It’s common knowledge that the biggest indicator of a team’s success is the quality of play from its quarterback. Yes, defense is important, but a great quarterback can lift a team beyond what should be possible. A bad quarterback can do the opposite.
Nevermore will quarterback play be more important than this upcoming NFL season. Faced with the prospect of empty stadiums, there will be no home-field advantage. All of those intangible benefits of playing in your home stadium will be wiped away. Talent alone will be the deciding factor in most games.
With that in mind, we took a look at all 32 teams and ranked them based on the strength of their quarterback situations. We’ve considered everything; starters and backups, the draft and free agency.
Take a look and see what you think. Some of these teams may surprise you.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars: Minshew III, Dobbs, Glennon
Gardner Minshew III burst onto the scene last season with his massive mustache and gunslinger swagger. As the season drug on, Minshew proved that he was just a rookie. The Jags went all-in on Minshew in the offseason though when they traded Nick Foles.
Year 2 of the Minshew Experience will commence with the $45 million-man, Mike Glennon, and Josh Dobbs, who has thrown 12 passes in his NFL career. Needless to say, Minshew needs to continue to improve. A “sophomore slump” could find the Jags picking at the very top of the draft next spring.
Projected Record: 4-12
31. Washington Redskins: Haskins, Smith, Allen
Dwayne Haskins would have preferred to have more time on the sidelines before he was pressed into action in Week 4 of last season. But, when you are a first-round pick and a local boy, the fans start chanting your name when the starters struggle.
The problem for Haskins was the entire team was a dumpster fire. No one really knows how good or bad Haskins is yet, but it’s clear he wasn’t an instant impact player like Lamar Jackson. A new coaching staff should be able to get Haskins on the right track.
Projected Record: 6-10
30. Miami Dolphins: Fitzpatrick, Tagovailoa, Rosen
The ageless Ryan Fitzpatrick will start the season as the starter ahead of rookie Tua Tagovailoa and broken toy, Josh Rosen. In Fitzpatrick, you know what you have, a solid professional quarterback. The problem is he’s 37 years old. Father Time always wins in the end. Is this the year he does?
It’s not great for the Dolphins if Fitzpatrick can’t get it done. Josh Rosen is proving to be one of the biggest draft busts of the past decade and no one knows what shape Tua Tagovailoa will be in when the season begins after his college career-ending injuries at Alabama.
Projected Record: 7-9
29. New England Patriots: Newton, Stidham, Hoyer
The caveat to any prediction about Cam Newton and the Patriots is that we don’t know what Cam Newton’s body will allow him to do. If Newton enters the season healthy, angry, and motivated you can bet Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will have him leading the Pats deep into the playoffs.
If Newton continues to be the Newton we’ve seen in the last couple of seasons then we’ll likely get to see the journeyman Brian Hoyer and maybe even the oft-talked about youngster Jarrett Stidham. For the first time in decades, there’s much uncertainty in New England.
Projected Record: 9-7
28. Chicago Bears: Foles, Trubisky
The quarterback situation has been holding the Bears back for the last few years. Actually, it’s been since Jim McMahon that they’ve lacked a leader in that position but it’s been particularly difficult the last few seasons because their defense has been so good.
Enter former Super Bowl MVP, Nick Foles, who comes in to challenge Mitchell Trubisky for the starting quarterback job. The problem is that Foles has rarely been that much better than Trubisky, except for that one half-season in Philly. Looks like it’s all on the defense yet again.
Projected Record: 7-9
27. Los Angeles Chargers: Taylor, Herbert
For the first time since 2004, Philip Rivers won’t be under center for the Chargers. Replacing the 8-time Pro Bowler is Tyrod Taylor, who is essentially a short-term babysitter for the starting quarterback job until rookie Justin Herbert is ready.
Taylor used to be a competent, if uninspiring, starting NFL quarterback. Who knows, this may be his last chance to start in the NFL. He could be great, but it’s not likely. Expect to see Herbert by the middle of the season, whether he’s ready or not.
Projected Record: 10-6
26. Denver Broncos: Lock, Driskel
It may not matter who is under center for the Broncos in 2020 because the offensive around him is loaded. The offensive line is stout, and the team added Jerry Jeudy in the draft and Melvin Gordon in free agency. With that kind of talent, the average Joe off the street could lead that offense.
