QB rankings for 2024: Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson support the AFC North at the top of the list

Joe Burrow demonstrated On Sunday, he’s not just returned, but he’s improved; the Bengals may also be.

Elite quarterbacks are on some NFL teams. Others, not so much. Which eight divisions in the league, though, have the greatest overall talent under center? Stated differently, which groups, when considered as a whole, have the highest level of entertainment value at signal-caller? Which ones seem to be the most competitive, then?

Joe Burrow

In order of least to best, we have ranked all eight as the 2024 NFL season draws near:

8. NFC South

Kirk Cousins (Falcons)
Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers)
Derek Carr (Saints)
Bryce Young (Panthers)

It’s no accident that most people rank this category as the weakest of the eight. As a brave and technically sound pocket passer, Cousins is as reliable as they come, but he is approaching 36, has recently recovered from a significant injury, and is still getting used to a new lineup. Despite her unending tenacity, Mayfield hasn’t been able to put together a consistent season. Carr is still looking for a big-game run, but he is streaky and resilient. Even if she is composed, Young is still a big projection after a lackluster debut with a pitiful supporting cast. Place a wager on any of these at your own peril.

7. AFC West

Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Aidan O’Connell (Raiders)
Bo Nix (Broncos)

How about a quartet heavy on the top? Mahomes, who sets yearly standards whether he’s throwing it deep or grinding it out when it counts most, is already on his way to the Hall of Fame after winning his third Super Bowl in five years. Never has he been dull to watch. With his laser arm and outstanding size from the pocket, Herbert is still a perfect blueprint, despite his late-year resume being derailed by his sardonic coaching style. Who knows? O’Connell was a tenacious fill-in during his rookie season, but Gardner Minshew might unseat him. And Nix is a complete unknown despite having a strong college background. It’s safe to say that this is a race between two horses.

6. AFC South

C.J. Stroud (Texans)
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
Will Levis (Titans)
Anthony Richardson (Colts)

Name this the Young Upside/Question Marks Division. After a remarkably explosive debut in which he both controlled the ball and pushed it downfield with a veteran’s authority, Stroud is aiming to live up to MVP expectations. Lawrence is hoping to justify a sizable new deal after three seasons of intriguing passing and perplexing decision-making. Both Levis and Richardson, despite their lack of experience and potential for injuries, have the build, mentality, and appearance of Josh Allen-like difference makers. There’s a huge chance for fireworks if everyone stays well.

5. NFC North

Jordan Love (Packers)
Jared Goff (Lions)
Sam Darnold (Vikings)
Caleb Williams (Bears)

There have been significant changes to this group’s membership and/or viewpoint. With one of the NFL’s liveliest arms at the end of his first game as a starter, Love gave Green Bay hope for another elite gunslinger. Despite his off-script restrictions, Goff has completely recovered, going from a Rams backup to a tough leader of maybe the best balanced attack in the league. Darnold might be J.J. McCarthy’s stand-in, but with a reliable arm and a strong setup, he might be ready for major league success. Williams hasn’t taken a snap in the NFL yet, but he has a natural flair for making plays. This division might grow rapidly in a year.

4. NFC East

Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
Daniel Jones (Giants)
Jayden Daniels (Commanders)

Another top-heavy unit, but this one has a little more upside at the cellar and a little more proven productivity up top. In the season that followed his MVP campaign, Hurts was more erratic as a field reader, but he has since proven he possesses gritty running, downfield touch, and Super Bowl-caliber mettle. Despite not having a strong postseason record, Prescott is among the NFL’s most intelligent pocket passers overall. In the midst of New York’s never-ending rebuild, Jones has primarily been a turnover and injury magnet, but he has at least led a playoff run as a dual threat with ball handling. Daniels’ wiry build is a cause for worry, but he might bring a lot of power. To qualify for the playoffs, book at least two of these.

3. NFC West

Brock Purdy (49ers)
Matthew Stafford (Rams)
Geno Smith (Seahawks)
Kyler Murray (Cardinals)

the division of “Just Win” Though this may only apply to the elite players, Purdy’s rise to prominence as San Francisco’s unexpectedly excellent point guard has been almost inevitable. He has shown both efficiency and play-extending agility to go 21-6 overall and 16-0 in the playoffs as a No. 1 player. Despite his history of injuries, Stafford is still a formidable player three years after leading the Rams to victory. Smith still struggles with consistency, but he has demonstrated a talent for last-minute darts. Murray, despite his many fluctuations in the air, remains elusive and now has access to some building blocks. In actual life, this divide could be quite narrow.

2. AFC East

Josh Allen (Bills)
Aaron Rodgers (Jets)
Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
Jacoby Brissett (Patriots)

the division of boom or crash. Allen is a one-man wrecking squad, even with an upgraded receiving corps. His skill as a tough scrambler and deep-ball launcher is unsurpassed. Although Rodgers is approaching 41 years old and has serious health issues, his skill as a pinpoint thrower is undeniable, particularly in a strong lineup. One of the best pinpoint passes in the league, Tagovailoa still needs to show himself on the big stage and relies significantly on timing. Additionally, Brissett is at least a decent backup to rookie Drake Maye, even though he is better suited for bench roles. In this category alone, you might find three Pro Bowl players.

1. AFC North

Joe Burrow (Bengals)
Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Deshaun Watson (Browns)
Russell Wilson (Steelers)

Aside from the Mahomes-heavy AFC West, which other division features a top two with a combined tally of two NFL MVPs and three conference title bids? Burrow needs to maintain his composure to remain relevant, but when healthy, he’s been one of the best touch passers this side of Mahomes. Every time he steps on the field, Jackson is still a danger to score a home run, and in 2023, his aerial game was more consistent. Because of his erratic availability, Watson is a walking red flag, but he has at least displayed glimmers of his former Pro Bowl self. Wilson may lose out to the more explosive Justin Fields since he is a different player than he was during his championship run, but he has a ton of experience. Quarterbacks in this division have the potential to be ugly. However, they are nearly invariably difficult outs.