Week 18 is in the books, and it’s time to dive into the final regular season rankings of the year. From seasoned veterans lighting up the scoreboard to emerging talents making their mark, we’re breaking down all 32 starting NFL quarterbacks from worst to first after Week 18. Who stood tall under pressure?
Who needs to step up their game? Let’s get into it and find out where your team’s signal caller lands on our list.
Who are the top-ranking quarterbacks in the NFL after week 18?
32. Tennessee Titans: Mason Rudolph
Tough showing for Mason Rudolph, who couldn’t get the offense moving at all before being benched for the incumbent starter, Will Levis.
31. Cleveland Browns: Bailey Zappe
Well! You can add Bailey Zappe to the never-ending list of failed Browns quarterbacks. He threw for 170 yards and two picks this week, confirming what we all already knew: he isn’t going to be the answer for the Browns going forward.
30. New York Giants: Drew Lock
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Drew Lock’s performance was underwhelming, managing only 138 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Another tough showing for the Giants’ backup coming into the year.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Carson Wentz
Safe to say that teams won’t be lining up to bring in Carson Wentz after seeing the pathetic performance he mustered up in Week 18 in relief of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was resting for the NFL playoffs.
28. San Francisco 49ers: Joshua Dobbs
Joshua Dobbs filled up the stat sheet this week, but not in all good ways. He completed 29 of 43 for 326 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions.
27. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley left a lot to be desired in Tua’s absence. He only managed to complete 25 of 41 for 227 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
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26. Buffalo Bills: Mitchell Trubisky
With MVP candidate Josh Allen playing only a single snap to extend his consecutive starts streak, Mitchell Trubisky took over, completing 15 of 21 passes for 101 yards. Trubisky managed the game effectively but couldn’t generate the explosive plays needed to overcome New England’s defense, which is saying something.
25. Las Vegas Raiders: Aidan O'Connell
Aidan O’Connell was good but not great this week, as he barely topped 200 yards against the Chargers in the loss.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson
Oh, Russell. Easy come, easy go. Just as soon as we anointed him “back” in Pittsburgh, things have just as quickly begun to unravel for the veteran NFL quarterback.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mac Jones
Mac Jones didn’t embarrass himself this week, but it is clear that the former first-round pick is not a legitimate NFL quarterback.
22. Dallas Cowboys: Trey Lance
Trey Lance, in his first regular-season start since 2022, showed flashes of promise. He moved the chains, completing 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards, but the red zone was his kryptonite. Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns ultimately doomed Dallas.
21. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
Quiet game for Jayden Daniels, who saw minimal usage in the first half before being benched to preserve him for the postseason. Enter Marcus Mariota, the spark that ignited Washington’s offense. Taking over in the second half, Mariota was electric, completing 15 of 18 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. His legs were just as lethal, adding 56 rushing yards and a score.
20. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love
Jordan Love’s early exit due to an elbow injury was a significant blow. Backup Malik Willis stepped in admirably, but the offense couldn’t elevate their level high enough without their starting NFL team quarterback.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy G made his first start in over a year this week, and, all things considered, it went alright. He finished completing 27 of 41 passes with two touchdowns and one interception.
18. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler has been okay for the Saints after stepping in for the injured starter, Derek Carr. He delivered a commendable performance this week with 240 passing yards and a touchdown, but they came up short.
17. New England Patriots: Joe Milton
Rookie Joe Milton III made a memorable professional debut, completing 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards. He showcased his dual-threat capability by throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another, injecting energy into the Patriots’ offense as they got another W on their record.
16. Indianapolis Colts: Joe Flacco
Veteran NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, nearing his 40th birthday, delivered a commendable performance, completing 23 of 40 passes for 264 yards, including an early 40-yard touchdown strike to Alec Pierce. Flacco’s leadership and poise were evident in a major way this week.
15. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud started the game with precision, completing all six of his passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive before taking a well-deserved rest. It’s not the season that people were expecting out of Stroud in Year 2, but he deserves credit for bringing this Texans team to the playoffs yet again.
14. Philadelphia Eagles: Tanner McKee
Rookie quarterback Tanner McKee seized his opportunity with Jalen Hurts resting, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL start. His poise and precision provided a glimpse into a potentially promising future.
13. New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers
Week 18 was perhaps Rodgers’s best game as a Jet. He went for 274 and four scores with only one interception in what many believe will be his final game with the team.
12. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr.
Rookie Michael Penix Jr. ended his late-season run on a high note, throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns, both to Drake London. Penix displayed composure and playmaking ability, keeping the Falcons in the hunt throughout the game, and projects to be the starter next season.
11. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams showcased his poise under pressure, orchestrating a game-winning drive in the final minute. His clutch performance was instrumental in snapping the Bears’ losing streak.
10. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
Quarterback Kyler Murray delivered an exceptional performance, throwing for 242 yards and four touchdowns, and his connection with their NFL team wide receiver Greg made up for two of them.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield demonstrated leadership and versatility, completing 25 of 32 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns, and managed to tee up his veteran teammate Mike Evans for yet another 1,000-yard season.
8. Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s turnaround in 2024 has been nothing short of a miracle, but he had his worst start of the year with the number one seed in the NFC playoffs at stake. Despite the struggles, Darnold’s play down the stretch has given Vikings fans something to be hopeful for.
7. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
What a turnaround it has been for Bryce Young in the second half of this season. The sophomore NFL quarterback was nothing short of spectacular, accounting for five touchdowns—three through the air and two with his legs. Completing 25 of 34 passes for 251 yards, he showcased his dual-threat prowess, especially during the clutch game-winning drive in overtime.
6. Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
While Jahmyr Gibbs stole the show on Sunday, Jared Goff was no slouch either and converted a number of huge throws to his speedy receivers to keep the chains moving. Goff’s calm and collected play helped Detroit grind down the Vikings’ defense and secure another statement win.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith
What a week for Geno Smith, who not only secured a massive incentive bonus but also put up a masterful performance. He went 20 for 27 with four touchdowns and no interceptions in the win. Smith’s late-season resurgence has been crucial for Seattle’s playoff hopes.
4. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
What a finish to an impressive NFL season for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. He led the Broncos in passing and rushing against Kansas City, finishing with 321 yards and four touchdowns in the process. Denver’s offense is suddenly looking dangerous at the right time, thanks to Nix’s dual-threat ability.
3. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert was a monster this week, carving up the Raiders’ defense to the tune of 346 yards and two scores with no interceptions. Herbert’s ability to deliver under pressure has kept the Chargers afloat this season, and his performance in Week 18 was a reminder of why he’s one of the best in the game.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow showcased his resilience and leadership, completing 37 of 46 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown. Despite an interception, he maintained poise and led Cincinnati to a must-win victory against their division rival in their final game of the year. Burrow continues to thrive when the stakes are at their highest.
1. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson continued his MVP-caliber season, tossing two touchdown passes against a downtrodden Browns team that had no answers for him. Jackson’s command of the Ravens’ offense and ability to make game-breaking plays through the air and on the ground solidifies his spot as the top quarterback heading into the NFL postseason.
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