The 2022 NFL season is close to finishing a quarter of its games and here’s already been some twists and turns in the league’s quarterback hierarchy.
Although several MVP-caliber passers have played well, there has been a fair share of big QB disappointments and surprises across the board. That’s created some shifts involving both the rising young guns and fading old reliables.
Here’s the updated look at Sporting News’ current starting quarterback rankings from 1-32, with the best and worst see real change from the preseason edition:
POWER RANKINGS: Packers, Jaguars jump up as 49ers, Chargers tumble for Week 4
NFL quarterback power rankings 2022
1. Josh Allen, Bills (previous: 1)
Allen has been spectacular as advertised to live up to his MVP front-runner status with his passing all over the field and timely running. He also is enjoying the most efficient play of his young career.
2022 stats: 71.2 completion percentage, 7.7 yards per attempt, 338 yards per game, 9 TDs, 2 INTs, 109.8 passer rating, 113 yards rushing, TD
2. Lamar Jackson, Ravens (9)
Jackson bulked up for his contract year and winning his bet on himself to break the bank on the level of the other highest-paid quarterbacks. He’s back into his full 2019 MVP form, only with more downfield passing accuracy and even more dynamite running. Jackson vs. Allen in Week 4 will establish whether he’s the new heavy MVP favorite.
2022 stats: 63.6 completion percentage, 8.5 yards per attempt, 249.7 yards per game, 10 TDs, 2 INTs, 119.0 passer rating, 243 yards rushing, TD
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (2)
Mahomes is adjusting well to life without Tyreek Hill as his dominant field-stretching speedy go-to guy by spreading the ball around with Travis Kelce as the centerpiece. He’s still in complete passing control and in sync with the offense of Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy, regardless of what viral arguments might suggest.
2022 stats: 67.9 completion percentage, 7.9 yards per attempt, 285.7 yards per game, 8 TDs, INT, 112.1 passer rating
4. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (15)
Hurts has shown the biggest leap with his downfield passing improvement, taking full advantage of new No. 1 wideout A.J. Brown opening up the field for DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. He can still run well in critical situations and he’s also taken a huge step with his youthful leadership in pushing Philadelphia to a 3-0 start.
2022 stats: 67.3 completion percentage, 9.3 yards per attempt, 305.3 yards per game, 4 TDs, INT, 106.5 passer rating, 167 yards rushing, 3 TDs
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (3)
Rodgers has had to manage a lot of issues, including finding his ideal new receiving pecking order and dealing with some offensive tackle injuries. But he’s still proved he is well settled for efficient passing playing off the run while entrenched in Matt LaFleur’s elite RPO system.
2022 stats: 73.3 completion percentage, 7.3 yards per attempt, 228.0 yards per game, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 98.0 passer rating
6. Justin Herbert, Chargers (5)
Herbert has shown off incredible toughness playing through his injured ribs. He still throws the NFL’s prettiest deep ball and can fit one of his laser passes into any window. He just needs to be a little more efficient and lean more on the short-to-intermediate game with his pass protection weakened.
2022 stats: 66.1 completion percentage, 7.2 yards per attempt, 303.3 yards per game, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 98.9 passer rating
7. Joe Burrow, Bengals (6)
Burrow hasn’t had the best post Super Bowl start to the season with his issues in letting the pressure get to him more but he figured many things out with a get-well performance against the Jets in Week 3. Burrow can sneak into the MVP conversation, too, at some point, given the team isn’t running well.
2022 key stats: 64.0 completion percentage, 6.5 yards per attempt, 270.7 yards per game, 6 TDs, 4 INTs, 85.1 passer rating
8. Tom Brady, Buccaneers (4)
Like Rodgers, the GOAT is fighting through some supporting cast problems tied to injuries to both his wide receiver corps and critical offensive linemen while also no longer having Rob Gronkowski. But expect him to warm up fast with better health around him on the horizon, starting with the Chiefs matchup at home.
2022 stats: 65.0 completion percentage, 6.5 yards per attempt, 224.3 yards per game, 3 TDs, INT, 89.2 passer rating.
9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (7)
Prescott’s season so far is very incomplete with only one start against a tough Buccaneers defense in Week 1. With the Cowboys fixing some of their systemic issues with Cooper Rush filling in under Kellen Moore, expect Prescott to return sharp to the lineup after letting his right thumb injury quickly heal.
2022 key stats: 48.3 completion percentage, 4.6 yards per attempt, 134 yards per game, 0 TDs, INT, 47.2 passer rating
10. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (22)
It’s unfortunate that Tagovailoa’s potential breakout season was quickly further injury-marred by a scary neck and head injury he suffered in Week 4 against the Bengals. Tagovailoa’s massive Week 2 comeback effort against the Ravens shows his newfound ceiling in a more dynamic and diverse passing offense with Hill under Mike McDaniel. When back healthy, hopefully soon and sometime this season, he just need to work on maintaining a higher floor with more all-around consistency.