As for the men actually in the Denver quarterback room, Drew Lock is still a generally unknown commodity and Jeff Driskel is destined to be a career clipboard holder.
Projected Record: 9-7
25. Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow, Finley
Number 1 overall pick and native son of Ohio, Joe Burrow, will likely be the Day 1 starter for the Bengals. The good news is that he’s got plenty of weapons to throw to including AJ Green, John Ross, and Tee Higgins. The bad news is he’s a rookie so no one knows how he’s going to play.
Burrow’s backup is a second-year player, Ryan Finley, who did get some playing time last season as Andy Dalton proved it was time for him to find work elsewhere.
Projected Record: 5-11
24. Carolina Panthers: Bridgewater, Walker, Grier
The regime change in Carolina is total. Gone is their Superman, Cam Newton, as well as longtime head coach Ron Rivera. Now in charge in Carolina is offensive guru Matt Rhule, who will be calling plays for Teddy Bridgewater.
Bridgewater has never proven himself to be a definite starting quarterback in the NFL. Like Tyrod Taylor, Bridgewater has spent most of his career looking good in relief. Well, here’s his chance to shine as PJ Walker and Will Grier won’t provide many challenges to this his starting role.
Projected Record: 6-10
23. New York Giants: Jones, McCoy
Daniel Jones looked like one of the worst starting quarterbacks in NFL history for most of last season. However, there were signs of life for Jones at points last season. Will those sparks turn into full-on flames this season?
If so, the G-Men should finish about .500. If not, expect Saquon Barkley to finish at the top of the league in rushing yards, and the bottom of the league in the standings. Jones’ back up is Colt McCoy, who hasn’t played meaningful football since 2014. If it comes to McCoy, it won’t be pretty.
Projected Record: 6-10
22. New York Jets: Darnold, Morgan, Fales, Flacco
Sam Darnold hasn’t exactly set the Big Apple on fire in his two seasons for the Jets. While his numbers did improve from his rookie season, Darnold ranked as just the 25th best quarterback in terms of QBR last year.
The protection and weapons around Darnold have improved, so that’s good news for Jets fans. Behind Darnold is 4th-round pick James Morgan, journeyman David Fales, and 35-year-old Joe Flacco. If Sam Darnold’s development doesn’t continue, it could be a long season for the Jets.
Projected Record: 7-9
21. Los Angeles Rams: Goff, Wolford
It was just two seasons ago that Jared Goff was leading the Rams to the Super Bowl. It looked like Goff was poised to dominate the league for years to come under the tutelage of head coaching wunderkind Sean McVay. Now it looks like he benefitted from a system that he is currently underperforming in.
The rest of the league has caught up to Goff, and McVay is left wondering what things could be like with a better quarterback. For what it’s worth, that quarterback is not under contract in LA. Goff’s backup is John Wolford who was last seen on the Rams practice squad.
Projected Record: 8-8
20. Tennessee Titans: Tannehill, McDonald
After years of waiting for Marcus Mariota to turn into their franchise quarterback, the Titans turned over the keys of the franchise to Ryan Tannehill. Incredibly, Tannehill proved to be the player he never turned into in Miami.
Tannehill’s back up will be former University of Hawai’i star and dreadlock aficionado, Cole McDonald. Yes, the offense runs through the legs of Derrick Henry, but they still will need to pass it sometimes. If Tannehill can replicate his form from last season the Titans should be just fine.
Projected Record: 10-6
19. Cleveland Browns: Mayfield, Keenum
Baker Mayfield regressed last season, there’s no denying it. Mayfield became the punching bag for most of the criticism the team took during their disappointing season last year. Some of that was deserved as Mayfield struggled mightly. Some of that was down to the coaching ineptitude of now-fired Freddie Kitchens.
With a new staff in place and a healthy Odell Beckham Jr., Mayfield should be able to get back on track. It’s still Mayfield’s show, but veteran Case Keenum is waiting in the wings should Mayfield sputter out of the gates again.
Projected Record: 9-7
18. Buffalo Bills: Allen, Barkley, Fromm
Surprising everyone but the front office who drafted him, Josh Allen is proving to be exactly the quarterback the Bills needed. The Bills went 10-5 last season and Allen led the team on 5 game-winning drives.
Matt Barkley has been a backup in Buffalo for a long time and Bills fans will be hoping he stays holding the clipboard. Jake Fromm was a no-brainer as a 5th-round pick in this year’s draft, but don’t expect to see him challenging Allen anytime soon.
