Overview
- The Sporting News' initial 2026 list ranks Josh Allen first and Drake Maye second, followed by Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts and Trevor Lawrence in the top five.
- PFF names Maye a 2025 breakout after he finished QB2 with roughly 21.0 points per game, an 85.0 PFF passing grade, more than 4,200 yards and over 400 rushing yards.
- Matthew Stafford resurged to QB3 with a league-best 42 passing touchdowns at age 37, though PFF notes 2026 outcomes could hinge on Davante Adams’ free agency and Puka Nacua’s contract.
- Trevor Lawrence delivered a top-five season with steady weekly production despite a thin receiving corps, benefiting from Liam Coen’s first year in Jacksonville.
- Early outlooks flag key variables for 2026, including Patrick Mahomes’ ACL recovery, expectations of healthy returns for Burrow and Jayden Daniels, and ongoing injury issues plus trade rumors for Lamar Jackson.