As the 2026 NFL season draws near, anticipation is building for Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles. The performance of high-paid quarterbacks will once again be crucial to their teams' success. A new ranking of the league's top 10 quarterbacks, considering both performance and star power, places Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes at the summit.
Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner and MVP, is coming off an injury-shortened 2025 season that saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014. However, his track record of leading Kansas City to five Super Bowl appearances in the last seven seasons solidifies his top ranking. Off the field, Mahomes and his wife Brittany have diversified their investments into various sports franchises and recently opened a steakhouse with teammate Travis Kelce. He is currently under an eight-year, $504.75 million contract with the Chiefs.
Contenders and Comebacks
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, 30, ranks second. Known for his potent play and lucrative endorsement deals, Allen's profile has expanded beyond sports, partly due to his relationship with actress Hailee Steinfeld. The couple married last May and welcomed their first child in April. Despite Allen's consistent performance, the Bills have not reached the Super Bowl since January 1994, with the Chiefs repeatedly ending their playoff hopes.
Matthew Stafford, 38, of the Los Angeles Rams, is ranked third. He is the reigning NFL MVP and quarterback for a team considered a Super Bowl favorite, despite a recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021 and topped the league in passing yards and touchdowns last season. The Super Bowl will be held at SoFi Stadium, potentially offering him a chance to cement his legacy on home turf.
Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals is fourth. Despite a high ceiling, Burrow has faced health issues since leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl in February 2022, missing a significant portion of regular season games. He also experienced a home burglary in December 2024.
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, 28, is ranked fifth. Despite his talent and strong early career numbers, Herbert is still seeking his first playoff victory. His public profile has increased due to his engagement to singer-songwriter Madison Beer. IMAGE4
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, a two-time MVP, is sixth. His dual-threat ability makes him a significant weapon, but his lower profile compared to some rivals and the lack of a Super Bowl appearance with Baltimore keep him from ranking higher. The team aims for success under new head coach Jesse Minter, focusing on keeping Jackson healthy.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys is seventh. While he has achieved statistical milestones, the Cowboys have managed only two playoff wins since his arrival in 2016. Prescott has also navigated personal challenges, including the abrupt cancellation of his wedding in March due to alleged infidelity. IMAGE6 IMAGE10
Notable Entrants and Final Seasons
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is ranked eighth. At 23, he led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance since the Tom Brady era, showcasing significant potential. IMAGE3
Aaron Rodgers, 42, is placed tenth. Despite questions about his recent on-field production, his status as one of the league's most recognizable figures is undeniable. IMAGE5 IMAGE7 Rodgers has confirmed that his upcoming season with the Pittsburgh Steelers will be his last in the NFL, entering it after a period of uncertainty surrounding his future.
Caleb Williams, the No. 1 draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner, rounds out the top 10 at ninth. After a challenging start to his rookie campaign with the Chicago Bears, he and new head coach Ben Johnson helped revive the franchise, with Williams demonstrating an ability to make high-impact plays. IMAGE2