The NFL is a quarterback’s league. Always has been, always will be. If your team has a superstar under center, your Super Bowl odds shoot through the roof. If your QB is, well, average-ish, your team might sneak into the playoffs, but you’ll probably be packing up by February. And if your team is QB-less? Let’s just say, better luck in the draft.
With the 2025 playoffs here, the quarterback pool is as diverse as ever. There are rookies like Bo Nix, cagey veterans like Matthew Stafford, and, of course, the superstar show-stealers like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. But how do they all stack up? Who’s worth the hype, and who’s just happy to be here?
Let’s rank all 14 playoff quarterbacks—from least to greatest. Buckle up; this one’s spicy.
14. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Rookie magic only gets you so far. Nix had a solid season: 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and a cool 66.3% completion rate. Not bad, right? But a trip to Buffalo in the wild card round feels like asking a toddler to run a marathon. Denver should consider this playoff run a warm-up lap for their future.
13. Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Remember when Russ used to cook? Well, now he’s more like reheated leftovers. Pittsburgh’s four-game skid to close the season didn’t help his case either. He’s been decent, but “decent” doesn’t win playoff games against teams like the Ravens.
12. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
The rookie dual-threat QB has shown flashes of brilliance—those 891 rushing yards were no joke. But he’s facing an uphill battle against an experienced Tampa Bay defense. It’s a little like bringing a Nerf gun to a water balloon fight.
11. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Love’s second full season as Green Bay’s starter? Let’s just say the honeymoon phase is over. His interception problem has fans nervous, especially with a first-round matchup against the 14-3 Eagles. But hey, at least he’s in the playoffs.
10. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
If we ranked quarterbacks based on inconsistency, Darnold might top the list. His career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns are impressive, but that dud against Detroit in the finale has everyone doubting his playoff readiness.
9. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud regressed this year after a stellar rookie campaign. Losing his top weapons to injuries didn’t help. He’s still got talent, but against a well-coached Chargers squad, the odds aren’t in his favor.
8. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert’s numbers (3,870 yards, 23 TDs, 3 picks) scream efficiency. But his supporting cast? Yikes. Herbert can only do so much with a roster that feels like it was assembled during a fire sale.
7. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts hasn’t been the same since his Super Bowl LVII run. His passing game is underwhelming, and his mobility isn’t what it used to be. Sure, Saquon Barkley helps carry the load, but the Eagles will need more from Hurts if they want to make noise this year.
6. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yeah, Baker’s never been this high in a QB ranking before. But his 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns this season were undeniable. The real question: can he stay consistent when it matters most? The jury’s still out.
5. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Old reliable. Stafford might not light up the stat sheet anymore, but he knows how to win in January. The Rams have been here before, and with Stafford leading the charge, they’re a dark horse worth watching.
4. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff is playing the best football of his life. Career-highs in touchdowns and completion percentage, plus the NFC’s No. 1 seed? It’s all lining up for Detroit. But can Goff take the Lions to their first Super Bowl? Stay tuned.
3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Electric, dynamic, unstoppable in the regular season—but what about the playoffs? Lamar’s postseason struggles are well-documented. This year is his chance to flip the script and prove he can win when it counts.
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Allen has cleaned up his turnover problem, which is huge. He’s the heartbeat of the Bills, a dual-threat monster capable of taking over games. But can he finally get over the playoff hump? That’s the million-dollar question.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Shocker, right? Even in a “down year,” Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 15-2 record and remains the most clutch player in football. Three Super Bowl rings, two MVPs, and countless jaw-dropping plays. When it’s all on the line, Mahomes is the guy you trust. Period.
So, is Patrick Mahomes still king? Absolutely. But the playoff stage is unpredictable. Every quarterback on this list has something to prove, whether it’s a rookie like Bo Nix getting his first taste of the big leagues or veterans like Stafford and Allen chasing elusive Super Bowl glory.
The playoffs are where legends are made. Let’s see who rises—and who crumbles under the pressure.
P.S. Did I rank someone too high? Too low? Let me know. I’m prepared to argue about this over snacks. 🍕
