Ranking the 14 Quarterbacks in the NFL Playoffs

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Associated Press

The NFL Playoffs begin on Saturday, and it’s not a surprise that many of the teams competing for the Lombardi Trophy feature some of the best quarterbacks in the league. Here are my personal rankings for this year’s NFL Playoff QBs.

14. Skylar Thompson - Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are preparing to start thrid-string QB Skylar Thompson with Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater each dealing with injuries. The seventh round rookie has seen action in several games this year, including his Week 18 start and win versus the New York Jets that got the Dolphins into the playoffs.

13. Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers

Purdy is another third-string QB that was thrust into the starting role after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. The rookie was this year’s Mr. Irrelevant, the name given to the last pick in the NFL Draft, but he’s been anything but irrelevant. He has done a great job filling in and has won each of his first five career starts.

12. Daniel Jones - New York Giants

There were a lot of question surround Jones and the Giants entering the season, but like the Giants, Jones has outperformed expectations this year. First year Head Coach Brian Daboll has this team in the playoffs in his first year, and Jones has had his best year in his NFL career.

11. Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys

Prescott has had his ups and downs this year, and there’s just a lot of great QBs the playoffs this year. He’s tied for the league lead in interceptions with 15 despite missing five games this year. Nevertheless, Prescott has led the team the playoffs and now gets a matchup versus Tom Brady and the Buccaneers.

10. Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence led the Jaguars into the playoffs after finishing last in the division just a year ago. New Head Coach, Doug Pederson, has done a great job with Lawrence, and he has shown improvement and promise for a bright future in the league.

9. Geno Smith- Seattle Seahawks

Another player and team that really outperformed their expectations this year is Smith and the Seahawks. There was speculation that Smith wouldn’t even win the starting job before the season, but he has revived his career this season and put up some great numbers.

8. Kirk Cousins- Minnesota Vikings

Cousins has struggled at times this year, but there’s also been times where he looks like one of the better QBs in this league. He has led several comebacks this season, including the largest deficit in NFL history versus the Colts.

7. Tom Brady- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers haven’t been great this year, but they were still able to win their division despite their losing record. Brady certainly hasn’t had one of his best years, but he is 45 years old and still putting up some remarkable numbers, including being third overall in passing yards.

6. Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens

Jackson has been dealing with a PCL sprain, and he might not be able to play as he still isn’t practicing. He won’t be at 100% if he does play, but if he can, it will certainly give the Ravens a much needed offensive boost. When healthy, Jackson is one of the most dynamic players in the entire NFL.

5. Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers

One the league’s best young players in Herbert will be making his playoff debut. Herbert has been great again this season, but has underwhelmed at times. He has a great arm and great weapons surrounding him on offense, and it will be intriguing to see how he performs in the playoffs.

4. Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles

A very strong run and pass game from the Eagles and Jalen Hurts led Philadelphia to the one seed in the NFC. Questions about his performance and reliability were answered this year, and he’s an MVP candidate for leading one of the best teams in football.

3. Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals

After leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second year, Burrow has taken another step this year and this Bengals team looks dangerous. Their high-powered offense runs through Burrow, and the Bengals are as hot as any team right now as they look to get back to the Super Bowl.

2. Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills

There’s been some concern around Josh Allen at times this year, but there’s no doubting that he can do things on the football field no other QB can do. Whether it’s launching a pass the length of the field, stiff-arming, or leaping defenders, Allen has had another very impressive year as the Bills have Super Bowl expectations as well.

1. Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes is on another level when it comes to QB play. He puts out highlight reel plays each time he takes the field, and has led the Chiefs to the one seed in the AFC despite losing a key player in All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins. He will likely win his second MVP this year.

Will Mahomes, Allen, or Burrow be able to lead their teams to the Super Bowl out of the AFC? Can Hurts continue his stellar regular season play into the playoffs? Get ready to watch and see who can put on the best QB play this postseason and lead their team to a championship.