The NFL playoffs are where quarterbacks earn their legacies—or watch them crumble under the spotlight. After a thrilling divisional round full of clutch throws, costly mistakes, and everything in between, it’s time to rank the last eight starting quarterbacks standing who took the field this past weekend!
Who are the top-ranking NFL quarterbacks after the Divisional Round?
8. Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
Jared Goff might’ve led the Detroit Lions to a 15-win regular season, but Saturday’s NFL playoff collapse against the Washington Commanders will haunt the veteran quarterback for a long time. As the Lions entered the postseason with the NFC’s top seed and their first real Super Bowl aspirations in decades, Goff’s performance fell flat in the most pivotal game of his Detroit tenure.
It started off with promise, as Goff connected with Sam LaPorta for a touchdown to briefly regain the lead in the second quarter. But things unraveled quickly from there. Goff turned the ball over three times in the first half alone—two interceptions and a fumble that led directly to Washington points. By the time the dust settled, Detroit found itself trailing 31-21 at halftime, with its defense unable to bail out the offense’s mistakes. While Goff’s stat line of 313 yards and a single touchdown might look respectable on paper, it was the when and how of his turnovers that doomed Detroit.
7. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud
After a frustrating sophomore season in which he lost a number of weapons to injury, C.J. Stroud has really showed resilience down the stretch and into the playoffs. This week, however, the task was too tall and the Chiefs gave him more than he could handle.
Stroud was under constant pressure and sacked eight times, including two critical fourth-quarter takedowns that killed any chance of a comeback. Despite the adversity, Stroud’s composure and ability to keep his team in the game against the defending champs were impressive. This QB has the tools and the mentality to lead the Texans back to the postseason, but Saturday’s loss highlighted just how much help he’ll need to take the next step.
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6. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson’s postseason frustrations continued as the Ravens fell just short in a 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jackson’s stat line—18 of 25 for 254 yards, two touchdowns, and 54 rushing yards—painted the picture of an NFL quarterback who played well, especially in the second half. However, the turnovers early and a couple of missed throws were the killers and have been the difference in Jackson’s postseason.
Yes, Jackson showed grit and determination, rallying Baltimore in the second half and nearly pulling off the comeback. But in the end, the questions about his postseason performances will only grow louder.
5. Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, even playing through sore ribs, and the offense showed its grit by staying in striking distance late. But he put the ball on the ground twice, losing one, as did his running back Kyren Williams and the turnovers ultimately derailed any hopes of an upset.
With Stafford getting up in years, every season that goes by brings Los Angeles closer to the end that they all know will arrive. Another impressive NFL season for the veteran quarterback but a tough finish, particularly given that context.
Also Read: Final Grades For All 32 NFL Teams’ Starting Quarterbacks After The Final Week Of The 2024 Season
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts didn’t have his most dazzling performance in Sunday’s 28-22 playoff win over the Rams, but the Eagles quarterback did what he always seems to do: find a way to win, even with an apparent knee injury ailing him.
Hurts battled through snowy conditions and relentless pressure from the Rams’ defense but kept his composure and delivered when it mattered most. He finished with an accurate passing line of 15 for 20 for 128 yards and added seven carriers for 70 and a score in the big win.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes continues to redefine what it means to be great in the postseason. Saturday’s 23-14 win over the Houston Texans marked yet another divisional-round masterpiece for the Chiefs’ star quarterback, who remains undefeated in such games. With the win, Mahomes improved to 16-3 in the playoffs, tying Joe Montana for the second-most postseason wins by a quarterback in NFL history, and advanced to his seven straight AFC Championship Game. Simply absurd!
The stat line—177 passing yards and one touchdown—might seem modest for Mahomes, but context matters. He was methodical, efficient, and clutch, connecting with Travis Kelce seven times for 117 yards and a score. And the throw he made to Kelce in the end zone to put the game away was ridiculous!
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
Wow, what a rookie season for Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick out of LSU has been an absolute game-changer for the Washington Commanders. They rattled off 12 wins this year and now have knocked Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the top-seeded Detroit Lions out of the playoffs to reach their first NFC Title Game since 1991.
Daniels was masterful on Saturday Night, completing 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two scores while also chipping in 51 yards on the ground. What made the outing all the more impressive was that it seemed like every time that Washington needed a big play, Daniels delivered. His poise, focus, and leadership were all on full display.
It will be interesting to see how Daniels fares next week against a stout defense and division rival, in Philadelphia.
1. Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
Josh Allen continues to shine as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks, delivering another signature performance in Buffalo’s 27-25 win over the Ravens. While his numbers—127 passing yards, 20 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns—might not leap off the page, Allen’s command of the game and clutch playmaking were undeniable.
Allen’s two rushing scores, including a critical 1-yard plunge in the second quarter, gave the Bills a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. More importantly, Allen protected the football, recording his 11th turnover-free game of the season in a matchup where mistakes proved costly for the opposition.
Also Read: 10 Star NFL Quarterbacks That Will NEVER Win The Big One
