The NFL season is hitting its stride, and it's time to highlight the quarterbacks who are making waves.
You already know the big names – Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have dominated the field over the past few seasons. But who else will make a name for themselves in 2024?
If you love defensive battles, this list of the 25 best defensive players in NFL history is perfect for you.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, at the helm of the Kansas City Chiefs, is redefining what it means to be an elite quarterback. With three Super Bowl titles under his belt, he is poised to chase an unprecedented three titles this year.
While some may argue against tying wins directly to quarterbacks, Mahomes challenges that notion by consistently demonstrating his unique ability to dictate the flow of the game.
His vision, agility and decision-making skills enable him to turn the tide of any match, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson, leading the Baltimore Ravens with exciting plays, is making history and changing the quarterback landscape as we know it.
While he still trails Patrick Mahomes in playoff accomplishments, the accolades Jackson received in the regular season speak volumes. After winning his second MVP award last year, he cemented his potential as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Under the guidance of Todd Monken, Jackson's development as a passer soared, setting personal bests in several key metrics.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills center Josh Allen is gearing up for a dynamic season as he teams up with Joe Brady to craft an innovative offense. After last season's success without star receiver Stefon Diggs, Allen is poised to utilize his skills with emerging talent like Dalton Kinkaid and Khalil Shakir.
Allen's unique ability to seamlessly combine his running prowess with sharp passing adds a versatile edge to the team's strategy.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
In his short but impactful career, Burrow has shown that he is a top-tier quarterback when healthy. The 2021 season was a testament to his talent — he led the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt.
With standout receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal, Burrow is poised for another breakout year. However, with Higgins' free agency on the horizon, this dynamic duo could see their final year together. Burrow's record in the playoffs is impressive, and Bengals fans know that as long as he stays healthy, the sky is the limit.
Gardner Minshew II, Las Vegas Raiders
Gardner Minshew II has emerged as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders' 2024 season. The decision, announced by coach Antonio Pierce, was the result of extensive discussions with general manager Tom Telesco and offensive coordinator Luke Getty.
Minshew's preseason performance, where he recorded 212 yards and one touchdown, helped solidify that selection. Known for his dynamic plays with the Colts in 2023, where he shined with 3,305 yards and a Pro Bowl nod, Minshew brings experience and a proven track record of efficiency to the Silver and Black.
Numbers don't lie! The Vegas NFL streak shows that Minshew has the talent to lead his team down the field, and if he stays healthy, fans can expect an electric season in 2025. Against the Chiefs, he had 209 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With this kind of production, he is sure to be one of the best QBs in the league for years to come.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott shows how a quarterback can elevate a team even without consistent support from the running game. In 2023, amid the challenges, Prescott has emerged as the backbone of the Cowboys' offense, proving his mettle with impressive statistics.
Throwing for an astounding 4,516 yards and leading the league with 36 touchdown passes, he demonstrated his versatility through accuracy and poise. Notably, his number of interceptions decreased to nine, highlighting his maturity as a playmaker. Prescott's arm strength, accuracy and agility keep the Cowboys competitive, making him a key force on the field.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
At 36 years old, Matthew Stafford is still a huge force in the NFL, with one of the most impressive arms in the game. Under the expert guidance of Sean McVay, Stafford fits seamlessly into the Rams' offensive scheme.
Last season, he recorded nearly 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns despite missing two games, a testament to his enduring talent. While the Rams have improved at guard, his sack rate is the lowest since 2011, and early-season challenges loom with uncertainty on the offensive line, making Stafford's intelligence and experience crucial when they face the Lions in their opener.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy, nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last pick in the 2022 draft, continues to defy expectations. In 2023, he posted a stellar passer rating of 113.0, led the league in completion percentage with 69.4%, and threw 31 touchdown passes, emphasizing His place is among the NFL's elite.
Critics may argue that he is backed by a talented roster and Kyle Shanahan's playing genius, but Purdy's poise in crucial moments has earned him the respect and unwavering trust of his teammates, proving that he is far from irrelevant.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
CJ Stroud took the NFL world by storm with a record-breaking rookie campaign, reminiscent of legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana. Stroud led the league in both passing yards per game and interception touchdown percentage, and he showed an innate ability to dominate under pressure.
Ranked as the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, his rise has been rapid, fueled by the Texans' strong lineup. Stroud's poise is perhaps his most notable trait, as he consistently exudes maturity beyond his years, suggesting a promising path to join the ranks of the game's elite midfielders.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers, now wearing the New York Jets colors, heads into the new season with questions surrounding his current form versus his legendary past. At 40 years old, after recovering from a major injury, what can fans realistically expect?
Historically, Rodgers has been an MVP-caliber player, lifting teams to the highest levels even when statistics fluctuate. The Jets are looking to make a playoff appearance for the first time since 2010, something Rodgers could facilitate once he reaches his level of performance in 2022. However, Rodgers himself will likely be aiming for more, eager to add another playoff win to his His illustrious career.
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