NFL 2025: Top 10 Quarterbacks According to Experts, Coaches, and Scouts

The Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks in 2025: Mahomes and the Elite at the Top

The 2025 NFL training camps are approaching, and league experts have shared their opinions. Alofoke Deportes presents the analysis of league executives, coaches, and scouts, who have selected the top 10 players in 11 different positions. This is the sixth edition of these rankings, and as usual, some players have moved up or down compared to the previous year. The classification process is based on the votes of experts, who nominated their 10 best players in each position. The results were compiled and the players were ranked according to the number of votes, the composite average, and the interviews conducted. NFL analyst from Alofoke Deportes, Matt Bowen, collaborated with research studies and video analysis to assist in this process. More than 70 voters participated, and in many cases, voted in all positions. Follow-up calls and additional votes helped resolve ties.

Each section includes quotes and comments from voters about each ranked player, including honorable mentions. The main goal is to identify the best players for the 2025 season, without considering long-term projections or career achievements. Who are the best players right now?

Here are the quarterback position results.

Illustration by ESPN

In the quarterback voting, a key issue arose: the top is historically strong. The top four quarterbacks left the rest of the competitors behind. They are all in their prime, between 28 and 29 years old, and have a combined five MVP awards. Although three of them are chasing Patrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl achievements, they seem to be closing the gap every year. This is a golden age for young quarterbacks that deserves to be appreciated. This year, the group is more selective. In most years, at least 16 quarterbacks receive significant votes, but this time only 12 players were considered, including the top 10 and two honorable mentions. This means that four quarterbacks with contracts of more than 50 million dollars were not seriously considered for the top 10. Four of these 12 players are from the 2020 class, which is proving to be one of the best of the 2000s. For the first time since these rankings began in 2020, Aaron Rodgers is not among the top 10. Youth prevails, and Matthew Stafford is the only passer in the top 10 who is over 30 years old. The list includes three new members, including a possible surprise, although not for league experts. The league is not worried about a possible decrease in Jayden Daniels’ production. Here’s the opinion of the league’s professionals on their favorite passers:

• 1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
  • Highest position: 1 | Lowest position: 4
  • Age: 29 | Last year’s ranking: 1

Mahomes has lost some dominance in the top spot. After dominating the voting with two consecutive number 1 rankings, this year he obtained around 60% of the votes for first place, an impressive figure but less than last year, when he received almost all the votes. In the last two years, Mahomes has ranked eighth in QBR; from 2018 to 2022, he finished first or second on four occasions. Mahomes rarely seems as frustrated as he did against Philadelphia in Super Bowl LIV. However, context is key in these discussions, and Mahomes’ performance in 2024 (3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) requires much consideration.

“The offensive line is in decline, especially at the tackles, the receiving group was completely affected by injuries, Kelce is not close to being the same player”, said a veteran NFL coordinator about Mahomes’ supporting cast. “I think he had more control of the time/score/situation and better fundamentals from the pocket than ever. He’s a one-man band. And no NFL coach wants to deal with him. A complete dog. Nobody like him. Maybe Burrow, but Burrow is not as dangerous as a player.”

Veteran NFL coordinator

Mahomes still leads the NFL in almost every passing category, from passing yards to touchdowns and yards per attempt, since becoming a starter in 2018. No quarterback was more efficient on third down than Mahomes last season. He led the NFL in third-down QBR (90.4) with 53.1% of his pass attempts resulting in first downs. An AFC scout noted that Mahomes “probably doesn’t have the same fear factor” from opponents that he had a few years ago, but also expects him to bounce back in 2025, with a healthier receiving corps and a rebuilt offensive line. Mahomes is firmly in his prime, but he must compete with three elite quarterbacks who are also in their late 20s and catching up to him.

“Other guys played great,” said an NFC executive explaining why he voted Mahomes in fourth place. “He took a small step back compared to recent seasons. I don’t expect it to last.”

NFC Executive

• 2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
  • Highest position: 1 | Lowest position: 4
  • Age: 29 | Last year’s ranking: 3

Allen’s position in the top 10 has been a journey, and a point of controversy in Buffalo. From when the series began in 2020 to 2023, Allen’s place in the pantheon of quarterbacks was universally celebrated among league voters and highlighted annually in this article. He undoubtedly became a top-tier quarterback in the league. At the end of the 2023 season, turnovers began to increase. Allen had thrown 47 interceptions and had lost 18 fumbles (seven lost) in a span of three years. That led an NFC executive to criticize Allen as “overrated,” which Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane opposed. Allen’s performance in 2024, however, erased any doubt, and his play pressured Mahomes for the top spot. With almost 4,300 total yards, 40 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024, Allen demonstrated what his best version achieves: an MVP award and 13 regular season wins despite the lack of a true number 1 receiver in his prime.

