Quarterback is king in the NFL, whether we like it or not! You need a legitimate franchise quarterback to make waves in this league; otherwise, your team will be in big trouble.
Let’s look around the league and see how all of the signal callers fared in Week 1.
Who are the top quarterbacks in the NFL after week one of games?
32. New York Giants: Daniel Jones
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 8: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants makes his way off the field against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
In his first outing coming off knee surgery, Jones looked off-rhythm. In fairness, he was under constant pressure, but still, it wasn’t pretty. Jones’ two costly interceptions doomed the Giants, and if he keeps making mistakes like those, he won’t be the starter for long!
31. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Bryce Young had a rough day against a fierce Saints defense. The young NFL quarterback completed just 43% of his passes, throwing for 161 yards and two interceptions. He also took four sacks and could never get the Panthers’ offense into a rhythm. If he doesn’t start taking strides in the right direction soon, Young’s career prospectus could be in serious trouble.
30. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cowboys defeated the Browns 33-17. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
When all is said and done, Deshaun Watson’s contract may go down as the worst of all time. The Browns’ embattled quarterback couldn’t do anything all afternoon against Dallas.
29. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Titans 24-17. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
So… Week 1 of Caleb Williams’ career wasn’t pretty. The Bears quarterback completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, with no touchdowns. We will, however, give him a hat tip for coming up clutch on the critical 2-point conversion to D’Andre Swift late in the contest to help secure the win.
28. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders carries the ball in the third quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Jayden Daniels’ NFL debut was up and down, to say the least. The dual-threat NFL quarterback was more successful on the ground, rushing for 88 yards and two 1-yard touchdowns, whereas through the air, he completed 17 of 24 passes for only 184 yards.
27. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Titans 24-17. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Will Levis, starting his second NFL season, was effective in the first half, completing 19 of 32 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. But the wheels came off in the second half, with Levis throwing two costly interceptions. Talk about a tale of two halves! Levis will need to find a way to protect the football better if he wants to be a trusted NFL starting QB.
26. Las Vegas Raiders: Gardner Minshew
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Gardner Minshew had a solid debut for the Raiders, all things considered. The journeyman completed 25 of 33 passes for 257 yards and a score. However, Minshew struggled with turnovers, throwing an interception and losing a fumble that Khalil Mack returned 22 yards. He’ll have to axe that bad habit if he wants to hang on to the gig in Sin City.
25. New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 09, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Monday Night Football was a tough showing for the future Hall of Famer. He went up against a 49ers defense that looked like a buzzsaw and really struggled, completing just 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown while also surrendering a pick-six.
24. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 08: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 08, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a tough NFL debut. Sean Payton’s passion project completed 26 of 42 passes for just 138 yards and threw two critical interceptions, one at the Seattle 1-yard line and another in the fourth quarter that sealed Denver’s fate.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Fields
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a tackle by Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
With Russell Wilson sidelined by a calf injury, Justin Fields got the start and kept things steady, going 17 of 23 for 156 yards. Fields didn’t make any major mistakes, but it wasn’t the kind of resounding success that would’ve earned him the right to start once Wilson returns.
22. Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 08: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hits Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons while Cousins’ attempts a pass during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Kirk Cousins’ debut in Atlanta was nothing short of disappointing. He threw for just 155 yards and a touchdown, and his two interceptions were killers. Even more concerning, Cousins, who was returning from an Achilles injury, never looked comfortable in the pocket, and his decision-making was shaky.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 24: Quarterback Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL preseason game at Lumen Field on August 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
While Geno Smith finished the game at 18 of 25 for 171 yards, it was largely because the first half was a struggle. To his credit, the poise he showed in the second half helped Seattle secure the win. Not to mention the 30-yard touchdown pass to Zach Charbonnet early in the fourth to essentially put the game out of reach for the lowly Broncos.
20. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Anthony Richardson showcased his big-play ability with two long touchdown passes and added a 3-yard rushing score late in the game, but consistency is the name of the game in the NFL. The Colts’ dual-threat quarterback completed just 9 of 19 passes for 212 yards and surrendered a costly interception at their recent NFL game. He’ll need to improve in this aspect if the Colts are going to compete.
19. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals slides with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
For all the preseason optimism around Joe Burrow and his return from injury, this game was a letdown. Burrow couldn’t get the offense going, and his stat line—21 of 29 for 164 yards—was far from what you’d expect from the Bengals’ franchise QB. Injury aside, he and the Bengals have traditionally been slow starters, but this would’ve been a nice one to start getting in rhythm with Kansas City looming.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Trevor Lawrence struggled with pressure in key moments and had a costly turnover. The Jaguars have to be worried about their “franchise quarterback,” who looked rough coming off his big NFL contract extension.
