I do not like fantasy football rankings.
I said it last year. The year before that, the year before that… so on and so forth. Sure, rankings can be useful. The problem is how fantasy managers use them.
Far too often, we obsess over insignificant gaps between players while ignoring the drop-offs that actually matter. The difference between QB8 and QB12 is usually minimal. But the difference between the final quarterback in Tier 2 and the first quarterback in Tier 3? That’s a butterfly effect with potential season-long implications.
Tiers tell you when a position is about to dry up, when multiple comparable options remain, and when reaching a round for a player is completely reasonable. If three quarterbacks are in the same tier, drafting QB8 over QB7 isn’t some hot take; it’s personal preference. But once that tier ends, the decision becomes much more meaningful.
Rankings tell you who comes next. Tiers tell you when it matters.
We’ll go position by position, beginning with quarterback. Below, you’ll find my 2026 quarterback rankings, now in Glorious Technicolor!
Tier 1: The Josh Allen Tier
Take a wild guess.
1. Josh Allen, QB, BUF
There’s zero reason to knock Josh Allen off his pedestal heading into 2026. Six straight seasons with a top-two finish. In the midst of his prime, the addition of DJ Moore, and consistency in the offense with Joe Brady‘s promotion to Head Coach all work in Allen’s favor. Don’t overthink it. Allen = QB1 overall.
Tier 2: The Milk and Honey Tier
These are the players who can take you to the promised land.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
Lamar Jackson never looked the same after an early-season hamstring injury, but even in a “down” year, he totaled 23 touchdowns in just 13 games. He’ll have a new head coach for the first time in his career, as the Ravens hired Jesse Minter to take over for the long-tenured John Harbaugh, who in turn hired Declan Doyle as his OC. The 29-year-old is the youngest offensive coordinator in the league, and his system is expected to be a fast-paced, pre-snap motion-heavy offense with an emphasis on explosive plays. If things click, Jackson could be headed for another MVP. He is still one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, and any sort of discount offered would be free money.
3. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
It was another lost season for Joe Burrow due to injury, and he was visibly frustrated with the state of the team toward the end of the season. The front office heard him loud and clear,
I initially thought the improved defense could ever-so-slightly ding Burrow’s ceiling. But as awful as there were, even with improvement, I’ve settled on the idea that if the blowouts from 2025 turn into close games in 2026, it likely winds up a wash. Burrow has thrown at least 34 touchdowns in each season that he’s played 16 or more games. Joe Brr is one of the only non-mobile quarterbacks with a shot at QB1 overall thanks to elite weapons and touchdown upside.
4. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS
Jayden Daniels‘ sophomore season was stymied by a dislocated elbow in his non-throwing arm, but Daniels scored multiple touchdowns and gained 250 or more total yards in every game he finished. Out at Offensive Coordinator is Kliff Kingsbury, and in is David Blough to replace him. That name again is Mr. David Blough.
It’s expected that Washington will maintain a similar style of offense to Daniels’ first two seasons, allowing him the offseason to focus on getting healthy and stabilizing the offensive system despite his new offensive coordinator, David Blough. The rumored offseason addition of Brandon Aiyuk looks less likely with each weird video he posts passing day. But the additions of wide receiver Antonio Williams via the draft and free agent signings Chig Okonkwo and Rachaad White add some much-needed depth to Daniels’ supporting cast. The weapons Daniels will have in 2026 may not be elite, but they’ll be the best of his three-year career.
Tier 3: The “Skip Intro” Tier
You know the plot, just start them.
5. Justin Herbert, QB, LAC
With Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator (the man who made Tua Tagovailoa look like a franchise quarterback) and a healthy and improved o-line, I’m fully back in on Justin Herbert. We’ve seen Herbert’s upside as recently as last season, when he threw 16 touchdowns in his first eight games. McDaniel has worked with Herbert on his footwork this season in hopes of speeding up his release, with the goal of creating more catch-and-run opportunities for the offense. Don’t let the gross finish down the stretch that reeked of injury and misfortune cost you the opportunity to acquire a 28-year-old quarterback in his prime with the potential for multiple QB1-caliber seasons. I’m not saying that’s Herbert’s future, but I’m not NOT saying it. Ya feel me?
6. Caleb Williams, QB, CHI
Caleb Williams had his struggles, but man, when he was on, he was unstoppable. He rarely turns the ball over, but his sub-60 completion percentage is among the worst in the NFL. You could see how he progressed throughout the season, showing that Ben Johnson is working his magic on him. The Bears’ offensive line remains one of the best in the league despite losing Drew Dalman to retirement, and they hope to have found his replacement in either veteran Garrett Bradbury or center Logan Jones, whom they drafted in the second round. Even through the struggles, Williams finished as QB7 in points per game. He should be among the first quarterbacks off the board in 2026 and possesses QB1 overall upside.
