Joe Burrow has been named the No. 1 starting quarterback in the NFL for the upcoming season, according to a controversial ranking of all 32 players at the position. The ranking, released just before the regular-season kickoff, also highlights significant uncertainty surrounding the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation.
Falcons' Quarterback Quandary
The Atlanta Falcons announced Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Week 1, just days before their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that decisions beyond the initial game remain fluid, leaving Michael Penix Jr.'s role in question. The article suggests that a team naming its sixth different Week 1 starting quarterback in six years signals trouble.
Historically, successful teams are characterized by strong quarterback play, though not necessarily by having inherently great quarterbacks. The ranking contrasts players like Jalen Hurts, who played great for the Philadelphia Eagles despite not being considered a "great" quarterback, with Josh Allen, a "great" quarterback who has not yet led the Buffalo Bills to a Super Bowl.
Quarterback Rankings and Predictions
The 2026 NFL season's quarterback rankings offer predictions for each player's performance over the next five months. At the bottom of the list, Jacoby Brissett is ranked 32nd, described as a capable backup but not a starter. Deshaun Watson is placed 31st, with the prediction that his performance will not improve significantly unless he can recapture his 2020 form. Tua Tagovailoa is ranked 30th, with the prediction that he might not retain his starting role beyond Week 1.
Other notable rankings include Jalen Hurts at 21st, with the note that he needs to be more consistent for his team's success. Aaron Rodgers is ranked 18th, expected to make his final NFL season entertaining through his play. Patrick Mahomes is ranked 5th, still considered one of the most clutch late-game quarterbacks but with a perceived dip in his overall magic from previous seasons. Dak Prescott is ranked 4th, with injuries or unforeseen circumstances cited as potential hindrances.
Matthew Stafford is ranked 3rd, acknowledging his strong performance last season but questioning his ability to repeat it at age 38. Josh Allen is 2nd, with expectations for a recovery after a disappointing previous season. Joe Burrow, ranked 1st, is predicted to lead the best offense and exhibit the best quarterback play in the NFL, provided he and his teammates remain healthy. Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears is ranked 11th, with his success contingent on the performance of teammate Luther Burden III.