“He’s done everything,” said an NFC personnel executive. “He’s answered all the tests. He makes fewer mistakes and takes care of the ball. The only thing left to do is win it all.”

NFC personnel executive

Allen embodies the modern quarterback, with a mobility that can frustrate almost any defense, making him dangerous in the pocket, but even more so outside of it. Pressure didn’t affect Allen last season, when he led the NFL in QBR (85.3) and yards per pass (6.5) under pressure, and his 13 touchdown passes under pressure tied for the NFL lead. Allen also had the lowest sack rate in the entire NFL on all throws (2.6%) despite his willingness to stay in the pocket to allow plays to develop or to buy time and run. Conversely, Allen’s missed pass rate of 18.1% was the worst among the 18 quarterbacks who received at least one vote in this year’s top 10.

“He still has that risk in his game and the occasional play that makes you scratch your head, but he’s taking more calculated risks than wild risks, which is helping his overall game,” said an NFL personnel evaluator.

NFL personnel evaluator

• 3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
  • Highest position: 1 | Lowest position: 5
  • Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 2

Prolific is the best way to describe Burrow’s 2024 campaign, leading the NFL with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns on his way to winning a second Comeback Player of the Year award. Burrow presents a compelling case as the most accurate quarterback in the game. His completion rate of 70.6% in the context of a league record of 652 attempts in 2024 is impressive. His deflected pass rate of 11.0% is also the lowest among starting quarterbacks.

“If we’re talking about playing the quarterback position, nobody is playing it better than him,” said a veteran AFC scout. “Footwork, ball placement, mental game at the line of scrimmage, pocket feel, eye level, finding creases to step up and throw, he’s the best right now. And he’s more mobile than he gets credit for.”

Veteran AFC scout

Last season, Burrow became the first player in NFL history with 250 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in eight consecutive games. And similarly to Mahomes, he had a lot to overcome last year.

“I understand the guy has two elite receivers, but his running game was average and the offensive line wasn’t very good either,” said an AFC executive. “On top of all that, his defense was porous and for the most part kept them in every game. I thought it might have been his best year, but he didn’t get the same publicity because of the other high-profile teams.”

AFC Executive

• 4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
  • Highest position: 1 | Lowest position: 6
  • Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 4

Jackson is the most impressive player in the game. He could also be the most feared, depending on who you ask. And he came close to winning a third MVP last season, in fact, surpassing MVP Allen for first-team All-Pro status in an unusual division of those honors. Winning a third award would put Jackson on a short list so successful that first names aren’t needed: Manning, Rodgers, Brady, Favre, Brown, Unitas. What Jackson did last year still puts him in a class of his own: he became the first player in NFL history with 40 passing touchdowns and four or fewer interceptions in a season.

“A touchdown-interception ratio of 10-1 [10.3], the win percentage is crazy [74.4%] and he’s the leading rusher on any team he’s on,” said a veteran NFL coach. “He’s one of a kind.”

Veteran NFL coach

Jackson also led the NFL in total QBR (77.3) and yards per pass (8.3) and set new career highs in passing touchdowns (41), passing yards (4,172), yards per attempt (8.8), and touchdown-interception ratio. His total EPA was 160.6, more than 16 points above any other quarterback.

“The best runner in the NFL space, and now he’s a very good passer,” said an NFL defensive coordinator. “He probably doesn’t get enough credit for how he’s improved there.”

NFL defensive coordinator

Years ago, some evaluators criticized Jackson’s skills as a pocket passer. But he has broken that narrative since the Ravens committed to a stronger passing game by hiring offensive coordinator Todd Monken and adding prominent players through free agency and the draft. Jackson has been in the top five in QBR in each of the last two seasons and has combined for 7,850 passing yards during that span.

“I think he had to grow as a passer,” said a veteran NFL personnel man. “He was always more athletic than everyone else, so why not run? But he had to stay in the pocket a little more to prolong his career, and he’s doing it better and better.”

Veteran NFL personnel man

• 5. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
  • Highest position: 5 | Lowest position: 10
  • Age: 24 | Last year’s ranking: not eligible (rookie)

Daniels’ phenomenal rookie season demanded a top 10 appearance. That he has fought his way into the top five, narrowly beating Stafford in the voting, shows that voters have no problem validating their excitement. Last season, Daniels recorded the fourth-highest QBR in the NFL (70.6), the best mark for a rookie since Dak Prescott in 2016. But he was even better on third and fourth down, recording a league-leading QBR of 95.3 in those opportunities.

