As the NFL charges into its 2025 season, the quarterback conversation is hotter than ever. With shifting rosters, emerging stars, and legends still performing at high levels, analysts are closely watching who holds elite status. Drawing on recent rankings from ESPN Fantasy, NFL.com’s QB Index, and Fox Sports, here are the top five quarterbacks in the league right now — the ones most likely to dominate in this season, and why.
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Often seen as the benchmark for modern quarterback excellence, Patrick Mahomes still occupies the highest tier. Fox Sports ties him for No. 1 heading into 2025, sharing top honors with Lamar Jackson thanks to his consistency, leadership, and playoff pedigree.
Though his statistics showed some “slippage” in recent seasons, Mahomes’ performance in big games and his ability to elevate his supporting cast make him a perpetual favorite. In the NFL.com Week 2 QB Index, Mahomes is ranked #2, showing that other QBs are challenging but he remains firmly near the top.
2. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson has steadily closed the gap on Mahomes according to multiple outlets. Fox Sports puts him in a tie for No. 1 with Mahomes. The justification: he has continued to grow as a passer while maintaining his dual-threat capability. His 2024 season included more than 4,000 passing yards, showcasing that he is no longer just a running QB but also a refined passer.
On the NFL.com rankings, Jackson sits at #3 after Josh Allen and Mahomes, but ahead of many other elite signal‑callers. His unique explosiveness and ability to force defenses to account for both his arm and legs make him a constant threat.
3. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Josh Allen continues to cement his status among the elite. Fox Sports ranks him No. 3, honoring his “strongest arm in the league,” his rushing and passing balance, and his big-game mindset. The narrative is that he is “perhaps the most improved” among top QBs.
Meanwhile, in the NFL.com QB Index for Week 2, he is ranked #1, having posted a spectacular performance in Buffalo’s comeback and demonstrating the kind of resiliency and play‑making that separates top‑tier QBs.
4. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Joe Burrow is consistently placed among the very best. According to Fox Sports, he is ranked #4 ahead of the 2025 season, largely on the strength of his 2024 campaign—leading the league in passing yards (4,918), passing touchdowns (43), and showing excellent accuracy.
In NFL.com’s Week 2 QB Index, he holds #4 as well. Even if defenses scheme heavily against him, Burrow has the weapons (Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, etc.) and the poise to deliver.
5. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Rounding out the top five is Jalen Hurts. He is placed by Fox Sports at #5, after the previous four, and many see him as a balanced and reliable leader who does a lot right, even if his pure passing numbers don’t always equal those of some peers. He combines mobility, leadership, and effectiveness—both in clutch moments and over the long haul.
From the NFL.com rankings, Hurts cracked the Top 10 in Week 2; a strong performance in the opener — especially his rushing scores — helped vault him upward.
It’s All Up for Debate
These rankings aren’t without debate. Several trends and looming questions are influencing how experts see the current landscape:
- Supporting Casts and Offensive Line Stability: QBs like Burrow and Mahomes benefit from deep rosters with proven receivers, strong coaching, and continuity. Issues around protection and depth can expose even the most talented signal-caller.
- Dual‑Threat Value: Players like Jackson and Allen leverage their rushing ability to extend plays, change momentum, and add another dimension defenders must account for. That flexibility is increasingly valuable.
- Consistency vs. Explosive Upside: Some QBs may have high‐ceiling performances or big games, but consistency week after week (limiting turnovers, making smart decisions) is often what separates “top 5” from “top 10.” Hurts is often praised for consistency; others get high marks for moments.
- Injury, Wear, and Age: For veteran QBs, physical decline or injury risk is a factor (e.g. Stafford, though he is ranked somewhat lower). Younger QBs face the challenge of sustaining high performance amid greater expectations. Jackson, Allen, and Daniels are under close scrutiny in that regard.
So, Who Are the Best QB’s in the NFL?
At this moment, the consensus across multiple major rankings is clear: Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts form the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL entering 2025. Their mix of passing talent, leadership, mobility, and consistency gives them the edge, even as younger or rising stars try to challenge.
As the season unfolds, these rankings will shift — but for now, these are the QBs that both fans and analysts believe have the best shot at defining the 2025 NFL narrative.