Projected Record: 12-4
17. San Francisco 49ers: Garoppolo, Mullens, Beathard
Hard to imagine a quarterback from the previous year’s Super Bowl would be this far down the list but here we are. Why? Remember, the 49ers made the Super Bowl on the legs of their running game and their defense.
The 49ers gave up a lot to get Garoppolo, it’s about time they start getting what they paid for. He showed last year that he’s beginning to be that guy, but Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard have proved they can step into the void if Jimmy G isn’t up to it.
Projected Record: 11-5
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roethlisberger, Rudolph, Hodges
We saw exactly what the Steelers are like without Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. The problem is that time is coming whether they want to admit it or not. Roethlisberger has been on a steady decline for the last few years.
Maybe taking most of last season off with the injury will make him better this season, but it isn’t likely. In fact, it’s just as likely Big Ben will get injured yet again. He is 38 years old after all. Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges showed last year they weren’t up to the task in Ben’s absence.
Projected Record: 9-7
15. Indianapolis Colts: Rivers, Brissett, Eason
Philip Rivers joining the Colts would be the story of the offseason if it wasn’t for Tom Brady’s migration south to Tampa. The Colts were a legit AFC contender without him, just think what they’ll be with him.
Worried about his aging body? He’s playing 11 of 16 games indoors or in Florida in this upcoming NFL season. Also, the Colts built one of the best offensive lines in the league for Andre Luck, now Rivers gets to enjoy it. Besides, Jacoby Brissett has proven to be a capable backup when called upon.
Projected Record: 10-6
14. Arizona Cardinals: Murray, Hundley
It may be a stretch putting Kyler Murray this high on the list, but he showed real promise in his first season in the league. It also helps that he is playing in a system that suits him, with a head coach who is touted as an offensive guru. Essentially, Murray has stability.
If he can lessen the interceptions, Murray will be one of the league’s elite QB’s in no time. Adding Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is sure to help as well. Brett Hundley is serviceable, but not even close to an even swap in relief.
Projected Record: 9-7
13. Minnesota Vikings: Cousins, Mannion
The 13th best quarterback in the league is certainly not what the Vikings were hoping to get when they gave Cousins the richest contract a quarterback has ever received. However, that’s what they’ve got. To be fair, Cousins did improve last season.
Last season he threw less but recorded essentially the same numbers as the year before. One downside heading into this season is Stefon Diggs is gone, replaced by rookie Justin Jefferson. Sean Mannion backs up Cousins, but his 0-3 TD to INT stats over his 6-year career isn’t inspiring anyone.
Projected Record: 10-6
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Wentz, Sudfield, Hurts
Carson Wentz is one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, but that will only continue to be the case if he stays healthy. He’s missed three or more games in two of the last three seasons. When Wentz is healthy, he’s great. When he’s not, Nate Sudfield has to play.
One of the more intriguing offseason pickups was former Alabama and Oklahoma star Jalen Hurts being drafted by the Eagles. Everyone knows the quality of human being Hurts is, but can he be effective in the NFL. Chances are good we’ll get to find out this season.
Projected Records: 10-6
11. Las Vegas Raiders: Carr, Mariota
It’s unclear whether or not John Gruden would have wanted his quarterback to still be Derek Carr when the team was unveiled in their shiny, new Las Vegas home, but that’s the situation he finds himself in. Besides, Carr has improved massively under Gruden over the last few years.
Gruden bought Carr a shiny new toy in the draft when they picked up Henry Ruggs, so a regression from Carr is unlikely. If he does stark to stink, Marcus Mariota is waiting in the wings, just waiting for the chance to revive his career.
Projected Record: 7-9
10. Atlanta Falcons: Ryan, Schaub
Matty Ice was back to being Matty Ice last season as he threw for over 4,00 yards yet again. That was despite being sacked a league-leading 48 times. It’s unlikely that Ryan will be leading the Falcons back to the Super Bowl this season, but at least they’ll be competitive.
Ryan’s most underrated skill is his ability to remain healthy. He’s missed more than two games in a season since 2009, which is good considering his backup is 39-year-old Matt Schaub. Yes, Matt Schaub is still in the league. Bet you didn’t know that.
