In the modern-day NFL, it is almost impossible to have a team be in serious contention without elite quarterback play. This is demonstrated year in and year out through historic contracts for quarterbacks and the frequency of signal-callers being drafted within the top five of every draft. Needless to say, every NFL franchise is constantly on the hunt for their franchise quarterback. Heading into this season, a select few players have become the face of their franchises and have proven themselves to be true game-changers. Today we will be looking at the top five quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season. A couple of the players on today’s list may surprise you so let’s dive right in!
5. Baker Mayfield
The resurrection of Baker Mayfield’s career has changed the way we look at a quarterback’s career trajectory. After an average stint under center for Cleveland from 2018-2021, Mayfield found himself in the journeyman category as he played seven games for the Panthers in 2022 and then finished the season in Los Angeles after being picked up by the Rams. Tampa Bay took a chance on him in 2023, signing him to a one-year prove-it deal. The risk paid off, as Mayfield had a career year and earned himself a 3-year, $100M extension. The former Heisman winner continued the trend in the 2024 season, putting up 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns with an impressive 71,4 completion percentage. Obviously Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen each had great seasons in 2024, but nobody seems to talk about the year Baker Mayfield had. The Buccaneers quarterback quietly had an MVP caliber season and will be a huge factor into Tampa Bay’s success this year.
4. Joe Burrow
Another former Heisman winner, Joe Burrow made an immediate impact on the Bengals when he was selected first overall in the 2020 draft. In only his second year, Burrow took Cincinnati to their first super bowl since 1989. After a heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Burrow is on the path of redemption. Following a 2023 season that was cut short by a torn ligament in his throwing wrist, Burrow set the league on fire in his 2024 comeback player of the year campaign. Leading the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), he also put up the third-best passer rating at 108.5. After retaining both Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins over the offseason, Joe Burrow looks set to put up another top five statistical season at the helm of the Bengals offense.
3. Patrick Mahomes
In what was a down year as far as Patrick Mahomes standard go, the Texas Tech product still put up a respectable 3,928 passing yards with 26 touchdowns through the air in what was potentially Kansas City’s most lackluster offense since Mahomes has taken up the mantle. That being said, Mahomes still led the Chiefs to their 7th consecutive AFC Championship appearance and 3rd straight super bowl berth. Although Super Bowl 59 did not go his way, Mahomes has proven to be someone that you never count out. The two-time league MVP is sure to get back on track and make another Super Bowl push this upcoming season.
2. Josh Allen
From sending his high school film to any college coach who would watch to being the reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen has officially put his stamp on the league. After a 2024 season full of spectacular plays (including being credited with a passing and receiving touchdown on the same play), the Buffalo quarterback earned the league’s most prestigious award. Putting up 28 touchdowns through the air along with 12 on the ground, it is hard to argue how big of an impact Allen had on the Bills last season. It’s safe to say that any Super Bowl aspirations Buffalo has rests squarely on Josh Allen’s shoulders.
1. Lamar Jackson
It is hard to comprehend just how dominant of a season Lamar Jackson just had. The first player in NFL history to throw for at least 4,000 yards while also rushing for 900 or more, Jackson had a very impressive +162.2 total EPA per dropback, a league leading number. His 41:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio is mind-boggling—especially when you take into account about 3 of those interceptions were due to drops by the receiver. Lamar is an X-factor in any game and has earned nearly every individual accolade the NFL has to offer. Yet one feat remains: winning a Super Bowl. Expect to see a more determined version of Lamar Jackson than ever before this season.
