Marcus Spears shows how remarkable the Raiders are on both sides of a ball, on their way to a 3-0 season. (1:28).
It's never too soon to assess the position of the quarterback when looking at the NFL Power Rankings. It's always a good idea, because talking about them is never boring. This week, our NFL Nation reporters looked at ESPN Stats & Infos Total QBR figures to help tell the stories of the quarterbacks on the teams they cover.
Some stories will be happy (the early returns of Matthew Stafford going to Los Angeles Rams look great), others will be more complicated (is Daniel Jones really that good, even though the New York Giants seem terrible?) Some stories might be happy, while others may be sad (are Ben Roethlisberger’s days with Pittsburgh Steelers numbered?). Others might be more horror-themed, particularly if rookies are involved. This week, however, is all about quarterbacks. So let's dive in and learn about the men who play the most important position in the NFL.
How we rank in our Power Rankings. Our power panel, which includes more than 80 TV personalities, editors and writers evaluates how teams perform throughout the season.
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Previous ranking: 2
Team QBR: 82.8
QBR rank 1st
Matthew Stafford has gotten off to a great start in Los Angeles. He leads the Rams to an impressive 3-0 record and passes for nine touchdowns, three of which are over 50 yards. Aaron Donald, three-time NFL Defensive player of the year for the Rams, said that Stafford is "playing lights out". For the Rams' most successful three-game stretch, Stafford's nine passing touchdowns tied Kurt Warner (1999), Hall of Fame quarterback. After Stafford's dismantling of their defense in Week 3, Bruce Arians, Buccaneers coach, said that "he pushed it down to the field so easily." "He finds a guy down the field, and he gets it to him. You're right in his face. Many guys see it, but can't get it. He is a very special player. Lindsey Thiry
play 1:05 Orlovsky - Matthew Stafford is the NFL MVP thus far Dan Orlovsky deems the Rams to be the best football team because of Matthew Stafford's play.
Previous ranking: 1
Team QBR: 64.5
QBR rank 7th
Even without a consistent ground play, which sets up the play-action and keeps opposing defences from getting on to him, Tom Brady has been fantastic, throwing for 1,087 yards passing (second in the league through three matches) while his 10 touchdowns rank first in the NFL. He seems much more comfortable in Bruce Arians' offense than he did last year. The Bucs' redzone scoring has increased significantly, even though they were unable to score in that area in their 34-24 loss against the Rams. Brady isn't slowing down. -- Jenna Laine
Previous ranking: 5
Team QBR: 60.1
QBR rank: 13th
After the first two games, Josh Allen called out his play. However, he made a significant step forward in Week 3's win over Washington. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he had five touchdowns and was successful in the middle of field. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 225 yard and a touchdown throw between the painted field numbers. Although Allen's play should improve after the three-week sample, it is still unclear if he can match his high-level performance last season. -- Alaina Getzenberg
Play 1:17 Why Josh Allen Field Yates and Matthew Berry should have more fantasy success
Previous ranking: 11
Team QBR: 60.7
QBR rank: 11th
You might have thought that Aaron Rodgers' inexplicable performance in the 38-3 loss to the Saints was indicative of him being a shell of his MVP self. However, the two games following should have thrown you off your feet. Rodgers now has six touchdowns and zero picks since Week 1. Rodgers told people not to worry about his play or his team after one game. Now he has given them good reason to not be. Rodgers stated, "It gives some legitimacy some of the things that we've been discussing." "That Saints loss was a freak accident and we are a talented football club." Rob Demovsky
Previous ranking: 10
Team QBR: 63.1
QBR rank 8th
Derek Carr supporters and detractors have been asking the same question: Is Carr elite? Perhaps we might have an answer. If being among the top eight QBR experts is truly elite, then he is. At least for now. This is the most commanding position Carr has ever held in Jon Gruden’s offense. And it should be, considering they are in their fourth season together. The one-dimensional attack has prospered, rather than been hampered by its ineffectiveness. -- Paul Gutierrez
Previous ranking: 8
Team QBR 49.9
QBR rank 22nd
