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Lance Fernandez predicts the 32 NFL starting QBs for Week 1 of the 2024 season. Which teams will have the same starters from last season and which teams will have a QB controversy?
Getting the quarterback position right solves several problems for an NFL team. It gives the offense better chances at scoring points, possibly leading to more victories. Likewise, the defense will feel less pressure protecting a lead than coming from behind.
However, much can happen in the months leading to the 2024 NFL season. Training camp will be the ultimate battle between quarterbacks aspiring to start for their teams. Worst yet, a brutal sport like football can cause injuries to the players wearing red jerseys during scrimmages.
But barring any untoward development, here are the quarterbacks who will start for their team in Week 1 of the upcoming season. While some choices are obvious, other predictions could depend on the team’s long-term approach.
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Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for AFC East Teams
Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen
Most passing yards in a season by a #Bills QB:
Josh Allen - 4,544
Josh Allen - 4,407
Drew Bledsoe - 4,359
Josh Allen - 4,306
Josh Allen - 4,283
Jim Kelly - 3,844
Ryan Fitzpatrick - 3,832
Joe Ferguson - 3,652
Jim Kelly - 3,593
Joe Ferguson - 3,572 pic.twitter.com/6tB5d3mWOW— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) May 5, 2024
While he had a career-high 18 interceptions last season, Allen had a 4,000-yard season for the fourth consecutive year. He threw for 29 touchdowns and dashed for an NFL-record 15 rushing touchdowns in 2023. Therefore, there should be no contest between him, Mitchell Trubisky, and Shane Buechele for the starting role.
Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa's career highs last season:
🔥 4,624 yards
🔥 29 TD
🔥 11 wins pic.twitter.com/HHatspol5Z— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) April 17, 2024
In 2023, Tagovailoa reached 4,000 passing yards (4,624 to be exact) for the first time in his career. He also improved his completion percentage from 64.8 to 69.3. He will still be the top option at quarterback, throwing passes to Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr.
New York Jets – Aaron Rodgers
Two beautiful deep ball throws from Aaron Rodgers today at #Jets workouts@Slideweezy 🎯@BreeceH 🎯 pic.twitter.com/DjBTmUyhvX
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) May 9, 2024
His 2023 season lasted only four snaps before he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. Now that he’s healthy, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player can prove why the Jets made an intelligent decision to trade for him before the 2023 draft.
New England Patriots – Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett is excited to have Drake Maye on the team and for some QB competition 🤝 pic.twitter.com/c1FiEIjNwe
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 1, 2024
While the Patriots drafted Drake Maye third overall, it would be better for him to learn the ropes by seeing how Brissett operates. Likewise, there’s much room for improvement in their receiving corps, and Maye’s confidence might be affected by the level of talent he has around him. However, there’s a chance new head coach Jerod Mayo will turn to Maye during his rookie season, but not in Week 1.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for AFC West Teams
Denver Broncos – Bo Nix
For everyone still criticizing the Broncos taking Bo Nix at No. 12, Sean Payton knows QBs WAY BETTER than you. If Sean likes Nix, there's a reason and a plan behind it.
Check out The GM Shuffle on @DKNetwork at https://t.co/b4sYN4CC91 pic.twitter.com/EsuJrpCRIa
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) May 7, 2024
Head coach Sean Payton raved about the former Oregon standout during their pre-draft evaluation. Draft experts also had Nix as the best fit to navigate Payton’s offensive approach. The jury is still unsure whether Zach Wilson will improve in his new environment. Otherwise, it’s hard to bet against a quarterback who completed an NCAA record 77.4 percent of his throws in 2023.
Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert 2023 Highlights 🔥
Before being placed on IR, he was on pace for:
• 65.6% completion rate
• 4,637 total yards
• 32 total TDs - 9 INTs
• 94.5 passer rating#Chargers | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/T7nP1KOxY3— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) March 10, 2024
Jim Harbaugh would want the best version of Herbert, especially after the franchise gave him a five-year contract extension worth up to $262.5 million. Chargers fans hope the coaching change can help Herbert tally his first playoff victory.
Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes
STOP IT @PatrickMahomes 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/SAbNyCcBER
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 5, 2024
The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and three-time Super Bowl champion is arguably the best quarterback in the league. There are no questions on who will lead the Chiefs as they aim for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title.