17. New England Patriots: Jacoby Brissett
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the New England Patriots gestures to his team in the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Brissett might not have lit up the stat sheet, but he played the kind of complementary football that wins games. In his return to New England, he completed 15 of 24 passes for 121 yards and didn’t make the costly mistakes that plagued Cincinnati. Nothing earth-shattering, but a vast improvement over Mac Jones.
16. Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 08: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks to pass against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
All in all, Jared Goff had a solid performance Sunday, throwing for 217 yards and a touchdown. His turnover demons, however, did rear their ugly head, as he threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter that allowed the Rams to take the lead. But credit to Goff for bouncing back in the final minutes to lead Detroit to victory.
15. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Justin Herbert was steady on Sunday, throwing for 144 yards and a critical touchdown late in the game while managing the offense effectively. While it wasn’t as flashy as we are used to seeing from Herbert, his leadership and timely throws helped guide the Chargers to a second-half comeback and a well-earned win.
14. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 24: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on August 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Jordan Love wasn’t super sharp on Friday night in Brazil, completing just 50% of his passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns while also surrendering one interception. Unfortunately, he also went down with an injury late in the contest and is expected to miss time.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium on September 09, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
To be fair, not much was asked of Brock Purdy on Monday night, as the 49ers were dominant in the run game and on defense. So, credit to him for handling what was asked of him and securing a win!
12. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Kyler Murray had a solid start to his season debut in what will be his first full season after missing 11 months with a torn ACL. He looked better than he did in the eight games he played down the stretch last year, completing 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with 57 yards on five carries. However, Murray’s fumble in the third quarter shifted momentum in a big way and probably cost Arizona the game.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 8: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass the ball against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Back at MetLife, Sam Darnold delivered the kind of performance Jets fans once dreamed of. He was calm and efficient and looked thoughtful in his approach to the game. There is still a lot to prove, but after watching Darnold complete 79% of his passes and throw for two scores, there is reason to believe he can manage the Vikings’ offense competently this year.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 06: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Arena Corinthians on September 06, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
There were some highs, like the touchdown strike to Saquon Barkley, and some lows, like the two interceptions, for Jalen Hurts on Friday night against the Packers. All in all, he finished 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards and two scores in addition to the two aforementioned picks. A solid showing for the famed NFL quarterback, but he’ll have to find a way to limit the mistakes if the Eagles want to contend.
9. Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 08: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams calls a play against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Stafford put up big numbers against Detroit, completing 34 of 39 passes for 317 yards and a score, but he threw an uncharacteristically bad interception as well that really hurt his team.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the NFL game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 27-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Once again, the accuracy was mildly concerning—especially on some of the intermediate routes, but it is hard to look at Lamar’s performance from the season opener with anything other than awe, as he did everything in his power to try and help Baltimore to a win over the Chiefs. Two hundred seventy-three yards and a score through the air, and another 122 yards on the ground against one of the best defensive groups in the league? The guy is special.
7. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Tua had a big day, throwing for 336 yards and a touchdown, but it was his leadership at halftime that really got the media talking. With the Dolphins trailing 17-7, Tua’s fiery locker room speech got his teammates motivated, and then he backed it up by coming out and going off in the second half!
6. Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Sunday was a heck of a celebration for Dak Prescott as the Cowboys got paid—then turned around and led Dallas to an effortless win over the Browns.
5. New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Derek Carr threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, leading New Orleans to a 47-10 blowout win. Carr’s 59-yard bomb to Rashid Shaheed on the opening drive set the tone, and the Saints never looked back. A great start to Year 2 in NOLA for Carr after a tough debut season.
4. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans throws the ball as Isaiah Land #55 of the Indianapolis Colts applies pressure during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
C.J. Stroud started his sophomore season with precision and poise—as many expected. The Texans’ quarterback came out strong, completing 24 of 32 passes for 234 yards. Better yet, Stroud didn’t turn the ball over and managed the game exceptionally well.
3. Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills scrambles during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
It wasn’t pretty to start the game, but Josh Allen delivered in a big way when Buffalo needed him most this week, throwing for 232 yards and rushing the ball nine times for 39 yards while accounting for four total touchdowns. He completed 18 of 23 passes, including two 11-yard touchdown passes.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Credit to Baker Mayfield, who came out and showed why the Buccaneers consider him their franchise NFL quarterback. He spread the ball around effectively against Washington to the tune of 289 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It wasn’t perfect…at least not to his alien standards, but Patrick Mahomes proved again this week why he is the best quarterback in the world. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards and a score as he led the Chiefs to a statement-making victory over a Ravens team that looks like it will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
