1. Josh Allen, QB, BUF
Six straight seasons with a top-two finish. In the midst of his prime, there’s no reason not to rank and/or draft Allen as the QB1.
Josh Allen is good at football.
UPDATE: The Bills traded for DJ Moore from Chicago, further solidifying Allen’s top spot.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
It’s been said ad nauseam that Lamar Jackson never looked the same after an early-season hamstring injury stalled his scorching hot start to the season. But in the words of Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, it’s true, it’s true. With the shocking news of John Harbaugh‘s firing came the revelation that Jackson and the offensive coordinator were rumored not to even be on speaking terms. Even in a “down” year, Jackson scored 23 total touchdowns in just 13 games. He’ll have a new head coach for the first time in his career and a new offense, but he’ll be heavily involved in the decisions on both. Jackson is still one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, and any sort of discount offered would be free money.
UPDATE: The Ravens hired Jesse Minter to take over for the long-tenured 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, Lamar Jackson could be headed for another MVP.
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. He made a valiant effort to lead Cincy to an unlikely playoff berth and looked every bit the top-tier thrower of the football upon his return. Burrow heads into 2026 with arguably the best duo of receivers, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team do whatever Burrow wants this offseason to appease him. He’ll once again be an elite fantasy option at quarterback.
4. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS
Considering he dislocated his non-throwing elbow in an injury that looked much worse than it was, Jayden Daniels’ season could have been much worse. Daniels scored multiple touchdowns and gained 250+ total yards in every game he started and finished. Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury departed the team, much to the chagrin of Daniels. But Washington hired David Blough (whom Daniels has a close relationship with) to replace him, and it’s expected that Washington will maintain a similar style of offense as Daniels’ first two seasons. Daniels’ stature and propensity to take big hits have some concerned about his long-term viability in the league. But at least for 2026, Daniels has a full offseason to get healthy and stabilize the offensive system despite his new offensive coordinator, David Blough. That name again is Mr. Blough.
5. Justin Herbert, QB, LAC
Justin Herbert came out of the gates blazing, throwing 16 touchdowns in his first eight games. But as the already suspect offensive line began to drop like flies due to injury, Herbert had less and less time to throw, and eventually ended up with a broken hand. Herbert had only two games with multiple touchdown passes after Week 9, but he still finished as a QB1. If the Chargers can shore up the o-line and give Herbie some time without pressure, there’s potential for a push into the top five.
UPDATE: I’m fully back in on Herbert. The cost has risen a smidge with the hiring of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, the man who made Tua Tagovailoa look like a franchise foundational quarterback. The Chargers’ o-line should be much improved, starting with returning linchpins Alt and Slater, the signing of Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, and almost assuredly addressing the guard position in the early rounds of this year’s draft, potentially in the first. We’ve seen Herbert’s upside as early as last season. 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 potential for multiple QB1 overall seasons. I’m not saying that’s Herbert’s future, but I’m not NOT saying it. Ya feel me?
6. Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAC
Trevor Lawrence finally put it all together and had the best season of his career under Liam Coen. Lawrence recorded 38 touchdowns and threw downfield a butt ton, ranking second in deep attempts and first in deep yards per game. He has a loaded receiver room with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter. 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.
7. Drake Maye, QB, NE
Drake “Drake Maye” Maye was the only player in the conversation for MVP alongside Matthew Stafford. The former Tar Heel ended the regular season ranking first in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, and threw the third-most touchdowns (behind Stafford and Jared Goff). Maye also has a bit of wiggle, adding 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Depending on the scoring format, Maye finished second to Josh Allen by around 10 points. If any quarterback’s going to knock Allen from the QB1 pedestal, it’s gonna be Maye.
UPDATE: Maye led the Patriots to the Super Bowl, but it wasn’t pretty. Throughout the postseason, 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. The Pats have swapped out Stefon Diggs for Romeo Doubs, but have been rumored to be in heavy pursuit of AJ Brown as well. As things stand now, I think Maye runs the risk of being severely over drafted in 2026 based on his 2025 numbers.
