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John Johnson dives into his rankings for the top 24 quarterbacks, with tiers, for fantasy football in 2025. Who are fantasy football's top quarterbacks for 2025?
A lot of the players on a list of the top 24 quarterback rankings wouldn't surprise most people. Neither would the tiers they fit into. With QB being the most stable position in the NFL in the sense that elite quarterbacks tend to have the longest careers of any non-special team player, this isn't much of a shock.
Still, when drafting players in fantasy football, it's important to sniff out any red flags that you can. Additionally, when you're choosing your quarterback in the later rounds of drafts, it's possible to find steals, and that's always vitally important to help your team win.
These rankings shift around every year, of course. And with last year's stacked QB class, there will be a lot of newcomers to the list who simply weren't in the league last season. Nothing wrong with that! So, let's dive into a tiered list of the top 24 fantasy football quarterbacks for the 2025 NFL season.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Tier 1
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Not much has changed about the Ravens' situation from 2024 into 2025. They have the same core group of receivers, mostly the same offensive line group, and have thus far retained tight end Mark Andrews. Running back Derrick Henry also remains on the team, and that's very important.
Lamar Jackson senses the MIKE dropping to hole so he tightens the end of his drop and throws right as he hits the top.
Good look at how quickly windows close in the middle of the field without play action. pic.twitter.com/wcorBHwObq
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) May 21, 2025
Jackson's running ability, and that of Henry's, force defenses to try what they can to stop the run game. This leaves big lanes open in the passing game. Jackson had his best season as a passer, with 41 touchdown passes to just four picks. He's the best-rushing quarterback of all time, too. He's locked in as the QB1 for 2025.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Many might rank Allen above Jackson, but the passing numbers for Jackson were much more impressive. Allen is another elite fantasy producer as he's also a dual-threat QB, having rushed for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He's finished as a top-2 fantasy QB in all of the last five seasons.
Never forget when Josh Allen made one of the WILDEST plays in SNF history! 😱
Happy birthday to the reigning MVP. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/6iyScdaz5V
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 21, 2025
He's now 29 years old, so his rushing production might be at the point of slowing at some point in the next few years. And the team's receiving group isn't very inspiring. Taking Allen over Jackson wouldn't be the worst idea, though. He's an elite producer and should have another huge season.
3. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
After a shockingly good rookie season, Washington didn't rest on its laurels. They immediately provided significant upgrades to the offensive line -- with elite left tackle Laremy Tunsil -- and the receiving group -- by trading for highly talented wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
Deebo Samuel is perfect for the 49ers in Kyle Shanahan’s exotic offense. A freak with the ball in his hands. pic.twitter.com/vGgsxfgga9
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) December 30, 2019
Samuel, at his best, is an elite weapon with the ball in his hands. His stats took a huge dip in 2024. Yours would, too, if you were an NFL player and you got pneumonia. Anyone who's had that knows it takes months to recover from. Daniels is a dark horse candidate to win NFL MVP, though.
Last season the biggest problems with the offense were poor pass-protection and a lack of a viable WR2. Samuel is a huge upgrade from WR Dyami Brown. Daniels belongs at No. 3.
4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
As it turns out, the tush push isn't getting banned. This means you can count on 10-15 free rushing touchdowns from Hurts, who is the king of the tush push. His passing numbers aren't stellar, but his rushing numbers more than makeup for that, and that's what counts. Hurts' place here is pretty safe, too.
BREAKING: The proposed ban on the tush-push did NOT receive enough votes from NFL owners, per multiple reports.
The play is staying in the game. pic.twitter.com/mV32ooCT6S
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 21, 2025
Thanks to this play, Hurts has 42 rushing touchdowns over the last three seasons combined. That isn't likely to change. The Eagles still have an elite offensive line. When he does decide to pass, he has an elite receiver corps of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to throw to. Must be nice.
Tier 2
5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
The second tier of quarterbacks is typically occupied by good rushing QBs with significant passing issues or elite passers without a lot of rushing upside. Burrow fits into the second category. With how terrible the Bengals' defense is, too, there's plenty of reason to believe a healthy Burrow will put up similar numbers to last year.