Las Vegas Raiders – Gardner Minshew
Gardner Minshew 15
QB1? #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/wQm4FxEp5m
— AL-J (@CmonCity10) May 9, 2024
The Raiders lost out on the top quarterback prospects after six went off the board in the first 12 selections. Therefore, a quarterback competition between Minshew and Aidan O'Connell will ensue. The Raiders' starting job will go to the one who improves their winning chances. Minshew is that guy, and he won’t be afraid to make deep throws to Davante Adams or Brock Bowers.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for AFC North Teams
Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is back.pic.twitter.com/UEPytnKBW3
— NFL (@NFL) May 6, 2024
The NFL’s highest-paid quarterback is returning from a season-ending wrist injury. But as he returns to full health, the Bengals hope he won’t incur another offseason injury. At his best, he is the only active quarterback that defeated Mahomes in a playoff game. Starting him during games is a no-brainer.
Cleveland Browns – Deshaun Watson
"Deshaun Watson has been rehabbing the shoulder injury and he's well on his way..
We do expect to hit the ground running and I know he's very excited about returning to the playing field" ~ Andrew Berry #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/XwSIEMspFS
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 3, 2024
Watson is recovering from a broken bone on his throwing shoulder that limited him to six games last season. However, he showed promise during those games, leading the Browns to a 5-1 record and tallying eight touchdowns. Cleveland is still looking for promising returns from the five-year, $230 million contract extension they gave him. Therefore, they’re hoping 2024 will be that year.
Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson
What's your favorite Lamar Jackson moment of all time? 💭 pic.twitter.com/ckLMArQ9Rl
— johnny ® (@immabaltimoron) May 9, 2024
This one’s a no-brainer. Josh Johnson, Malik Cunningham, and rookie Devin Leary cannot match the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player’s talent. While his mobility is still there, Jackson had career highs in completion percentage (67.2) and yards per completion (8.0) last season. Winning another MVP should be enough reason for him to keep his starting role.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Russell Wilson
Will Russ cook in Pittsburgh?@Dameshek asks @ChrisHarrisJr how he expects this Steelers team to play with Russell Wilson as quarterback heading into next season
YouTube: https://t.co/LHpUI4bzQj pic.twitter.com/eOVsJTjgJg
— Minus Three Podcast (@MinusThreePod) May 8, 2024
The Steelers traded for Justin Fields to compete with the one-time Super Bowl champion. While Fields could be their quarterback for the future, Mike Tomlin will go with the more experienced quarterback for Week 1. Besides, Wilson had solid numbers for the Broncos last season (3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions). He should do well behind Pittsburgh’s revamped offensive line.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for AFC South Teams
Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson in Year 2 📈📈 pic.twitter.com/20AQL3nMUK
— PFF (@PFF) May 8, 2024
The former Florida Gator showed promise in his first four games, throwing for 577 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for an additional four touchdowns. Unfortunately, his rookie season abruptly ended after a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery. With Minshew already with the Raiders, Richardson has the starting quarterback role for Indianapolis to lose.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence is bringing his big arm and big plays back to London next season 🐆 pic.twitter.com/6NoHIqhisz
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) May 4, 2024
The Jaguars exercised Lawrence’s fifth-year option, earning him $25.664 million in 2025. However, while his numbers slightly went down and he led the league with seven fumbles lost last season, he remains their best option for Week 1. However, Mac Jones should be capable of taking over if things get ugly for the former first overall pick. After all, head coach Doug Pederson knows how to win with backup quarterbacks.
Houston Texans – C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud season highlights to watch all offseason long.
This really our QB for the next decade+ man. pic.twitter.com/lgnGN96jTa
— Jacob (@Stroud4AllPro) January 27, 2024
The Texans found a gem in Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season. In addition to leading the league in passing yards per game (273.9), he threw only five interceptions in 15 games and became the youngest starting quarterback to win a playoff game. The future is bright for the former Ohio State standout, especially now that they have Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs on offense.