7. Drake Maye, QB, NE
Drake “Drake Maye” Maye had an MVP-caliber regular season: first in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, all while throwing the third-most touchdowns (behind Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff). Maye also has a bit of wiggle, adding 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. But the postseason was another story. Maye had a 6:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, lost four of seven fumbles, and was sacked a record 21 times. The inequities of the New England offensive line were in plain sight, putting a damper on an otherwise outstanding season. This offseason, the Pats swapped out Stefon Diggs for Romeo Doubs, and the long-rumored trade for AJ Brown finally came to fruition. He’s easily a QB1, but I still hesitate to draft him among the top five quarterbacks on the board. It feels like buying all the risk.
8. Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAC
Trevor Lawrence had the best season of his career in 2026 under Liam Coen. Lawrence threw downfield a butt ton, ranking second in deep attempts and first in deep yards per game, and totaled 38 touchdowns. The Jags have a quietly loaded receiver room with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter. T-Laws saw career highs in rushing attempts (82), rushing yards (359), and most importantly, rushing touchdowns (9). His 10 rushing attempts inside the five were also a career high, the first time he’s had more than six in a season. Coen seems to have finally unlocked Lawrence, helping him achieve his first top-five fantasy season, and nothing suggests he’ll slow down in 2026.
9. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, KC
Patrick Mahomes looked like “Showtime” Mahomes (the worst nickname ever) through about Week 8, but the Chiefs’ offense sputtered from Week 9 until his season-ending ACL injury. I firmly believe Mahomes has multiple elite fantasy seasons left in him. Back is his old pal Eric Bieniemy at OC, with whom he had some of his most productive seasons, including a 50-touchdown season in 2018. The addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III should also elevate this offense as a whole, taking pressure off of Mahomes to do it all himself. Oh, and his pal Travis Swift Kelce is here to stay as well. If there is any sort of draft day discount, even if he’s not quite ready to start Week 1, I’ll be rostering a whooole lotta Mahomes in 2026. He’ll be worth the wait.
Tier 4: The Toy Story Tier
If they jump a tier, the buzz will last lightyears.
10. Jaxson Dart, QB, NYG
It seems the New York Football Giants finally have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart. He set multiple records in his rookie season: the first rookie quarterback with multiple games of 240+ passing yards, 60+ rushing yards, and two or more total touchdowns; the first quarterback to accumulate 1,800+ passing yards, 400+ rushing yards, and 20+ total touchdowns in his first nine career starts; and the first quarterback to score a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games. He’ll need to work on protecting himself from big hits, and with the uncertainty surrounding when Malik Nabers will return to the field, Dart’s floor is much lower than anticipated. But as long as Dart is on the field, he’s a borderline QB1 with QB1 overall potential.
11. Dak Prescott, QB, DAL
It turns out that having two stud receivers and a porous defense is a recipe for fantasy success. Dak Prescott finished as QB9 in points per game, top 10 in yards per attempt, quarterback rating, and just outside the top 10 in completion percentage. George Pickens was tagged and will be back in Jerry World, keeping Dak an QB1 who should come at a value. Rinse/repeat from last season. Unless you’re willing to trust the highly scientific ‘he does this every other year’ analysis.
12. Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI
Jalen Hurts seems like a great guy. He’s a fantastic fantasy quarterback. But he’s not the best passer of the football. There have been rumblings during the offseason about drama in the Philly locker room, driven by the coaching staff and front office failing to criticize Hurts and his shortcomings. Some of that drama may have headed to Foxborough with the trade of AJ Brown, but don’t fret yet. Philly traded up for my WR1 in this class in Makai Lemon, an elite weapon who could eventually usurp everyone as the Eagles’ WR1. I’m much more confident in Hurts as a fantasy asset today than I was in January. He remains a QB1 at the position despite the loss of Brown.
Tier 5: The GigaPet Tier
Vintage studs and hungry pups who need just a little hourly care.
13. Daniel Jones, QB, IND
Danny Dimes…er..Indiana Jones is back with the Colts, and as of right now, he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season. Jones is recovering from a torn ACL suffered towards the end of 2025, and there are serious concerns about how his mobility and efficiency will be impacted. Jones also has one less weapon with Michael Pittman leaving for Pittsburgh, but has plenty left with the Colts re-signing Alec Pierce while retaining Josh Downs and Tyler Warren. He’s better suited as a QB2 in Superflex leagues, but if you wait on QB, he’s a fine option to pair with an upside play like a Cam Ward.