“He took one of the worst franchises to the NFC final as a rookie with a bad defense, a legitimate receiver, a dinosaur at tight end [12-year pro Zach Ertz] and an average offensive line at best,” said an NFL coordinator who prepared for Daniels last season. “The kid can read coverages, throw with precision and touch at all levels of the field, he’s as dangerous as Lamar and Josh Allen with his legs and has a clutch factor because his team already believes that if he has the ball with a chance to win, he’s going to find a way. If he repeats anything close to his rookie year, he won’t be below number 3 on this list next year,”

NFL Coordinator

Daniels was a true dual threat in his rookie year, ranking second in the NFL in yards per carry (6.0) and first in rushing yards (570). Sometimes, the excitement of the first year can be difficult to replicate. C.J. Stroud landed at number 7 last season and struggled at times in the second year, although he has shown enough to convince Houston that he is clearly the long-term answer. Some in the league at least wonder if Daniels’ game will diminish a bit as defenses adjust to both him and Washington’s offense. But the consensus is that Daniels has too much in his favor.

“He won 12 games with a mediocre at best defense and only a decent offensive roster around him,” said an NFC coordinator. “The system he plays in requires him to play off-schedule and make plays with his feet on a regular basis to be successful. And he’s still solid in the pocket.”

NFC Coordinator

• 6. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
  • Highest position: 4 | Lowest position: unranked
  • Age: 37 | Last year’s ranking: 5

There’s a reason Stafford generated significant trade interest when the Rams considered moving him this offseason: only a few quarterbacks dominate the position like him. Players come and go in Los Angeles, but Stafford makes everything work, a quarterback who truly transcends the scheme.

Why does he remain so high in the rankings every year?

“Because he’s tough as shit,” said an NFL coordinator. “Elite toughness and elegance in the pocket. The ability to throw with timing and location while about to get hit in the chin is among the best.”

NFL Coordinator

Stafford seems to manage injuries every year, but he plays through them… while winning games. The Rams became last year the first team in NFL history to make consecutive playoff appearances after being three games below .500 at the beginning of those seasons (1-4 in 2024 and 3-6 in 2023). Stafford is excellent in two areas: After a break: He produced 39 touchdowns and nine interceptions during the rest of the 2023 and 2024 seasons in games following the bye week (including playoffs) AND in action play, producing the third-highest QBR in the NFL in 2024 (81.5). His 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions outside of action play mark the best performance since Aaron Rodgers in 2021. On the other hand, 17.6% of his throws were considered “off-target”, the second-lowest figure among quarterbacks who received at least one vote.

“An important factor for quarterbacks is what they can do on third and 10: Matt scares you more than almost anyone in that situation”, the coordinator said. “And he can make plays off-script”.

NFL Coordinator

• 7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Highest position: 3 | Lowest position: unranked
  • Age: 27 | Last year’s ranking: 6

Herbert’s immense talent keeps him in the top seven, but it hasn’t catapulted him to the top tier of quarterbacks, despite elite production. His 21,093 career passing yards are the most in NFL history through five seasons. Last season, he was asked to sacrifice yardage as part of offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s run-heavy attack, with his attempts per game falling from 35 to 29.6 year-over-year. Sticking to the ball-control plan, Herbert’s three interceptions on 504 attempts marked the lowest interception rate (0.6%) of any qualified quarterback since Tom Brady in 2016. Many evaluators agree: if the league started from scratch and drafted quarterbacks, Herbert would still be chosen very high.

“He’s always been a top-5 to top-8 QB: accurate at all levels, athletic, good decision-maker,” said an AFC executive. “It’s almost like he’s underrated now, in my opinion. He’s taken for granted.”

AFC Executive

And it’s not that he can’t thrive at the end of games. His 15 winning streaks are the most of any quarterback drafted in 2020 or later. Still, some evaluators believe something seems to be holding him back, and his 0-2 playoff record doesn’t help.

“The players who are above him [in the top 10] constantly create more off-script plays, are more dangerous in the two-minute [drill], and have won in the playoffs,” said a veteran NFC personnel evaluator. “The offense he currently plays in is by far the least QB-friendly in terms of the passing game, which doesn’t help him. Justin can get there. He has the ability, so he should get there eventually.”

Veteran NFC personnel evaluator

• 8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
  • Highest position: 5 | Lowest position: unranked
  • Age: 30 | Ranking last year: 9

Three years ago (wow, even two), putting Goff in the top 10 was a bold decision. Now, it’s rare to find a ballot without his name. Goff appeared in 82% of the top 10 presentations.

