Week 1 NFL QB Energy Rankings: 4 AFC stars prepared the ground; the place does Aaron Rodgers debut with Steelers?

1 He isn’t the reigning MVP, however he most likely needs to be. Sure, he nonetheless must translate his magic to a deep playoff run, however is anybody extra harmful when working at full velocity? He is a pure human spotlight reel. 2 Rely him in the identical class as Lamar Jackson: an otherworldly twin menace whose solely obtrusive flaw is that he is but to completely wrest the AFC from a sure pink contender. If it would not occur this yr, will it ever? 3 Nobody aired it out higher than Burrow a yr in the past; he simply by no means had the defensive assist to make the splashy scores imply one thing. Along with his prime wideouts now locked up, he figures to be dealing once more. 4 The three-time champ was a non-factor in a Tremendous Bowl LIX dud, however all which means now’s he is a supremely motivated three-time champ. If he rediscovers his downfield ball, the NFL higher look out. 5 Does everybody know this man simply received Tremendous Bowl MVP? Perhaps it is his stoic persona that tones down the hype. No, he would not at all times play the prettiest model of ball, however he is a never-say-die warrior within the clutch. 6 It is not too early to contemplate the reigning Rookie of the Yr one of many NFL’s elite at his spot. He wasn’t simply sharp and slippery in Yr 1; he was unbothered by huge levels. Hopefully his new weapons keep wholesome. 7 It is attainable the all-star Lions already hit their peak with the resilient however pressure-affected Goff as the purpose guard. Nonetheless, he is overcome the chances earlier than. And his bevy of playmakers stays largely unmatched. 8 Sturdiness is the massive “if” with Love, who’s received each the high-octane arm and robust Matt LaFleur-led infrastructure to make a deep run … if he can keep upright alongside together with his younger collective of cross catchers. 9 Talking of sturdiness, Stafford is a significant query because of his late return from an offseason again situation at age 37. Accidents and streakiness have haunted him earlier than. But when he is energetic, who can deny his cannon? 10 The golden boy of promise (relatively than confirmed big-game outcomes), Herbert simply must pair some crunch-time grit together with his prototypical pocket-passing effectivity. His beefed-up floor assist would possibly assist. 11 An ex-journeyman rental, Mayfield is now the undisputed face of a franchise that employed Tom Brady not so way back. Will his gutsy, typically reckless, heroism be sufficient for an additional NFC South title? 12 It feels a bit unfair to dock him for a down third season as a consequence of San Francisco falling aside round him. Nonetheless, stress will once more be on the wily Kyle Shanahan stand-in to outlive with no absolutely wholesome wideout room. 13 With Micah Parsons’ jovial sack artistry shipped to Inexperienced Bay, Prescott will likely be below added stress to make one thing worthwhile out of Jerry Jones’ circus act. No less than he is received a particular duo to focus on out broad. 14 Very similar to Brock Purdy, Stroud endured a 2024 deflation as a consequence of an injury-marred lineup. He is primed for a rebound, although. A elegant chief even at 23, he can sling it realizing he is received a protection to again him up. 15 Sean Payton’s Broncos are constructed to win ugly, bolstering the run sport and protection this offseason. However Nix is perhaps the largest motive they emerge as an actual challenger; he was each spry and resilient as a rookie. 16 New coach Pete Carroll desires to win now, and Smith’s received the zippy arm expertise to assist the trigger. He simply is perhaps tempted to lean too closely on that arm if younger weapons like Ashton Jeanty do not explode early. 17 Lawrence retains all of the instruments of the No. 1 choose he as soon as was. He is additionally coming into Yr 5 nonetheless seeking to show he can defend each the ball and his physique. Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter out broad ought to assist. 18 How can anybody tune into the Dolphins with out half-covering their eyes? Tagovailoa can thread the needle with the most effective of them, however staying upright is the everlasting concern. As is elevating his membership out of construction. 19 The skittishness of his ultimate two video games all however undid the authority of his first 15 with the Vikings in 2024. However man can this man nonetheless rifle the ball down the sector. Would possibly Darnold be in for an additional renaissance in Seattle? 20 Nobody ought to dispute the pure athletic traits right here; even with out pro-caliber assist as a rookie, Maye flashed elusiveness and fairly downfield contact. The query is, does he have sufficient assist to progress? 21 He is 41, and it is most likely been 4 years since he was a legitimately fearsome passer. However the former MVP ought to have a firmer basis in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, can his growing older legs stand up to warmth within the pocket? 22 There won’t be an even bigger boom-or-bust candidate below heart. After a concurrently manic and decided debut, Williams’ subsequent steps could come right down to how he meshes with new coach Ben Johnson. 23 One of many NFL’s most happy-go-lucky newcomers, McCarthy has a wealthy alternative with top-shelf playmakers and coaches at his disposal. He is received a historical past of situational grit. He is nonetheless a complete projection. 24 Talking of manic, Murray’s dual-threat items have typically been washed out by a frenetic backyard-style method. Arizona feels primed for a leap, however that’ll require him settling in as extra of a rhythm passer. 25 Now on his third NFL workforce in 5 years, Fields is hoping to show greater than a short-term reclamation mission in New York. His electrical velocity ought to assist. As traditional, the questions are together with his aerial effectivity. 26 The Titans successfully mentioned goodbye to Will Levis’ no-holds-barred method by making Ward the brand new face of the franchise. Ward operates with comparable zeal, however his snappy arm is perhaps extra polished already. 27 All indicators level to rookie Jaxson Dart taking on before later in New York. Till then, Wilson’s play-action bombs may persuade Brian Daboll to elongate the leash if Malik Nabers is getting fed downfield. 28 It is honest to have a good time Younger’s improved confidence down the stretch in Yr 2. Assuming that’ll translate to him now carrying Carolina via the air is one other matter. He is nonetheless working with unproven receivers. 29 The Falcons aren’t missing constructing blocks on their offense, which ought to have Penix in place to make a push at a division crown. Nonetheless, he was uneven in his first motion late in 2024. He is additionally a relative unknown. 30 Kevin Stefanski is rolling with Flacco’s expertise and familiarity to start out 2025, however the clock is ticking on a flip to the upside of Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders. No less than the 40-year-old is aware of the drill. 31 The “winner” of a detailed summer season competitors with Anthony Richardson, Jones could get pleasure from a Jonathan Taylor-led dashing assault. He, too, can transfer. Pushing the ball via the air has been his situation. 32 No matter whether or not the rebuilding Saints had named Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough the Opening Day starter, one factor is pretty clear: New Orleans is on observe to reenter the quarterback market earlier than lengthy.