14. Bo Nix, QB, DEN
Bo Nix had himself another top-10 season for fantasy purposes, but was much more volatile than you’d like from your QB1. He did have a couple of four-touchdown games, but threw for 1 or fewer touchdowns in 11 games and under 250 yards in 11 games as well. He suffered a broken ankle on the second-to-last play of the Broncos’ victory over the Bills in the playoffs, and despite a recent (planned) second surgery, is expected to be a full go before training camp. The Broncos’ addition of Jaylen Waddle this offseason gives Nix a safer floor to go with his obvious upside, but recovering from the ankle injury likely hampers his rushing production in 2026.
15. Matthew Stafford, QB, LAR
So we can all agree that Matthew Stafford‘s “back issue” in the preseason was a bunch of hogwash, right? What caused so many of us to fade him (including me) hurts that much more, since he arguably had the best season of his career and took home MVP honors. Stafford led the league in touchdowns and passing yards per game. Considering his age, you run the risk of him falling off the cliff, but in Sean McVay‘s offense, I highly doubt that happens. I don’t foresee another MVP-caliber season, but Stafford’s still a borderline QB1 for fantasy purposes
16. Jared Goff, QB, DET
Apparently, Jared Goff didn’t need Ben Johnson after all. Goff brushed off the haters and threw for 34 touchdowns, second only to Matthew Stafford‘s 46. The Lions’ hire of Drew Petzing as OC is a great move for the team, but not so much for Goff’s fantasy ceiling. His balanced but run-first by nature offensive system should keep Goff’s fantasy floor in place, but those “chuck it and pray” days may be over. Goff is a solid fantasy QB, but more likely someone you’d want to pair as the safe option late with a high-ceiling pick.
Tier 6: The “Area 51” Tier
There’s definitely something there, but will it stay hidden from the public?
17. Kyler Murray, QB, MIN
Kyler Murray‘s once sky-high ceiling has fallen to the ground floor. The expectations that come with being the #1 overall pick are a tall order, and Murray just hasn’t been up to it. He appeared to be head and shoulders above the competition in the first two seasons in the league, but he’s thrown 15 or fewer touchdowns in three of the last four seasons, in part due to injury and also due to this year’s “soft benching”. He’s also short. I’m also short. Murray is wearing another uniform in 2026, and that’s the purple and gold of the Vikings. Color me intrigued. KOC revived the career of Super Bowl Champion Sam Darnold (you read that right), and got serviceable play out of Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens. Murray is still just 28 years old and has shown his upside with multiple top-five fantasy seasons. If his ADP doesn’t get too crazy and he wins the starting job, Kyler could be a league winner.
18. Jordan Love, QB, GB
Jordan Love threw the deep ball at the second-highest rate in the league and completed about the league average of 41%. It didn’t help that he was without one of his top deep threats for most of the season, as Christian Watson and Jayden Reed both missed significant time. Both were signed to long-term deals in the offseason, but the Packers’ depth at receiver took a hit with the losses of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Love played decently and had some big games against poor defenses, but with the Packers’ running game and defense, Green Bay didn’t get into many shootouts. Love is a borderline QB1 who’s fine as your starter, but I don’t know if he’ll ever have to pass the ball enough to become an elite fantasy option.
Tier 7: The “Is This a Pigeon?” Tier
You aren’t sure if they’re a superstar or role player, but you’re starting them.
19. Tyler Shough, QB, NO
Maybe it’s because I’ve been spending a lot of time with Brett Ford, who’s been comfortably in the driver’s seat of the “Shough Truck” all offseason, but I’m ready to ride. Maybe not quite shotgun yet, but I’ll jump in the back seat, throw on my seatbelt, and pray. NOLA took Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick, giving Shough a very capable trio of weapons in Tyson, Chris Olave, and Travis Etienne Jr. (Yeah, I left out Alvin Kamara. What of it?) I wouldn’t want to rely on Shough as my QB1 by himself or in Superflex, but I’m warming to the idea of drafting him late as an upside play paired with a Jared Goff-type.
20. Brock Purdy, QB, SF
It’s hard to judge Brock Purdy on a season as broken as his. He didn’t have monster games, but he didn’t have any duds, either. Purdy didn’t push the ball downfield a ton, but he made it count when he did, finishing first in deep throw completion percentage (63.3) and second in yards per deep throw attempt (17.87). His receivers will look different in 2026 with Jauan Jennings gone and Brandon Aiyuk still lost in the upside down, but the Niners brought on future Hall of Famer Mike Evans to give Purdy another weapon in one of the most productive touchdown scorers of all time. The 49ers’ trade-back in the 1st round landed them the 33rd overall pick with names like Denzel Boston, Antonio Williams, and Germie Bernard available. So, naturally, the Niners took… De’Zhaun Stribling?! A good team fit, but a bit of a reach considering he was expected to go in the third round.