8. Jaxson Dart, QB, NYG
It seems the New York Football Giants finally have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart. What could have been for the Giants if he had started from day one and Malik Nabers had stayed healthy? Dart 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. Oh, and new head coach John Harbaugh is here to help take Dart to the next level. He’ll need to work on protecting himself from big hits, but as long as Dart stays on the field, he’s a borderline QB1 with QB1 overall potential.
UPDATE: The Todd Monken thing fell through, but there’s still a lot to like with Dart in 2026. The Giants lost Wan’Dale Robinson but added TE Isaiah Likely in free agency, and are expected to address the receiver position in the draft. Dart has a wide range of outcomes, but one of the highest ceilings of all fantasy quarterbacks.
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. Even if Mahomes can rehab quickly enough to return by Week 1, as he hopes, he could be without Rashee Rice (possible suspension) and Hollywood Brown (Unrestricted Free Agent). I firmly believe Mahomes has multiple elite fantasy seasons left in him. But given that he’ll be returning from an ACL injury, possibly have a new offensive coordinator, and have multiple new pass catchers, 2026 may be the calm before the storm of a late-career surge a la Tom Brady.
UPDATE: Mahomes had some of his most productive seasons under new/old OC Eric Bieniemy, 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 Kelce is here to stay as well. If there is any sort of draft day discount, I’ll be rostering a whooole lotta Mahomes in 2026.
10. 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. 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.
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 is a free agent, and should he return, Dak is an easy QB1 who should come at a value. If Pickens leaves, Dak’s upside would be capped.
UPDATE: Pickens was tagged and will be back. Rinse/repeat from last year.
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. There’s even talk that the Eagles could draft or add a quarterback this offseason to motivate him. How much of that is true is hard to say, but often in these situations where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Hurts remains a QB1 in fantasy thanks to his legs, but especially if the Eagles trade AJ Brown, his top-five fantasy days may be over.
UPDATE: Brown is still an Eagle for now, and new OC Sean Mannion is an easy upgrade over Kevin Patullo. But things aren’t all kittens and rainbows for Hurts. There’s been an awful lot of smoke coming from the Brown outta town fire, enough for me to think it’s just a matter of when, not if. There’s also been word that some in the organization are beginning to sour on Hurts, who pushed back on playing under center more last season. Something Mannion is expected to look for Hurts to do this season. How well Hurts adapts to what Mannion wants to do is an offseason story worth watching, and could be one that leads to his exit from Philly, too.
13. 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, but will be a full go before training camp.
UPDATE: The Broncos’ addition of Jaylen Waddle this offseason gives Nix a safer floor to go with his obvious upside. It all depends on how much Sean Payton lets Nix run wild.
14. 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 likely look different in 2026, with Jauan Jennings a free agent, George Kittle dealing with a torn ACL, and Brandon Aiyuk lost in the Upside Down. But in Shanny’s system, Purdy is a purdy good (I’m so, so sorry) option if you wait on quarterback.
UPDATE: Out is Jennings (and probably Aiyuk, those kids in Hawkins are still working on it), 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. 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.
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’s having arguably his best season and is likely to win the MVP. Stafford led the league in touchdowns and passing yards per game, and if he returns for another season, he’s still a QB1 for fantasy purposes. Considering his age, you run the risk of him falling off the cliff, but in Sean McVay‘s offense, I highly doubt that happens.
UPDATE: HE’S BACK DOT GIF
16. Daniel Jones, QB, IND
Danny Dimes…er..Indiana Jones is back with the Colts, and I expect his production to be similar to what we saw most of last year. As of right now, he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season, currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered towards the end of 2025. He’ll have one less weapon with Michael Pittman leaving for Pittsburgh, but still have plenty with the Colts re-signing Alec Pierce and retaining Josh Downs and Tyler Warren.
17. Jared Goff, QB, DET
Jared Goff didn’t need Ben Johnson after all. Well, at least not to put up fantasy points. Goff brushed off the haters and threw for 34 touchdowns, second only to Matthew Stafford‘s 46. He finished as a QB1 again and enters 2026 as a near must-start, as long as he’s indoors.
UPDATE: 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.