2022 key stats: 71.3 completion percentage, 9.2 yards per attempt, 308.3 yards per game, 8 TDs, 2 INTs, 117.8 passer rating
11. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (25)
Lawrence is living up to his immense can’t-miss talent now that he’s in a legitimate and creative NFL passing offense under Doug Pederson and Press Taylor. Upgrading weapons with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones has been key, as well as playing off a strong backfield with James Robinson and Travis Etienne Jr. Lawrence has gone from skittish to full command and trust from his staff to let the ball loose.
2022 stats: 69.4 completion percentage, 7.0 yards per attempt, 257.3 yards per game, 6 TDs, INT, 103.1 passer rating
12. Jared Goff, Lions (27)
When Goff has a loaded quiver of receiving weapons from short-to-intermediate-to-deep, from outside to inside and is also supported by a top-notch offensive line, he has proved he can put up big numbers. He is spreading the ball around well for the league’s newest explosive offense.
2022 key stats: 58.9 completion percentage, 6.7 yards per attempt, 249.3 yards per game, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 92.4 passer rating
12. Matthew Stafford, Rams (10)
Stafford’s play hasn’t been as poor as it seems, although he continues to have the same old issues with interceptions. He hasn’t had the usual downfield throwing success but he’s grinding through it with shorter pass. His arm coming off a right elbow injury and connection with his targets is a little off when he’s not throwing or handing the ball to Cooper Kupp.
2022 stats: 72.5 completion percentage, 7.5 yards per attempt, 4 TDs, 5 INTs, 86.3 passer rating
14. Russell Wilson, Broncos (8)
Wilson is still trying to mesh his offensive mentality with that of the philosophy of Nathaniel Hackett. It’s had limited results so far but there was a breakthrough at the end of the 49ers game that will continue in a great get-well matchup against the Raiders’ defense in Week 4.
2022 stats: 59.4 completion percentage, 7.0 yards per attempt, 247.7 yards per game, 2 TDs, INT, 83.2 passer rating
15. Carson Wentz, Commanders (21)
Wentz is always a bit of a roller-coaster ride with his improvisation and holding the ball too long at times. But overall, he’s helped the Commanders awaken some improved weapons in the passing game with a legitimate upgrade.
2022 stats: 63.1 completion percentage, 6.6 yards per attempt, 287.0 yards per game, 7 TDs, 3 INTs, 90.6 passer rating
16. Jacoby Brissett, Browns (not ranked)
Brissett has exceeded expectations with his efficiency playing off what Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt provide in the league’s best and most dedicated traditional rushing attack. He’s making the most of his limited weapons and taking advantage of good blocking to be a plus fill-in for Deshaun Watson.
2022 stats: 66.3 completion percentage, 6.5 yards per attempt, 198.7 yards per game, 4 TDs, INT, 94.3 passer rating
17. Derek Carr, Raiders (12)
Carr has taken plenty of lumps as one of the league’s most disappointing quarterbacks in 2022. He’s struggling to feel comfortable in the new complicated passing game of Josh McDaniels, even with Davante Adams. Hunter Renfrow getting banged up and the offensive line struggling hasn’t done Carr any favors.
2022 stats: 60.8 completion percentage, 7.1 yards per attempt, 283.3 yards per game, 6 TDs, 4 INTs, 85.1 passer rating
18. Kyler Murray, Cardinals (13)
Murray got his mega contract and hasn’t played close to it. He wants to be dedicated passer but the numbers aren’t there in an anemic passing game and it’s strange he chooses not to run when his athleticism can be a big winning factor.
2022 stats: 63.8 completion percentage, 5.6 yards per attempt, 261.3 yards per game, 3 TDs, INT, 82.6 passer rating, 65 rushing yards, TD
19. Kirk Cousins, Vikings (14)
Cousins, like Carr, has needed time to adjust to a new offensive system under his coach, Kevin O’Connell. The results have been shaky, especially in an inconsistent connection with Justin Jefferson. His prime-time woes also continue.
2022 stats: 62.2 completion percentage, 6.4 yards per attempt, 252.7 yards per game, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, 83.9 passer rating
20. Ryan Tannehill, Titans (19)
Tannehill hasn’t lit it up in a Titans’ passing game with wholesale personnel changes, but he’s also dealing with offensive line decline and not the same running juice from Derrick Henry. He’s still playing well enough to hold off Malik Willis consideration.