Baker Mayfield, despite what his QBR indicates, has performed well. Baker Mayfield has not been lucky with touchdown passes. The Browns have eight touchdown runs, the most in the NFL (no other teams have more than five). Nine sacks are dragging down his QBR. He is also last in the sack component that affects QBR. Mayfield is also fifth in completion rates at 73.8% and fourth in yards per pass attempt at 9.75 yards. His QBR will improve if he gets rid of some of the sacks, and Browns scoring runs that turn into Mayfield touchdown passes. Jake Trotter
Previous ranking: 9
Team QBR: 53.4
QBR rank: 19th
Lamar Jackson was uncharacteristically lazy at times. He committed five turnovers in the first three games, including three interceptions and two for loss. Jackson has shown great improvement with the way he has led the Ravens' short-handed team this season. He ran for two touchdowns in an upset win over the Chiefs. Jackson's last-second victory over the Lions saw him have one of his best passing days. He converted a fourth and 19 with a 36 yard completion to Sammy Watkins. Wide receiver Marquise brown, who was asked why the Ravens should not be counted out despite their many injuries, replied, "Because Lamar Jackson is our quarterback." -- Jamison Hensley
Previous ranking: 7
Team QBR: 70.3
QBR rank 5th
The growth of Kyler Murray from last season to this year is evident. He has made the necessary leaps from Year 1 and 2, to Year 3, and it is showing on the field. He's putting up MVP-like numbers, with 1,005 passing yards (third in the NFL) as well as seven passing touchdowns (fifth). He's only going to get better. He'll be among the top quarterbacks in the league if he keeps his health good. There's more. In each of his three first games, he has also rushed for touchdowns. Murray's dual threat ability makes him one of the most difficult quarterbacks in the league to defend. -- Josh Weinfuss
Previous ranking: 18
Team QBR: 53.1
QBR rank: 20th
Justin Herbert performed admirably against the Chiefs on Sunday, completing 26 out of 38 passes for 281 yard and four touchdowns. He also had zero turnovers. In a loss to Dallas, he had a higher completion percentage but penalties and turnovers took away two touchdowns. His numbers are expected to continue growing. Through three games, he has completed 69.8%. Coach Brandon Staley stated, "We are lucky enough to have a Gangster quarterback." Herbert led his team through two critical fourth-down plays in Sunday's win at Kansas City. He didn't blink. Staley stressed that "We want Justin Herbert to have the ball and be the decider." Shelley Smith
Previous ranking: 3
Team QBR: 76.1
QBR rank: 4th
Although the Chiefs' record isn't accurate, Patrick Mahomes has performed well in a new offensive line and defense that has been consistently poor. His ratio of touchdown (91) to interception (33) was the lowest in his career. He was twice guilty of trying to force a play and the other was tipped off by a receiver. Both should have been caught. Mahomes, as well as the entire team, have room for improvement. -- Adam Teicher
Previous ranking: 4
Team QBR: 58.5
QBR rank: 14th
Jimmy Garoppolo has performed well through three games. This is evident from his position in the middle of pack. While Garoppolo has one interception, the Niners should be encouraged by his inconsistency and team's tendency to slow start over the past two games. Garoppolo is still struggling to get the ball down the field. He has only attempted four passes, traveling over 20 yards and completing one. The other was a throw. This inability, combined with a lackluster running ability, could make Trey Lance's drumbeat grow louder if there are a few more losses. -- Nick Wagoner
Previous ranking: 15
Team QBR: 66.6
QBR rank 6th
Sam Darnold would be a strong contender for the title of comeback player-of-the-year if he wasn't hurt in the previous season. His QBR has improved from 41.4 to No.1 over the last three seasons with Jets. Six games have been completed so far in this season. He completed 68.2%, a significant improvement on his league-worst of 59.8% in New York. He has thrown three touchdowns and only one interception, while he has three rushing touchdowns. This is two more than he had between 2018 and 2020. Dan Arnold, a recently traded tight end, said that Darnold is now playing at a "premier" level, which could be a trend. -- David Newton
Previous ranking: 14
Team QBR: 78.0
QBR rank: 3rd
Teddy Bridgewater is what a team needing a potential elite defense -- a calm, prepared and opportunistic pass-catcher who can close out drives without committing turnovers. The Broncos lost their first three opponents by 0-9. But, they won them all by 14, 10, and 26 points. Bridgewater is the league's leader in completion percentage, seventh in average length of completion, and fifth in passer rating. Bridgewater is already a prominent voice in the locker-room. He hasn't turned the ball over, which is a major plus for a team that was the NFL's leader in both interceptions and giveaways. Jeff Legwold
