NFL QB Power Rankings: All 14 Playoff Starters

Quincy Milton ranks all 14 starting NFL quarterbacks for the NFL playoffs. From C.J. Stroud to Josh Allen, see where your favorite quarterback falls.

The playoffs have finally arrived and we will be treated to several weeks of high-end quarterback play as each team races for the Lombardi. This year's playoffs feature many familiar faces. However, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is notably missing from the slate for the second year in a row.

Most of the playoff quarterbacks this season are playing near the top of their games. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels comes to mind as someone who could step into the big dance and make serious noise not unlike Jordan Love last season.

With their eyes set on February, the NFL's beloved signal callers are ready to clash head-to-head. This is where the ranking gets fun. Let's dive in and see where all 14 playoff quarterbacks stand as we head into the tournament.

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14. C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud and the Texans feel like the black sheep of this year's playoffs. A case can be made for just about every other team in the tournament to make a run, but this team's offensive struggles are difficult to ignore. Stroud is talented, but he is not getting a lot of help. It does not feel like they have the firepower to beat the Chargers on Wild Card weekend.

Did Caleb Williams have a better season than CJ Stroud? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/seKBHC96Pt

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) January 6, 2025

13. Russell Wilson - Pittsburgh Steelers

Russell Wilson and the Steelers are backing into the playoffs off four straight losses to end the regular season. Wilson looked better in Week 18 than he had in recent weeks, but he will still need to pick up his play if the Steelers expect to do anything in the playoffs. They will need to beat the Ravens in order to avoid another "one and done" season.

12. Bo Nix - Denver Broncos

As one of the successful young guns in the NFL, Bo Nix is one of the two rookie quarterbacks in this year's dance. Nix has displayed an uncanny ability to make plays at a high level. Despite that, he still makes several mistakes and will be playing against the juggernaut that is the Bills for his first playoff start. It could be a rough week for the rookie.

11. Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams

The old statesman in this year's tournament, Matthew Stafford will look to capture a second ring with the Rams. This team is difficult to assess. While they won several games down the stretch of the season, they did so with limited offensive output. They will need to score more if they expect to compete in a crowded NFC. They will have their work cut out for them against the Vikings this week but never count out Stafford.

10. Baker Mayfield - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield has been spectacular at times for the Buccaneers in 2024. However, he has also been inconsistent. Still, this gunslinger gives reminders of Brett Favre in the old days. His escape ability can demoralize a defense. He will be difficult to contain throughout the playoffs. The Commanders likely have the edge at quarterback opposite Mayfield this weekend but Mayfield has experience on his side.

9. Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers

Much like in 2023, Jordan Love has been playing his best ball of the season down the stretch. An elbow injury sustained in Week 18 could hamper Love this week but do not count this guy out. With head coach Matt LaFleur calling the shots, anything can happen. The Eagles may find themselves in a dog fight this weekend with Love and Co. coming to town.

8. Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is entering the second playoff run of his career. This time, things feel different. With head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines, the Chargers could beat anyone. All Harbaugh does is win. He has his team and his quarterback playing at a high level as we enter the playoffs. The Chargers are a sneaky Super Bowl pick.

7. Sam Darnold - Minnesota Vikings

It is time we admit that Sam Darnold is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC. At least in 2024. Despite a bludgeoning by the Lions in Week 18, Darnold has had the Vikings offense playing at a high level. With a Brian Flores-led defense behind him, Darnold could truly lead this team to the promised land. Watch out for this 14-win No. 5 seed.

6. Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts is still fighting his way through the concussion protocol, but he will have had two weeks off and should be ready to go for this weekend. The Eagles are a very complete team. With Hurts at the helm, they are near unstoppable. They appear to be on a potential collision course with the Lions for the NFC's representation in the Super Bowl.

5. Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels had a slow outing in Week 18 but he had been playing his best ball of the season up until the season finale. The Commanders will travel to Tampa Bay in a rematch of Daniels' first NFL start. This game is very winnable for the Commanders, and we should see fireworks from both offenses.

Round of applause for Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/BAQ7hCKlWj

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 6, 2025

4. Jared Goff - Detroit Lions

Jared Goff did not have his best night against the Vikings in Week 18 but he still had an MVP-caliber season for the Lions. This gritty team is in a great position to succeed with Goff behind center. They will have a couple of weeks off before returning to action in the Divisional Round.

3. Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs

Yes, the Chiefs were shut out in Week 18 but that was with Patrick Mahomes watching in street clothes. Mahomes did not have his best statistical season. In fact, he threw for less than 4,000 yards for the first time as a starter in the NFL. Still, Mahomes is peaking at the right time with the Chiefs awaiting the winners of Wild Card weekend. Do not bet against the champs until someone beats the champs.

2. Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson quarterbacked the Ravens out of a Wild Card spot and into the No. 3 seed in the AFC down the stretch of the regular season. The Ravens are peaking at the right time. With Jackson shattering career-high passing numbers across the board, this could finally be the year the Ravens make a true run. Time will tell.

1. Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills

The presumptive MVP of the NFL deserves to hold the top spot heading into the playoffs. Josh Allen guided the Bills to the No. 2 seed in the AFC and the team looks poised to make another run at the AFC Championship game. The question is whether or not these Bills can finally get over the hump. It is hard to remember that Allen has never even played in a Super Bowl.

Who should win NFL MVP this season? 🏆

RT for Josh Allen
LIKE for Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/QFH3H560R9

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) January 5, 2025

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