Joe Burrow delivered a 66% catchable ball rate on throws of 20+ air yards without pressure in 2024.
QB6 out of 33 qualifiers
(Source: @FantasyPtsData)
Only Matthew Stafford posted a better highly-accurate throw rate on such attempts. https://t.co/IQHXa2WL9g pic.twitter.com/EaJ2f04kvf
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 19, 2025
Burrow got to keep his team's two best wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. When both are healthy, that amounts to the best pass-catching group in the NFL. That's worth a lot in fantasy football. In 6-point passing touchdown leagues, Burrow is arguably more valuable than Hurts.
Tier 3
6. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Nix has fantastic mobility, is a solid passer, and operates in Sean Payton's offense. His team just got a big upgrade at running back, and drafted a big-bodied wide receiver in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Nix also has the benefit of one of the league's best pass-protecting offensive lines.
I don’t think we talk enough about the Broncos having arguably the best offensive line in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/j7x6QCU5oT
— Predominantly Orange (@PredomOrange) May 21, 2025
Things are looking good for Nix moving forward. He's young, so his rushing upside should be here to stay. And the offense as a whole should be able to move the ball better, which could allow them to sustain more drives, and for Nix to put up better numbers in 2025.
7. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
The McCarthy slander is understandable because people have never seen him play in the NFL. For many fantasy football managers, this means he can't possibly be good, and should be ignored in drafts. Bad idea. It's well-established that rookies can be good, and McCarthy was fantastic in college.
JJ McCarthy stepping up in a collapsed pocket, evading pressure on the run, then squaring his shoulders off-platform pic.twitter.com/E1yBgicp7O
— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) May 11, 2025
Even garbage quarterbacks like Sam Darnold are made into viable fantasy football options by Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. McCarthy also has fantastic athleticism and will be highly mobile in the pocket. He's much faster than he gets credit for.
8. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I'm not super thrilled about the departure of former Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Mayfield had easily the best season of his career in 2024, throwing for 41 touchdowns, 13 more than he had at any previous point, and 4,500 yards, more than 400 more than his previous best season.
BAKER. MAYFIELD.
Game-tying TD with 27 seconds left!!!!
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 5, 2024
A quick look at Mayfield's film from 2024, showed the absolute genius of Coen's play-calling. Of course, the fantasy football community is giving Mayfield most of the credit. But he took a big step up from his QB10 finish in 2023, which really wasn't bad. I think it might be hard for him to replicate that.
9. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
There's nothing like one mediocre season to trigger the goldfish memory of many people who follow football. Purdy was touted as having nearly unlimited upside after his 2023 campaign. In 2024, his offense was hit with a rash of injuries at multiple positions. It's somehow Purdy's fault now for having a dip in production?
Brock Purdy in his playoff debut, as a 22 y/o rookie btw
332 yards
4 TD (3 pass, 1 run)
0 INTIT AINT EASY.. it was just made to look that way.. that’s why you don’t take it for grantedpic.twitter.com/xMM8pMdxp5
— Danny G (@DannyG_49) January 14, 2025
Purdy will have a fantastic group of pass-catchers to throw to, has legitimate rushing upside (though not elite), and is operating in one of the most productive offenses the past few seasons have had to offer. There's a ton of upside there, and he will likely be under-drafted due to factors out of his control.
10. Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes hasn't been the elite fantasy QB he used to be. Over the past two seasons, his production has dropped markedly. This is likely due to the fall-off of his tight end, Travis Kelce. Kelce is just too old now, and is no longer the game-breaking force he used to be with the Chiefs.
The disrespect for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs has been crazy this offseason.
Mahomes was exceptional last season, but I need him and his team to go scorched earth on the NFL this upcoming season.#Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/IbDiGSO7YY
— Eddie Resurreccion (@EdmarResurrecc1) May 20, 2025
Without Kelce playing at his best, and without wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Mahomes' receiving corps is simply nothing like it was in the past. WR Rashee Rice should return from injury, though, and rookie Xavier Worthy has a chance to step up his game. Mahomes should be fine, but there's plenty of risk if things don't work out.
11. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray's rushing output is sadly not what it once was. Despite playing all 17 games in 2024, he averaged just over 33 rushing yards per contest, a far cry from his over 51 back in 2020. Supposedly, Murray wants to run the ball more in 2025, but I'll believe it when I see it.
HC Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will have career year in 2025.: "He's going to blow it out of the water this year. ...I think he's going to have his best year that he has had as a pro."
(📽️@PHNX_Cardinals) #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/tNJ5lXxYfR
— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) May 20, 2025
If wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. can take a leap in Year 2, I could see Murray having a better season than he did last year, though. I'm not super inspired by their offensive system, though. It's very run-heavy, with the rushes usually being called for the running backs rather than the QB.
12. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
This is really high for some people, and I understand that. What I don't understand is why people aren't more sold on Maye. He was the only thing propping up an offense with basically zero receiving talent and zero offensive line pass-protecting talent in 2025. Both got huge upgrades this offseason.
This is one of Drake Maye's interceptions from his rookie season lmao pic.twitter.com/D9Zkpur7qh
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) May 5, 2025
The duo of wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams -- Williams is the WR1 I swear to you it will happen just trust me it's gonna happen I'm being serious -- present a huge upgrade in the pass-catching group. The team also drafted an elite left tackle prospect and signed reinforcements on the OL in the offseason. Trust.
13. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Another thing I'm confused about is why people still don't think the aforementioned Coen, now the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, isn't an elite offensive mind. He is. Lawrence now has the tandem of wide receivers, Brian Thomas Jr., and rookie Travis Hunter, that will tear it up in fantasy football in 2025.
Trevor Lawrence the last 4 Weeks:
87/121 (71.9%)
1106 YDS (277 YPG)
7 TDs, 3 INT
109.0 NFL
pic.twitter.com/Wjt1F9w7mB— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) October 27, 2024
Lawrence has shown flashes of excellent play. He's also operated on horrific offenses run by Darrell Bevell and Press Taylor. Taylor is nothing short of a football terrorist. Lawrence will have his first good offensive coaching staff of his career. Coen is elite. Watch out.
14. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
Rounding out our third tier is Smith. Lots of people don't think he's good. But I disagree. He had a piss-poor offensive line in Seattle last season, thanks to the moronic roster management of Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Also, his No. 1 receiving option, D.K. Metcalf, got hurt midseason and was just a decoy after that.
Geno Smith delivered a 78% catchable ball rate on intermediate targets when throwing from a clean pocket in 2024.
QB9 (out of 39 qualifiers)
(Source: @FantasyPtsData) https://t.co/JOQofdwoXQ pic.twitter.com/QsjhYMRuhh
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 15, 2025
By pretty much any metric that tries to control for quality of pass-catchers and offensive line, Smith played like a top-10 quarterback in 2024. His career resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. He's a mobile QB still clinging to solid athleticism that is an excellent decision-maker, takes care of the ball, and is highly accurate.
Tier 4
15. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert would be higher on this list. Problem is that Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman still prefers to run the ball as much as possible. The NFL should ban OCs who still try to call offenses like it's World War II. Herbert doesn't get enough passing opportunities.
Article from 2013 that list all of Greg Romans problems…
-poor play calling
-poor 3rd down plays
-poor clock management
-holding back the QB from shining
-no balanceGuess what? he still has all these problems in 2022. Roman hasn’t progressed at all. #FireRoman pic.twitter.com/OmjCMEYek0
— . (@sheiaksndn) January 10, 2022
Roman will continue holding back Herbert. No surprise there.
16. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff has had the benefit of having an elite offensive coordinator running the show for all his years in the NFL save for one. Sean McVay and Ben Johnson are absolute elite minds to play under, and he's made massive paydays as a result. He's just mediocre as a QB. He really sucks under pressure, as in he's absolutely horrific.
Funny that Jared Goff's one full season without either Sean McVay or Ben Johnson as his offensive coordinator was coincidentally easily his most mediocre. pic.twitter.com/aO3RaQpRB9
— JohnJohn Analysis (@JohnJohnalytics) May 22, 2025
Stop drafting Goff like Johnson is still in Detroit, please.