Previous ranking: 13
Team QBR: 57.3
QBR rank 15th
Dak Prescott's performance so far in the season is not surprising considering the time he missed due to the ankle injury suffered in October, and the training camp where he was injured from a latissimus strain. He threw for over 400 yards in his first game after 11 months. He completed more than 85% of his passes in his second game. He completed 21 of 26 passes in his third game and threw three touchdowns. The Cowboys are pleased that he has not shown any rust or other ill effects from the injuries early in the season. Prescott is going to be their quarterback. -- Todd Archer
Previous ranking: 17
Team QBR: 62.8
QBR rank: 10th
Since the Saints haven’t been in close games yet, it is unclear how effective Jameis Winston will prove to be. He has not attempted more than 22 passes and thrown for more than 148 yards during a game. This worked well in Saints' victories. They would prefer to rely on their defense, run game and avoid turnovers. He still has the deep ball threat as demonstrated by his 55-yard scoring pass in Week 1. Winston was able to throw a pair desperation interceptions in Week 2, and he also managed to get away with an ill-advised TD passing while being hit in Week 3. Mike Triplett
Jameis Winston and Patrick Mahomes, & Joe Burrow ESPN
Previous ranking: 16
Team QBR: 56.5
QBR rank 16th
Outside of Ryan Tannehill's 51 yard completion to Julio Jones in Week 2, against the Seahawks, the Titans have not been able connect as well on play-action vertical shots. Tannehill's yardage per attempt this season is 7.40, which is lower than his 8.7 average. This will improve with more play-action plays. Tannehill's QBR has been helped by his ability to run the ball. Running back Derrick Henry stated that it helps the offense by driving it down and getting into drives. "We love it when we get positive plays, especially when he moves the ball down to the field from the pocket." Turron Davenport
Previous ranking: 6
QBR Team: 55.9
QBR rank: 18th
It all depends on the half. It all depends on the half. The Seahawks scored a league record 62 points in the first two quarters, and only 13 at halftime. Although Russell Wilson is not the only factor, his play has been significant. While he threw five of his seven touchdowns during the first half, he looked less impressive in the second. The Vikings shut Seattle out for 41 minutes in the fourth quarter. He also missed a third down throw in that period. Wilson has not yet turned the ball over so far he has avoided making the most costly mistakes. His play should improve as Seattle's offense adjusts to its new system. -- Brady Henderson
Previous ranking: 25
Team QBR: 41.5
QBR rank 24th
Joe Burrow continues to feel his way back into offense, despite last season's knee injury. Burrow recorded a QB run in Week 3, which he stated he wasn't sure if he would still be able do going into the season. As the season progresses, his numbers should improve. Burrow's four interceptions in three games this season have been due to him being too aggressive at times. These miscues will diminish as Burrow's strengths in decision-making, accuracy and decision-making continue to shine. -- Ben Baby
Previous ranking: 19
Team QBR: 52.3
QBR rank 21st
Mac Jones completed 81 out of 120 passes, accumulating 737 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three interceptions. Jones is adjusting to the job and has had some rookie struggles, such as Sunday's first interception against Saints. Although he's been consistent in the passing game, he's not been able to connect down the field as often as hoped. His teammates seem to be bullish on him, which should bode well for their development. David Andrews, starting center, said, "Tough kid. Poised, kept throwing punches." -- Mike Reiss
Previous ranking: 26
QBR Team: 78.5
QBR rank 2nd
Kirk Cousins' performance for the Vikings has been outstanding. He has thrown eight touchdown passes, zero interceptions, and completed 73.9% of his passes. Minnesota's first win of the season against Seattle was its fifth consecutive game that featured multiple passing touchdowns. He did this by leveraging his strengths. Cousins was 24 of 28 for 273 yards with three touchdowns, when not under pressure. He has an average of 8.27 yards per attempt with no pressure over his entire career, which is fifth in the NFL since he joined the league. He was unstoppable against the blitz. He has 26 TDs and two interceptions in the blitzed games over the last three seasons. He continues to have success with Justin Jefferson, connecting for 20 of 30 passes for 254 yard and two touchdowns. Courtney Cronin
play 2:01 Stephen A., a somber Stephen A., admits that he was wrong about Steelers Stephen A. Smith said that he's never felt so sad to watch his beloved Steelers on the offensive side.