2022 stats: 62.5 completion percentage, 8.1 yards per attempt, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, 84.7 passer rating
21. Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers (not ranked)
Garoppolo wasn’t expected to remain in San Francisco, let alone start for another near full season in the wake of Trey Lance’s season-ending injury. He’s been fine against a bad defense and struggled against a strong one. He’s still above average when playing his best within a top-flight system.
2022 stats: 62.0 completion percentage, 7.3 yards per attempt, 182.5 yards per game, 2 TDs, INT, 89.2 passer rating
22. Marcus Mariota, Falcons (29)
Mariota is grinding to make plays with his legs and making the most of having Drake London and Kyle Pitts as his top targets. His familiarity in Arthur Smith’s system shows as well his competitiveness playing off the run.
2022 key stats 63.3 completion percentage, 8.1 yards per attempt, 213.3 yards per game, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, 85.4 passer rating, 92 rushing yards, 2 TDs
23. Geno Smith, Seahawks (not ranked)
Smith has fared well dinking and dunking in a conservative passing game but also has gotten the ball downfield to top wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and his tight ends better than expected. Still, he’s more of the QB who faced the 49ers than the one who handled the Broncos and Falcons.
2022 key stats: 77.5 completion percentage, 7.0 yards per attempt, 239.0 yards per game, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 100.8 passer rating
24. Jameis Winston, Saints (18)
Winston is having the familiar issues with interceptions after being much more efficient before his knee injury last season. The aggressive passing style suits him to a degree, but new injuries to his back and ankle are now threatening his availability with Andy Dalton on standby for Week 4.
2022 stats: 63.5 completion percentage, 7.5 yards per attempt, 286.0 yards per game, 4 TDs, 5 INTs, 79.5 passer rating
25. Matt Ryan, Colts (17)
Ryan had a great offseason settling into Indianapolis’ system with his leadership qualities having great appeal. His downfield passing is in decline but Week 3 was promising intermediate-wise and he will get more efficient as Jonathan Taylor turns the corner back to rushing domination.
2022 stats: 64.1 completion percentage, 6.6 yards per attempt, 256.3 yards per game, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 77.2 passer rating
26. Mac Jones, Patriots (20)
Jones, before going down with his ankle injury in Week 3. was trying to get a grasp on a McDaniels-less mess of an offense with no flow in his receiving corps. The good news is better field-stretching; the bad news is much less efficiency playing off the run.
2022 stats: 66.0 completion percentage, 8.1 yards per attempt, 262.0 yards per game, 2 TDs, 5 INTs, 76.2 passer rating
27. Zach Wilson, Jets (24)
Wilson saw veteran backup Joe Flacco play pretty well in his stead for three weeks in a high-volume diverse passing game that is much improved with his backs, wide receiver and tight end play. Now it’s on Wilson to build on that momentum and raise his game in Year 2 with much better accuracy than his rookie season.
28. Daniel Jones, Giants (30)
Jones has played better in system of Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka, but he’s getting little support from his offensive line and unreliable receiving corps. He’ll need to more than caretake for Saquon Barkley and reduce his high turnover rate to prove he should remain the Giants’ franchise passer.
2022 stats: 64.1 completion percentage, 6.1 yards per attempt, 186.7 yards per game, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 82.7 passer rating
29. Baker Mayfield, Panthers (26)
Mayfield has not given Carolina an upgrade over Sam Darnold as expected as his lateness in joining the team have put his initial results behind. He needs to show a lot more in a hurry for the Panthers to believe he’s more than another shaky bridge option.
2022 stats: 51.9 completion percentage, 6.8 yards per attempt, 183.3 yards per game, 3 TDs, INT, 80.8 passer rating
30. Mitchell Trubisky, Steelers (28)
The Steelers are playing with another restrained form of their high-upside passing game in replacing Ben Roethlisberger. Trubisky isn’t giving them enough of a chance to win games consistently and the change to rookie first-rounder Kenny Pickett by midseason is inevitable and at this stage, becoming necessary.
2022 key stats 60.2 completion percentage, 5.5 yards per attempt, 189.7 yards per game, 2 TDs, INT, 77.7 passer rating
31. Justin Fields, Bears (23)
Fields has been disappointing on top of having shaky pass protection and limited weaponry. The Bears are back to hiding his passing inaccuracy and bad decision-making with a traditional run-heavy game plan. He’s facing more bust than boom the rest of his second season.
2022 stats: 51.1 completion percentage, 6.6 yards per attempt, 99 yards per game, 2 TDs, 4 INTs, 50.0 passer rating, 95 rushing yards, TD
32. Davis Mills, Texans (31)
Mills has hit a wall with his strong-armed pocket passing in Year 2 as teams have figured him out defensively. Houston is headed toward drafting a true franchise QB to replace Watson in 2023.
2022 stats: 57.9 completion percentage, 6.2 yards per attempt, 220.7 yards per game, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 77.7 passer rating
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