Tennessee Titans – Will Levis
"They need to help me I need to help them"
QB @will_levis on his group of veteran receivers pic.twitter.com/LwFWKARevZ
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) May 9, 2024
Levis had the league on notice when he threw for 238 passing yards and four touchdowns in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. Two weeks later, he completed his first 300-yard game to help the Titans overhaul a 14-point deficit and defeat the Dolphins on the road. He should do better this season after the additions of Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, and Tony Pollard.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for NFC East Teams
Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels
“This is a rare competitor...”
Dan Quinn on what impressed him most about Jayden Daniels and how they plan on taking advantage of all his skills
🔗https://t.co/u2cRkateWV@Commanders I #RaiseHail I #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/VBO29usLpq
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 9, 2024
While Washington signed Marcus Mariota this offseason, Daniels should convince head coach Dan Quinn that he’s the rightful Week 1 starter. After all, he has talented people around him, such as Jahan Dotson, Terry McLaurin, Austin Ekeler, and fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey. A fortified offensive line through the additions of Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti should help the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner feel comfortable in the pocket.
Dallas Cowboys – Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott on contract talks and his offseason work with CeeDee Lamb pic.twitter.com/ZdKUWCFZFS
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 2, 2024
Prescott could be playing his final season as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback without a contract extension. Save for the disappointing Wild Card round loss, he had a solid campaign, completing a career-high 69.5 percent of his throws for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. The 2024 season will be an audition for his next contract, whether with the Cowboys or not.
Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Hurts
This was one of the craziest throws from Jalen Hurts last season.#FlyEaglesFly #Eagles pic.twitter.com/S732kGAO8r
— ☆𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘦𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘎𝘖𝘋☆ (@JalenCarterDPOY) May 6, 2024
Despite the unfortunate end to their season, Hurts earned a Pro Bowl selection after setting career highs in passing yards (3,858), passing touchdowns (23), and rushing touchdowns (15). While Jason Kelce’s retirement could drastically affect the last statistic, Hurts is on a different level than Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee, and Will Grier. After all, they won’t give him a $255 million contract if the Eagles don’t believe so.
New York Giants – Daniel Jones
The Daniel Jones slander is out of control. Played at a top 10 level (6th in QBR) two years ago. Had four starts from start to finish in 2023 and now he’s below every rookie QB and career backups?
The idea he’s a complete scrub is stupid. Came three TD passes shy of the… https://t.co/Y8Y4wI0mMC
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 8, 2024
The Giants were in the position to land one of the top quarterback prospects this year. Instead, they selected Malik Nabers to add another target for Jones. The Giants also signed Devin Singletary to a three-year deal to relieve some pressure from their passing attack. Jones faces a make-or-break season because the Giants can opt out of his four-year, $160 million contract.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for NFC West Teams
San Francisco 49ers – Brock Purdy
I see a lot of people still hating & doubting Brock Purdy. Quick reminders:
🔥Finished FIRST in Passer Rating
🔥Finished FIRST in QBR
🔥2nd in completion % for qualifiers
🔥5th in yards
🔥Won the NFCWhat more do you want from the kid?? pic.twitter.com/FbuzRY1qBl
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) May 4, 2024
The 49ers were one play away from winning the Super Bowl. However, Purdy has done his part throughout the season, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. The last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft led the league in passer rating (113) and yards per passing attempt (9.6) for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns. He should retain the starting role despite Joshua Dobbs’ addition.
Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray
HEARTWARMING: #Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was practicing and a group of construction workers were there, Kyler made sure to have a catch and spend time with them, the smile he put on there faces was special.
Class act, @k1👏
pic.twitter.com/YObzp2THuV— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 6, 2024
The Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey Benson, and Tip Reiman to build the roster around Murray. After recovering from an ACL injury, the former first-overall pick finished the season with 1,799 passing yards and 13 total touchdowns in eight games. That’s a good trend for Murray as he plays through his five-year, $230.5 million contract extension.
Los Angeles Rams – Matthew Stafford
Always love to see these videos. 2 takeaways:
1) Matthew Stafford wasn’t throwing at this point last year. He’s fully healthy this time around.
2) Jimmy, share that 9ers playbook with us. Help teach the defense how to keep them contained twice a year.
