While the Texans might feel like he could be the team’s answer, he’s actually feeling even worse in 2022.

Key stats for 2021: 2,664 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 10 INT, 88.8 passing rating, 66.8 completion percentage, 35.5 ESPN QBR, 6.8 yards per attempt.

32. Drew Locke, Seahawks

Assuming Rock can still beat Jayno Smith in Seattle after failing to beat Teddy Bridgewater in Denver last season. Locke’s calling card is a cannon, but none of its accuracy, decision-making, or confidence. Rock is a shaky young bridge at best, and he’s willing to put up with more woes on his second team, as the Seahawks also lead the quarterback league in 2022.

Key 2021 stats (Broncos): 787 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 INT, 80.4 passing rating, 60.4 completion percentage, 23.4 ESPN QBR, 7.1 yards per attempt.

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