“He has become one of the best pure passers in the game,” said a veteran NFC defensive coach. “He doesn’t turn the ball over like he used to. He’s a reliable quarterback with a real arm. He’s not just a dropback passer who makes shit happen. He’s become more than that.”

Veteran NFC defensive coach

Goff finished second in the NFL in yards per attempt last season (8.6) and threw the second-most yards in the league (4,629). He was especially good in play-action, completing 75.4% of his play-action passes for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the NFL in both categories.

Coming from an Air Raid offense in Cal, Goff entered the league as a rhythm and timing passer. He struggled when pass rushers disrupted that timing. He has countered that weakness and elevated his game.

“He has improved his ability to reset his feet and deliver the ball with accuracy, and that has changed his career,” said a veteran AFC scout. “The Detroit coaching staff gave him a greater sense of calm in the pocket, and he has taken advantage of it.”

Veteran AFC scout

Goff’s success has come with two of the best play-callers in the game, Sean McVay and now Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Now, he must prove he can do it without them, and his career adaptability suggests he will rise to the challenge.

• 9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
  • Highest position: 6 | Lowest position: unranked
  • Age: 26 | Ranking last year: honorable mention

Hurts’ status is solidified. He is a Super Bowl winner who performs in big moments. He is the most powerful short-yardage quarterback runner in NFL history. His streak of four consecutive seasons with 10 or more rushing touchdowns is the longest in the league for a passer. He is also one of the most accurate passers in the game, ranking first in completion percentage above expectation (+6.6). And he throws a beautiful long ball. That touchdown pass to Devonta Smith in Super Bowl LIX was a work of art the size of the Superdome.

“He had a better year running the ball, and the way he played down the stretch when he was healthy was impressive,” said an AFC executive who voted Hurts in the top five. “Better ball throwing overall this year and eliminated the ball losses.”

AFC Executive

When asked to be a high-volume passer in 2023 (538 attempts), Hurts struggled to take care of the ball, resulting in 15 interceptions. To his credit, he reduced that number to five in 2024, although with far fewer attempts (361). The question isn’t whether Hurts belongs in the top 10, he undoubtedly does. It’s whether he has the ability from the pocket to jump into the top five eventually, as his Super Bowl pedigree would suggest. More than a few voters see shades of a Russell Wilson career arc: Hurts has many traits that contribute to winning at a high level, but needs a consistent running game around him and wouldn’t necessarily thrive in a pass-heavy system.

• 10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Highest position: 5 | Lowest position: unranked
  • Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: unranked

Baker Mayfield walked so Sam Darnold could run. The former No. 1 draft pick is emblematic of the NFL’s ability for career resurrections at the game’s most important position, setting the plan for the near-misses to someday reach $100 million. When Mayfield signed a modest one-year contract with Tampa in 2023 and led the Bucs to the playoffs, it was a good story about a former No. 1 draft pick regaining his position. When he did it twice and his performance improved, that’s proof of concept. Only Allen and Jackson have more touchdowns in the last two seasons than Mayfield’s 73.

“Intrepid as a thrower and runner,” said an NFL personnel evaluator. “He has leadership on the field where teammates want to support him. Much better arm than he’s given credit for. Good movement in the pocket and can run for yards. Attacks the third level of the defense. When he has time [in the pocket], he’s as good as almost anyone right now.”

NFL personnel evaluator

Last season, Mayfield joined Brady as the only quarterbacks in Buccaneers history with 40 passing touchdowns in a season. Mayfield dominated against the blitz, leading all quarterbacks in completion percentage (72.3%) and passing touchdowns (18) against five or more pass rushers.

“Honestly, it reminds me a little bit of Favre in terms of playing style,” the personnel man said. “He has a fearlessness, like, ‘Screw it, I’m attacking.’ And the defensive guys feel that presence.”

NFL personnel man

Honorable Mentions

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans: The voting for positions eight through eleven was close. Stroud appeared on almost half of the ballots, but struggled to capture the same momentum that placed him in the number 7 spot after his rookie year. While his production decreased from the previous year in most categories, Stroud had to overcome problems with the Houston offense in 2024. Most skeptics expect him to return to the top 10 next year.

“That can affect your confidence when the protection and play calls around you aren’t great,” said an NFL quarterbacks coach. “Everything can come together. But the framework of what made him great in his rookie year is still there… Such a natural football thrower with elite ball placement.”

NFL quarterbacks coach

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: Love seemed ready for the status of the 10