Projected Record: 9-7
9. Detroit Lions: Stafford, Daniel
Mathew Stafford may be the most underrated quarterback of his generation. Stafford quietly puts up massive numbers for the Lions every year and almost always goes unnoticed. That is of course because the Lions are usually pretty bad, which Stafford is only partially responsible for.
Stafford will be counted on yet again to keep the Lions or the margins of relevance as Chase Daniel is surely not going to if called upon. He’s attempted just 218 passes in the last decade.
Projected Record: 8-8
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brady, Gabbert
Or should we have said “Tompa” Bay? The GOAT has taken his talents south and will hook up with quarterback whisperer Bruce Arians. With the addition of his trusty friend and future Hall of Famer, Rob Gronkowski, Brady should be back dominating the league yet again.
Yes, Brady is like 75 years old, but the warmer weather in Florida will keep his joints working. That’s why all our grandparents move to Florida for the winter, right? Blaine Gabbert should be on ready alert, just in case the Bucs protection package fails and Brady breaks a hip.
Projected Record: 11-5
7. Green Bay Packers: Rodgers, Love
The Green Bay Packers surprised everyone, including Aaron Rodgers, when they spent a first-round pick on Jordan Love. While Love is an exciting prospect for the future, don’t expect to see him displacing Rodgers under center any time soon.
Rodgers may be getting older, but he’s still playing at a high level. Yes, production has dropped off a little but that could be because the Packers refuse to draft weapons for him to use. Still, we wouldn’t count Rodgers out yet.
Projected Record: 11-5
6. Dallas Cowboys: Prescott, Dalton
Dak Prescott is a good quarterback. The problem for him and the Dallas Cowboys is he’s just not a great quarterback. This is why the two parties find themselves locked in a bitter contract war. Remember the Joe Flacco deal? That’s what the Cowboys are hoping to avoid.
The problem is Prescott continues to get better, albeit incrementally. Jerry Jones added weapons around Prescott and moved on from the limp handshake come to life that is Jason Garrett. They also added the best backup quarterback in the league when they signed former Bengals star, and native Texan, Andy Dalton.
Projected Record: 10-6
5. Houston Texans: Watson, McCarron
Deshaun Watson has been great the last few seasons, but it helps to have one of the league’s best wide receivers to throw to. DeAndre Hopkins is gone, traded by coach and GM Bill O’Brien this offseason. However, it’s safe to assume that Watson’s productivity will not drop off a cliff with Hopkins’ departure.
AJ McCarron has made a career out of almost being the starting quarterback for an NFL team and he will continue that trajectory now in Houston. He’s proven to be a capable backup so the Texans should feel good about that.
Projected Record: 9-7
4. New Orleans Saints: Brees, Winston, Hill
The New Orleans Saints have one of the most interesting quarterback rooms in the entire NFL. At starter, you have future Hall of Famer, Drew Brees. He’s the unassailable starter who doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Behind him, you have Jameis Winston who can chuck it, but is just as likely to throw a pick as an interception. You also have Taysom Hill who is built like a tight end and plays quarterback like a running back. Needless to say, the Saints have options.
Projected Record: 12-4
3. Baltimore Ravens: Jackson, Griffin III
Do you ever wonder what Robert Griffin III thinks about on the sidelines when he watches Lamar Jackson play? Jackson is what Griffin would have been if he knew how to slide. All we have is memories of that one magic season.
Wait, we’ve got the real thing in Lamar Jackson. He’s explosive, dynamic, and can throw the ball as good as almost anyone. The Ravens are going to be dangerous again this year and it’s all because of Jackson.
Projected Record: 12-4
2. Seattle Seahawks: Wilson, Smith
Russell Wilson just quietly goes about his business up in the Pacific Northwest. He’s fine to let the Seahawks defense take all the credit, but we aren’t. Russ is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he should get credit for that.
Imagine what Russ could do if he had some real weapons around him. That would be scary. So would Geno Smith taking over for Wilson be, but hopefully we don’t have to see that this year.
Projected Record: 11-5
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Mahomes, Henne
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league, it’s as simple as that. He and Andy Reid led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win last season and you can bet on the former MVP to have them in the running again this season.
Sure, his numbers dipped in 2019, but after the season he had in 2018 they almost had to. Mahomes isn’t going anywhere, so backup Chad Henne can splurge for that more comfortable headset. He’s going to be wearing it all year long.
Projected Record: 12-4