(Featuring the Foo’s) pic.twitter.com/CYjlds4E85
— Rams Bros. (@RamsBrothers) May 2, 2024
Stafford helped the Rams turn a disappointing season into another playoff appearance. That achievement will earn him the starting quarterback role in Week 1. Besides, Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t available due to his two-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Likewise, Stetson Bennett’s status remains unknown.
Seattle Seahawks – Geno Smith
For all the Geno Smith deniers out there, keep it going with your made up scenarios.
“Geno's right at the tip of the spear."
7️⃣ is the Seahawks’ QB1. pic.twitter.com/zaFlh5Mjx9
— le spoon (@FDT4EVUR) May 3, 2024
Will Sam Howell do enough during training camp to unseat Smith from the starting quarterback role? He did lead the league in passing yards at one point. However, head coach Mike Macdonald will ultimately go with the veteran for Week 1. However, Smith versus Howell could be one of the fiercest quarterback competitions this offseason, leaving Smith hanging onto the role by a thread.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for NFC North Teams
Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams
Coach Eberflus on Caleb Williams. pic.twitter.com/KWTGGbEBzZ
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 7, 2024
The Bears are not fooling around after adding D'Andre Swift, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze on offense. Therefore, they would need the quarterback that could bring out the most from these players. It’s not Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien, or Austin Reed. Instead, it’s the 2024 first overall pick, who finished his college football stint with 93 passing touchdowns and only 14 interceptions.
Detroit Lions – Jared Goff
Jared Goff has the whole city around him💙 pic.twitter.com/v6DRsLkdrL
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) May 9, 2024
It was a season to remember for Goff and the Lions. He established career highs in completion percentage (69.4) and passer rating (103.3) en route to the franchise’s first-ever NFC North division title. Goff helped the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. The only question remaining for him is if he can do better than last season and bring Detroit to its first-ever Super Bowl stint.
Green Bay Packers – Jordan Love
The succession of Packers starting quarterbacks in the last three decades is enviable. Love follows Rodgers and Brett Favre in navigating the pocket for Green Bay. Love did not disappoint when he finally had his moment, throwing for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns. While his 2023 season ended with an interception, he did more than enough to retain QB1 status.
Minnesota Vikings – Sam Darnold
Getting J.J. McCarthy in the first round means Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah envision him as their future franchise quarterback. But to start the season, the Vikings are better off starting Darnold while letting McCarthy learn the ropes from the sidelines. Darnold remains the starter while the Vikings are competing for a playoff spot. Otherwise, it’s time to give the former Michigan standout the reins.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks for NFC South Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Baker Mayfield
2024 @bakermayfield loading 📈 pic.twitter.com/P4TBDCvYtD
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 9, 2024
The Buccaneers signed Mayfield to a three-year contract extension worth up to $100 million after his resurgent 2023 season. The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner finished his first season in Tampa Bay with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He also helped bring the Buccaneers to the Divisional Round. Mayfield is their best option at quarterback, making training camp a formality for his starting role.
Atlanta Falcons – Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins is THROWING dahn in Atlanta#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/8hQDWNaalu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 3, 2024
The Falcons shocked the NFL world by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite that decision, Cousins will be their Week 1 starter, especially after giving him a four-year, $180 million contract. For now, Penix is an insurance policy because Cousins did miss nine games for the Vikings last season due to an Achilles injury.
Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young
Will Bryce Young have a breakout season in Year 2?
(🎥 @Panthers) pic.twitter.com/Re7ZZdGVaZ
— PFF (@PFF) May 7, 2024
Young’s rookie season performance was far from how Stroud flourished in Houston. However, between him and Andy Dalton, the former Alabama standout should get another shot at the starting role in Week 1. The Panthers hope he’ll do better after adding Xavier Legette, Diontae Johnson, Jonathon Brooks, and Rashaad Penny on offense.
New Orleans Saints – Derek Carr
.@Saints GM Mickey Loomis discussed QB Derek Carr heading into his second season in New Orleans...
📻 https://t.co/u2cRkasH7n #Saints | #WhoDat pic.twitter.com/LNCE05HS1H
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 9, 2024
Carr had a solid 2023 season, finishing with a 68.4 completion percentage for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. More importantly, the Saints won four of their last five games to establish a 9-8 winning record. Barring any injury, he will be New Orleans’ Week 1 starter for the second season under his four-year, $150 million contract.
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