Previous ranking: 12
Team QBR: 35.7
QBR rank: 27th
If you don't consider his age or the red flags on the offensive line, Ben Roethlisberger is just as impressive in his performance over three games. Although the offense is unquestionably terrible, it doesn't mean that Roethlisberger is to blame. He is still the best quarterback on this roster, even with his limited mobility. Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Hakins are the other two. Roethlisberger was hit 22 times in three games. Some bad passes were the result of close-to-constant duress and miscommunications with receivers. The biggest indictments of Roethlisberger's slow start are his coverage sacks, and the interceptions during his loss to the Bengals. Roethlisberger must be more intelligent with football if he wants to see an offensive turnaround.
Previous ranking: 22
Team QBR 38.4
QBR rank 26th
Given that Ryan Fitzpatrick, the starter, was injured in the first quarter, the quarterback play was as expected. Taylor Heinicke is an amazing story and is capable of contributing, but he is limited. In a victory over the Giants, he threw for 336 yards with two touchdowns. However, he had only 212 passing yards and was forced to make two poor picks against the Bills. He can be a spark for a team but he cannot carry it. It's worse overall than last year, when Washington was last with a 32.6 rating. Washington will continue to look for a long-term solution during the offseason. John Keim
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Previous ranking: 20
Team QBR: 43.6
QBR rank 23rd
Six plays into his second season, Tua Tagovailoa broke his ribs against Buffalo Bills. He never got into a rhythm. Jacoby Brissett was quite conservative during Week 3, especially when the Dolphins lost to the Raiders. However, he showed some brilliance in the final quarter. He led a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter with time running out and converted a crucial fourtth-and-20 overtime. His teammates trust him, and Brissett should see his confidence grow as he becomes more comfortable with the offense. Tagovailoa is expected to miss the next two games. Marcel Louis-Jacques
Previous ranking: 21
QBR Team: 56.0
QBR rank: 17th
Jalen Hurts performed brilliantly in Week 1, but he slowed down significantly in Week 2. His numbers put him in the middle of the pack heading into Monday night. He's been very efficient with his legs, rushing for 144 yards and a touchdown. In the passing game, he has also done a better job getting the ball out faster and more accurately. He didn't turnover the ball in his first two games and he threw two interceptions Monday. The Eagles will be in a better position than many predicted when the season began. If he plays more like he did in the first two games, they will be much closer to their goal. Hurts success will depend on his ability to pass more consistently. Tim McManus
Previous ranking: 29
Team QBR: 33.6
QBR rank 29th
Under new coach Arthur Smith, Matt Ryan has been a short-field passer. He is without Julio Jones, his star receiver. This season, Ryan tallied his lowest yards per try (6.04) and his lowest yards per dropback (5.29) of his entire career. This could be due to how often Ryan has been hit, which is a career-worst of 20.7%. However, he is currently on pace to complete a career high 70.9% of his passes. Atlanta's offense isn't very good for most of the season. There haven't even been any shot plays, which is why Falcons' QBR is so high. -- Michael Rothstein
Previous ranking: 23
Team QBR: 35.2
QBR rank: 28th
Good news for Carson Wentz: He can only improve on his current ranking. Unfortunately, Wentz is still recovering from injuries to his ankles sustained in Week 2. Wentz's completion rate of 60.4% is 29th in NFL. This is partly due to the Colts receivers who have been less impressive than Michael Pittman Jr. and T.Y. Hilton has been sidelined all season due to a disc injury. Wentz has also had issues holding the ball for too long (5th longest in league). Wentz's biggest challenge is getting healthy. Wentz stated, "I am very confident that this can be progressed and I can be myself." Mike Wells
play 1:09 Why Dan Orlovsky calls for Matt Nagy's firing today Dan Orlovsky criticizes Matt Nagy, Bears coach, for his handling of Justin Fields' game plan in Chicago's loss against Cleveland.