So, Purdy’s pass catchers will consist of a 32-year-old George Kittle, who may be 33 by the time he returns to the field (his birthday is in October), a soon-to-be 33-year-old Mike Evans, third-year receiver Ricky Pearsall with 67 career catches, and Christian Kirk on a 1-year “prove it” deal. Evans is in the twilight of his career, but he can put up a Davante Adams-type “goal line WR seasons” and elevate both his and Purdy’s fantasy values. He does have that Christian McCaffrey guy in the backfield. He’s pretty good. But the receivers in San Fran have a worrisome mix of age and injury concerns, enough for me to drop Purdy significantly.
21. Cam Ward, QB, TEN
After struggling for nearly the entire season, Cam Ward began showing signs of life down the stretch. Ward failed to throw multiple touchdowns in a game until Week 13, but did so in his final four starts and began making flash plays like these.
The Titans hired Brian Daboll as OC, signed his bae Wan’Dale Robinson, and added Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. Don’t rely on him by any means, but Ward has sneaky upside in 2026 and would be the perfect pairing with a safe floor option like Goff or Stafford.
22. Baker Mayfield, QB, TB
My fears about Baker Mayfield came to fruition, as touchdown regression pushed him right back to fringe fantasy starter status. Mayfield isn’t afraid to sling the rock, and even with Mike Evans out of the picture, he still has plenty of talent at the receiver position in Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and the Johnson Twins. 2024 was an aberration, but he’s still a serviceable fantasy starter. He’s just not a QB1.
23. C.J. Stroud, QB, HOU
C.J. Stroud seems like a really good guy, but man, he’s fallen off hard since his rookie season. He missed a few games with a concussion and returned to play shaky football, throwing just eight touchdowns in his final six games. The upside is still there, but he’s more of an upside QB2 than an every-week starter in fantasy.
Tier 8: The “Oops!… I Did It Again” Tier
You lose all your senses and can’t stop drafting these guys.
24. Sam Darnold, QB, SEA
Sam Darnold proved his Minnesota resurgence wasn’t a fluke, finishing as QB14 in total points and leading the Seahawks to the #1 seed in the NFC. My gripe with Darnold from a fantasy perspective is that he’s not very good when he faces pressure, which is still true. But the Seahawks’ rebuilt offensive line made major strides and more often than not kept Darnold upright. Darnold faced pressure on just 31.7% of his dropbacks, fourth lowest among quarterbacks who played at least ten games. Darnold had some low-volume games that keep him from being a consistent starter, but he’s a borderline Superflex starter who’s perfect to pair with another quarterback to mix and match based on opponent.
25. Malik Willis, QB, MIA
Malik Willis nearly led the Packers to an overtime victory over Chicago in relief of an injured Jordan Love and totaled 300 yards and three touchdowns in a spot start against the Ravens. Willis played himself into a starting job and a payday. The problem is that there’s nobody left in Miami. Plus, I’m not looking to invest in a QB who has five games with 10+ completions going into his fifth season. No thanks.
26. Fernando Mendoza, QB, LV
Despite leading Indiana… yes, Indiana… to its first National Championship while also winning the Heisman Trophy, Fernando Mendoza profiles more as an efficient, game-managing quarterback than an electric playmaker. Don’t get me wrong, Mendoza is great. He offers a high floor with a high football IQ, quick decision-making, and spot-on accuracy, but his arm strength is meh. The Raiders brought in Khols Cash King Kirk Cousins mainly to mentor Mendoza, but they could opt to start the season with the old man under center. Mendoza’s the perfect fit for the Raiders from an NFL standpoint, but not someone I’m excited to draft in fantasy. He’ll be a late-round lottery ticket pick for those who wait on a quarterback in redraft. A decent comp for him in my eyes is Alex Smith (complimentary).
Tier 9: The “Terms & Conditions” Tier
The talent is there, but you’ve gotta read the 50 pages of fine print.
27. Bryce Young, QB, CAR
Bryce Young is one of the oddest fantasy quarterbacks I’ve ever seen play the game. He had nine starts with one or fewer touchdown passes, including a couple of three-touchdown performances, including one game with over 400 passing yards! The Panthers have exercised his fifth-year option, so he’ll be back in Carolina at least for one more season. But I’m avoiding him in anything outside of Superflex leagues.
