2024 NFL Season QB Rankings: A Mid-Season Overview
As we progress through the 2024 NFL season, the landscape of quarterback rankings has undergone some significant changes after just two games. The initial rankings provided a composite view based on evaluations from key experts, but with the season in full swing, it’s essential to reassess and adjust. Here’s a detailed look at The Athletic’s Week 3 QB rankings:
| RK. | QB | Last WK. | SZN. High | SZN. Low |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Josh Allen | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | C.J. Stroud | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 4 | Lamar Jackson | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | Joe Burrow | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | Aaron Rodgers | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | Kyler Murray | 17 | 7 | 18 |
| 8 | Justin Herbert | 9 | 6 | 9 |
| 9 | Dak Prescott | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | Baker Mayfield | 12 | 10 | 17 |
| 11 | Jalen Hurts | 11 | 11 | 13 |
| 12 | Brock Purdy | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| 13 | Derek Carr | 19 | 13 | 23 |
| 14 | Matthew Stafford | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| 15 | Geno Smith | 18 | 15 | 20 |
| 16 | Jared Goff | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | Kirk Cousins | 16 | 11 | 17 |
| 18 | Trevor Lawrence | 14 | 14 | 18 |
| 19 | Sam Darnold | 23 | 19 | 28 |
| 20 | Caleb Williams | 21 | 20 | 21 |
| 21 | Justin Fields | 24 | 21 | 24 |
| 22 | Jayden Daniels | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| 23 | Anthony Richardson | 20 | 20 | 23 |
| 24 | Gardner Minshew | 25 | 24 | 32 |
| 25 | Jacoby Brissett | 26 | 25 | 31 |
| 26 | Daniel Jones | 29 | 26 | 29 |
| 27 | Deshaun Watson | 30 | 27 | 30 |
| 28 | Bo Nix | 27 | 27 | 29 |
| 29 | Andy Dalton | NR | 29 | 29 |
| 30 | Will Levis | 31 | 24 | 31 |
| 31 | Malik Willis | 32 | 31 | 32 |
| 32 | Skylar Thompson | NR | 32 | 32 |
| INJ. | Russell Wilson | NR | 30 | 30 |
| INJ. | Jordan Love | NR | 12 | 12 |
| INJ. | Tua Tagovailoa | 15 | 13 | 15 |
| BN. | Bryce Young | 28 | 25 | 28 |
When evaluating the rankings, several key factors come into play:
- Career Resume: How does the quarterback’s history look? Is his track record strong enough to withstand fluctuations in performance?
- Current Performance: How has the quarterback played so far this season compared to his overall career? For example, Kyler Murray has started strong, showing flashes of near-MVP-level play from previous seasons.
- Surrounding Circumstances: The health of the quarterback and the quality of the offensive line and skill players can significantly impact performance. For instance, Matthew Stafford’s decline in ranking is attributed to injuries within his team.
- Potential Upside: In cases of close rankings, which quarterback would teams prefer if given a choice? Established players like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow retain higher rankings despite their team’s struggles.
The Rise of Kyler Murray
This week, Kyler Murray made the most significant leap in the rankings, jumping an impressive ten spots. His performance on Sunday against the Rams was nothing short of outstanding, achieving a perfect passer rating. In the opening game against the Buffalo Bills, he nearly pulled off an upset.
Murray, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, has been exceptional in the first two games, completing 73.1% of his passes for 428 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions, yielding a rating of 122.9. He has also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 116 yards.
After a decent comeback last season from a torn ACL, Murray is now fully healthy and thriving in Drew Petzing’s innovative offense. Many believe he could be on the verge of his best season yet, reminiscent of his MVP conversations in 2020 and 2021. However, history shows that he tends to start strong before fading late in the season, a pattern that will need to change for sustained success.
Sam Darnold: A Case for Higher Ranking
Sam Darnold has also emerged as a key figure in this discussion, as he has made a case for a higher ranking based on his performance. Completing 72% of his passes for 476 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions, he has led his team to two victories, including a notable win against the formidable 49ers.
Despite this, Darnold finds himself ranked lower than some quarterbacks who have been less productive. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the small sample size of his performance. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, a sustained performance over the next few weeks will be necessary for a more favorable ranking.
Quarterback Contracts and Team Strategies
This season, the NFC South has seen impressive performances from both Baker Mayfield and Derek Carr, who are leading their respective undefeated teams. Their contracts, worth less than $40 million annually, have allowed their teams to invest in other areas, showcasing the value of budget-conscious quarterback contracts.
Mayfield’s resurgence in Tampa under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, paired with Carr’s revival in New Orleans alongside Klint Kubiak, sets the stage for a thrilling showdown in Week 6 that could have significant implications for the division race.
Challenges for Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence was expected to solidify his position as a top-10 quarterback this season, but he currently finds himself ranked No. 18. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense has struggled to find its rhythm, and Lawrence’s hesitance has raised concerns about his confidence.
Despite close losses in their first two games, the burden falls on Lawrence to guide the team to victory. With crucial upcoming matchups against the Bills and Texans, he must rise to the occasion to avoid further disappointment.
The Dilemma of Bryce Young
In a surprising move, the Carolina Panthers decided to bench Bryce Young after just two games, further complicating their quarterback situation. The disparity in performance between Young and fellow rookie C.J. Stroud underscores the challenges faced by the Panthers, whose offensive struggles have contributed to their current woes.
Young’s rocky start raises questions about the decision to trade significant assets for him, especially given the ongoing issues with the team’s offensive line and supporting cast. The Panthers find themselves in a precarious position, needing to reassess their strategy moving forward.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Future
Calls for Tua Tagovailoa to retire due to his concussion history have sparked a broad discussion about player safety. While the concerns are rooted in genuine care, it’s essential to respect Tagovailoa’s autonomy in making decisions about his career and health.
He has faced numerous challenges throughout his journey, and the decision to continue playing is deeply personal. As fans and analysts, we should support him in whatever choice he makes.
(Photo of Kyler Murray: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