Previous ranking: 24
Team QBR: 22.6
QBR rank 31st
Justin Fields is a must-have for the Bears. The Bears' loss to the Browns in Week Three was a disaster. Fields wasn't particularly sharp, he only completed 6 of 20 passes and was intercepted nine times. But the Bears never placed him in a position to win. The clock is ticking for Chicago's offense, which must play to Fields' strengths with Andy Dalton out due to a left knee injury. This did not happen Sunday. -- Jeff Dickerson
Previous ranking: 27
Team QBR: 63.0
QBR rank 9th
The Texans are 1-2 but Tyrod Taylor played well through the first six quarters before he was hurt in the Cleveland game. Houston is hopeful that Davis Mills will show improvement. Taylor will be playing at least two more games as a rookie quarterback. Coach David Culley stated that Mills demonstrated that he could handle more than we thought because of how he handled himself in his first NFL start. -- Sarah Barshop
Previous ranking: 28
Team QBR: 60.6
QBR rank 12th
Daniel Jones may be the Giants' answer. Turnovers have been his biggest problem in his early career. He has had one turnover in every three games this season. Jones has performed well this year, despite being behind an offensive line that was rough. He has been pressured on 38.4% dropbacks, which is the fourth highest in the league according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Jones may only have three touchdown passes but he has also run for two other teams and had a third call back. The third-year quarterback has had a good start to the season. -- Jordan Raanan
Previous ranking: 30
Team QBR: 40.0
QBR rank 25th
Jared Goff's stats have been good. He has completed 86 out of 123 passes in three games for a completion rate of 69.9%. This is the highest Lions quarterback's completion rate through three games. In each of his three games, he has a passer rating of at least 92.0, which is the same as Matthew Stafford (2013, 2011, 2011). Pressure is the biggest concern. Goff was unable to complete 9 of 17 passes in Week 3, including two interceptions and no touchdowns, when he was under pressure. Goff still needs to feel comfortable with the offense while also dealing with key injuries to Tyrell Williams, wide receiver. Eric Woodyard
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Previous ranking: 31
Team QBR: 23.3
QBR rank: 30th
Although Trevor Lawrence showed some signs that he could be an elite NFL quarterback, he has also turned the ball over far too often (seven interceptions, two fumbles). According to ESPN Stats & Info data, he is the fourth quarterback to throw multiple interceptions during each of his three starts since 1970. He joins Troy Aikman (1989), Peyton Manning (1998) and Jim Zorn (1976). Lawrence is still confident. He must stop kicking the ball around. Manning's rookie record for interceptions of 28 is at risk. Mike DiRocco
Previous ranking: 32
Team QBR: 22.1
QBR rank 32nd
Zach Wilson is having a hard time. He's throwing seven too many interceptions and taking 15 too many sacks. He's not at fault for these problems, but he needs to do better at delivering the ball on-time. He can sometimes seem indecisive and unsure of his readings. He is still a rookie and that is to be expected. He was aware that there would be challenges in his position and he is overcoming them all. This is early in the season. He has the arm talent and is physically more skilled than most people realize. But that doesn't mean much if you don’t know where to take the ball. He looks lost right now. -- Rich Cimini