28. Michael Penix Jr., QB, ATL
The Falcons hiring Kevin Stefanski seemed like great news for the long-term development of Michael Penix Jr. at first. But now Penix has a quarterback competition to pair with his recovery from a Week 11 Torn ACL if he wants to get back under center for the Falcons anytime soon. Tua Tagovailoa signed with Atlanta this offseason to fight for the starting job, but as of mid-July, Penix had only been cleared for individual drills and seven-on-seven work. Stefanski has made it known the starting job is up for grabs and likely will remain so throughout training camp and into the preseason, rendering both Penix and Tua nearly impossible to project for 2026. With Stefanski at the helm, whoever winds up starter is worth a look with the weapons in ATL. But it’ll be a while before we know who that is.
29. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, ATL
I’m not as excited for Tua Tagovailoa in Atlanta as I am for Kyler Murray in Minnesota, but it’s a best-case scenario for Tua. Atlanta has the weapons, the coach, and the system built around a left-handed quarterback that could lead to a career revival. There are so many questions around Michael Penix that give Tua multiple routes to taking over at quarterback. He’ll be a favorite late-round pick of mine.
30. Jacoby Brissett, QB, ARI
The Cardinals committed to Jacoby Brissett as their starter in 2026, a surprising move but one that makes sense with the depth of the quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. Then Brissett decided it was time for a contract dispute in hopes of more guaranteed money. You read that right. Jacoby Brissett, contract dispute. The safe floor for Jacoby Brissett started to get a little creaky with the Cardinals’ selection of Carson Beck, and the addition of Gardner Minshew made them even louder. When he’s under center, Brissett should once again be steady Eddie as a fantasy producer. But the contract dispute, paired with Beck almost surely seeing the field at some point this season, makes Brissett a riskier pick by the minute. Arizona needs to see if the third-rounder can show enough to be considered the team’s QB of the future before next year’s draft, which is expected to have a surplus of elite QB prospects, including some guy named Arch Manning.
Tier 10: The “Mustard Seed” Tier
The path to there if you have the faith to hold on.
31. Geno Smith, QB, NYJ
Geno Smith is the best quarterback the Jets have had since… Geno Smith. A reunion that makes sense, but it’s not overly exciting. Smith should produce much closer to his Seattle numbers than Las Vegas. The Jets do have some potential in their pass catchers outside of Garrett Wilson in the returning Mason Taylor and AD Mitchell, not to mention the addition of first-round picks TE Kenyon Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper Jr. (who the Jets traded up for). I’m avoiding in 1QB, but Smith could be a solid spot starter in good matchups.
32. Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE
It looked as if Shedeur Sanders would head into 2026 as the starter for the Browns, but if you put your ear to the ground, you can faintly hear the drum beat of Deshaun Watson back as QB1 for the Browns getting louder. As much of a dumpster fire as his career has become, he’s probably the more talented quarterback of the two. The Browns added two of the best receivers in this class with KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, so my interest in whoever winds up the Browns starter has doubled… from 0.5% to 1%. I don’t have much interest in either, other than late-round lottery tickets in Superflex leagues.
33. Shedeur Sanders, QB, CLE
See Watson, Deshaun.
34. Aaron Rodgers, QB, PIT
(づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ “Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh over the weekend of May 9th.”
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ “Aaron Rodgers doesn’t meet with the Steelers while in Pittsburgh.”
┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ) “Aaron Rodgers is signing a one-year deal with the Steelers”.
He has better weapons in offseason acquisitions Michael Pittman Jr. and second-round rookie Germie Bernard, but Aaron Rodgers is nothing more than a desperation bye week fill-in. The Steelers will struggle to reach six wins, and I have reservations about Rodgers finishing the season as the team’s starter.
35. J.J. McCarthy, QB, MIN
The best thing that J.J. McCarthy did for us this season (and possibly his career) was give us the “Nine” meme.
36. Carson Beck, QB, ARI
Carson Beck is a pro-style pocket passer with good short and intermediate accuracy, solid processing, and enough poise to run an NFL offense. For fantasy, the ceiling is the question. He does not add much with his legs, and he is not the type of off-script creator who can turn broken plays into cheat-code points. In the right structure, he can be useful. Considering the holdout of Jacoby Brissett and the looming 2027 class, Beck likely sees some starts this season. Just don’t expect much.
37. Gardner Minshew, QB, ARI
Photo by Shawn Hubbard, Rich Graessle | Adapted by Parker McDonald (@CarbonFoxGFX on Twitter/X)