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. But Love had some big games against poor defenses. Love played decently, 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 option.
19. 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.
20. Kyler Murray, QB, MIN
Kyler Murray‘s once sky-high ceiling has fallen all the way 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”. It would be a knee-high narrative to say his career is finished; his peak may just happen to be at waist-level. Nothing official has been said, but the Cardinals are ready to move on this offseason. Murray is likely wearing another uniform in 2026. He’s also short.
UPDATE: 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, Kyler could be a league winner.
21. 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 and Chris Godwin potentially out of the picture, he still has plenty of talent at the receiver position. 2024 was an aberration, but he’s still a serviceable starter.
UPDATE: Mike Evans is gone, another small breach in the chainmayfield armor.
22. 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.
What a drive for Cam Ward. Dropping dimes down the field. How bout that for deep accuracy!
6/7 for 69 yards and a touchdown on the drive, including completions of 25 and 30 yards. pic.twitter.com/tWPBis8rjE
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) December 21, 2025
The Titans cleaned house and hopefully brought in a staff that will build the offense around Ward and give him time to throw. If you subscribe to the “Late Round QB” draft strategy, Ward could be worth a dart throw in 2026. But he’s not someone you’ll want to depend on.
UPDATE: The Titans hired Brian Daboll as OC, signed his bae Wan’Dale Robinson, and could still add help at receiver. Don’t rely on him by any means, but Ward has sneaky upside in 2026 and would be the perfect pairing with someone along the lines of Jared Goff.
23. Tyler Shough, QB, NO
For a quarterback known for his deep ball, it’s disheartening to see Tyler Shough have the 3rd-worst deep throw completion percentage at 28.6% (min 25 attempts). As of now, it seems the Saints consider Shough their short-term/long-term answer at quarterback. While he was serviceable for fantasy purposes, temper expectations. He threw multiple touchdown passes in just three of 10 starts, posting a 10:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and threw for fewer than 250 yards in 50% of his starts.
24. 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. Brissett should once again be steady-eddie as a fantasy producer, a borderline QB with as safe a floor as they come, and potential for spike weeks with the weapons around him.
25. Malik Willis, QB, MIA
An unrestricted free agent, 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 an opportunity to compete for a starting job if he wants it this offseason.
UPDATE: Willis indeed played himself into a starting job. The problem is that there’s nobody left in Miami. No thanks.
26. 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 10 games. Darnold had some low-volume games that keep him from being a consistent starter, but he’s a borderline QB1 who’s perfect to pair with another quarterback to mix and match based on opponent.
27. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Rookie
Thanks to the release of Geno Smith, you can go ahead and write “Fernando Mendoza” on the Las Vegas Raiders draft card in permanent marker for the first overall pick. He’s the consensus top quarterback in this class after leading Indiana — yes, Indiana — to its first National Championship while also winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite being locked in as the first overall pick, Mendoza profiles more as an efficient, game-managing quarterback than the electric playmakers we’ve seen go in the first round over the past few seasons. 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. He’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. In Dynasty, he’s a late first-rounder in 1QB leagues but a top 2-3 pick in Superflex. A decent comp for him in my eyes is Alex Smith (complimentary).
28. 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.
29. Nick Papagiorgio, QB, VV
Thank you for reading this far!
30. 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.
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 weapons in the passing game with Garrett Wilson, Mason Taylor, and AD Mitchell has also shown some flashes. I’m avoiding in 1QB, but Smith could be a solid spot starter in good matchups.
32. 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.
33./34. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, QB, CLE
It looked as if Shedeur Sanders would head into 2026 as the starter for the Browns, but recent rumors have surfaced that’s not a certainty. Cleveland still has Deshaun Watson on the roster, and as much of a dumpster fire as his career has become, he’s probably the more talented quarterback. I don’t have much interest in either, other than late round lottery tickets.
35. Aaron Rodgers, QB, FA
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
36. Michael Penix Jr., QB, ATL
Michael Penix has a long road to recovery ahead, but I really like the Kevin Stefanski hire for his development if he can get back on the field healthy.
UPDATE: I really don’t like the signing of Tua Tagovailoa for his development.