17. Justin Fields, New York Jets
Fields has great rushing upside. That's about all he has. The problem is that's a really big deal, and you can't just ignore it. Fields has major struggles progressing through his reads and evaluating NFL defenses post-snap. That's not something that will magically correct itself.
Probably a sign of things to come. Looking forward to a whole season of Jets fans claiming they have the worst offensive line in the NFL because Fields just can't avoid sacks. https://t.co/4gqWfLQF2g
— JohnJohn Analysis (@JohnJohnalytics) May 21, 2025
He's also incredibly sack prone. It's a risk taking him. He has a higher chance of getting benched than all the guys above him and literally everyone else on this list.
18. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott's highly productive days with head coach Mike McCarthy at the helm might be behind him. He's also incredibly unlikely to have much rushing upside moving forward. Funnily enough, his season-ending hamstring injury came just one play after a big run against the Atlanta Falcons. Not a coincidence, I imagine.
Still, he has a good pass-catching group consisting of wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and tight end Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys generally also maintain a good offensive line, so Prescott should be fine.
19. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud's massive regression in 2024 after a fantastic rookie year in 2023 was caused by poor offensive line play, his own huge struggles under pressure, and the terrible play-calling and offensive game-planning by the now-fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
DeMeco asked the players before making the decision to fire Bobby Slowik as the Texans OC.
I love that he went to the players before making such a big decision. It may have seemed obvious, but he confirmed with his guys before pulling the trigger. pic.twitter.com/Xd0w22PaD0
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) February 15, 2025
I have a lot more faith in new OC Nick Caley, who was the passing game coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams last season. The team also invested very heavily in the wide receiver group in the 2025 NFL Draft and offseason. Expect a bounce-back from Stroud.
20. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
I'm not sure what to think about Love. He's not a very accurate quarterback, but thankfully, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur knows how to scheme his receivers wide open. The team ran the ball way too often for comfort for Love fantasy managers in 2024, though.
Perhaps that will change. Love completing just 16 passes per game on average from Week 12 to Week 17 is pretty scary though. That could have been due to his injury, but it could also have been driven by the excellent play of Packers RB Josh Jacobs. We'll see, but I'm not drafting Love at his ADP.
Tier 5
21. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Williams had the best offseason you could ask for. He got an elite offensive mind as his coach and massive investments in his pass-catcher and offensive line groups. There won't be any excuses for him any more. The problem is that he was just horribly inaccurate and took a ton of sacks last season.
Caleb Williams delivered a 38% catchable ball rate on throws of 20+ air yards without pressure in 2024.
QB32 out of 33 qualifiers
(Source: @FantasyPtsData) https://t.co/ANSaWMFPBh pic.twitter.com/vOuMbBrDTA
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 19, 2025
The film is very, very ugly. In particular, his footwork is hideous. That's a coachable thing, but it might take multiple seasons to fix.
22. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford seems like an ageless idol, but the years catch up to everyone. He doesn't have rushing upside, but he did just get an upgrade at the WR position. The Rams signed Davante Adams, who will now play alongside Puka Nacua. Pretty good duo if you ask me.
The offensive line really needs to get it together, though. It wasn't very good last year at pass-protection.
23. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa shouldn't have any rushing upside in 2025, as long as he wants to stop being the NFL's poster boy for concussions. He's stubborn, though, so maybe he'll pick up another stint on injured reserve. It's too early to tell. His receiving corps isn't what it once was, though, and Miami's passing game has taken steps back recently.
It doesn't seem that their 2022 offense will come back any time soon. Instead, Tagovailoa is a lower-end QB2 moving forward.
24. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Rounding out the list we have Penix. He gets a piss-easy strength of schedule, being in the NFC South, and has a nice group of wide receivers. Bijan Robinson, a great pass-catching running back, also should help Penix, and the offensive line played pretty well in 2024.
Michael Penix Jr. delivered a 77% catchable ball rate on throws of 20+ air yards without pressure in 2024.
(Source: @FantasyPtsData) https://t.co/w7p1vgJv9T pic.twitter.com/gzoS7qmqQn
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) May 19, 2025
Despite a small sample size, his deep ball was pretty impressive last season. So I think he can be pretty solid in 2QB and superflex leagues as a starter.
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