It’s that time again—the NFL playoffs are here, and the quarterbacks are stealing the spotlight. As usual, they’re the center of attention, whether they’re throwing bombs, scrambling for first downs, or, occasionally, throwing a game-losing pick. You never know what you’re going to get in the postseason. But one thing is clear: this year’s lineup of playoff quarterbacks is stacked.
Except Joe Burrow isn’t here, and honestly, it feels weird. Like showing up to a party and realizing your best friend isn’t coming. But we move forward! This ranking dives into how these 14 quarterbacks performed this season and factors in a little playoff pedigree to keep things spicy. Spoiler alert: some of these rankings might make you scream at your screen. Let’s get into it.
14. Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Let’s be honest: Wilson hasn’t been “Let Russ Cook” in a while. He’s more “Let Russ Manage.” A Super Bowl champ with undeniable grit, sure, but Pittsburgh barely stumbled into the playoffs, and Wilson isn’t inspiring much confidence. Game manager mode doesn’t cut it in January, Russ.
13. Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
This rookie is the definition of “pleasant surprise.” Did anyone have Bo Nix leading Denver to the playoffs on their bingo card? Me neither. He ended the season on a high note, but asking him to knock off playoff-tested juggernauts feels like asking a cat to babysit your toddler.
12. CJ Stroud (Houston Texans)
Ah, the sophomore slump—Stroud knows it too well. Last year, he stunned with a playoff win, but this season he’s been quieter. Maybe Houston’s issues aren’t entirely on him, but it’s hard to believe he’s pulling a playoff miracle this year.
11. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Oh, Jordan Love. The potential is there—like that one expensive gadget you buy but never quite figure out how to use. He’s brilliant in flashes but fumbles (literally and metaphorically) far too often. Green Bay fans might need some antacids watching him in the playoffs.
10. Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings)
Yes, Sam Darnold in the top 10! Who had that on their vision board? Darnold has had a lowkey great season, but that clunker of a game against Detroit in Week 18 leaves me doubting. Could he lead Minnesota on a run? Stranger things have happened (just ask Nick Foles).
9. Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
Rookie alert! Daniels has been electric, with a play style that screams, “I’m here to make chaos.” He’s the wild card of this group—sometimes literally fumbling the ball but then throwing a perfect 60-yard strike. Could he shock the world? Absolutely.
8. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Jalen Hurts should be higher, right? Maybe. But the concussion sidelining him for weeks is a red flag. Sure, he’s got the heart of a champion and has balled out in big moments (see: Super Bowl two seasons ago). Still, it’s hard to trust him at 100% just yet.
7. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
Playoff Stafford? Sign me up. He’s already got the resume (remember that Super Bowl win?), and while the Rams have been streaky, Stafford knows how to rise to the occasion. Just don’t ask him to throw 50 times a game—that’s not the vibe anymore.
6. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
This feels low for Herbert, but the quarterbacks ahead of him have had monster seasons. Herbert has been slinging it like nobody’s business lately, and his turnover-light start to the season is why the Chargers are even here. But can he carry this team all the way? TBD.
5. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Raise your hand if you thought Baker Mayfield would be in the top 5 this year. No hands? Same. But he’s been phenomenal. His fiery energy and comeback story are easy to root for, and honestly, I’m not counting him out for a deep playoff run.
4. Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Goff is hotter than Hansel in Zoolander right now. Precision passing, poise in the pocket, and a Lions team rallying around him—he’s playing the best football of his career. Detroit fans are already dusting off their “One Pride” Super Bowl merch.
3. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar has a chip on his shoulder the size of Maryland. He’s likely your MVP or close to it, and his dynamic style makes him a nightmare for defenses. But playoff Lamar? We haven’t seen the magic yet. Could this be the year he shakes off the postseason curse?
2. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
It feels like Allen has done everything but win a Super Bowl. His playoff performances are legendary, but Buffalo’s knack for imploding at the worst moments is legendary too. If the coaching staff doesn’t sabotage him, Allen is perfectly capable of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Was it going to be anyone else? Mahomes isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a mythological figure at this point. Three Super Bowls, insane playoff stats, and a knack for pulling off impossible comebacks. If you’re betting against him, good luck—you’ll need it.
So there you have it—the ultimate ranking of playoff quarterbacks. Do you agree? Disagree? Still yelling about Baker Mayfield at No. 5? Let’s hear it.
Oh, and one last thing: don’t sleep on the wild-card rookies. The playoffs are a stage for legends and surprises.
P.S. Who’s bringing the snacks for the playoff games? I’ve got wings and nachos on deck.
P.P.S. Mahomes probably doesn’t even eat nachos. Feels like a kale salad guy.
P.P.P.S. That’s the article. Bye.
