10 Best NFL Quarterbacks (2025)

The best NFL quarterbacks are more than just star athletes—they’re franchise players and often the deciding factor for bettors looking to cash in on the NFL. Whether they’re delivering clutch throws under pressure or helping their team cover the spread, a team’s quarterback can make all the difference. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL. We’ll also share the criteria behind our rankings, and spotlight a few names that narrowly missed the cut on our list. 

Best NFL Quarterbacks in 2025

Our Criteria for Ranking the Best NFL QBs

When you’re narrowing the field down to the 10 best NFL quarterbacks, you can’t just look at raw stats or team records. A true top-10 QB has to check multiple boxes, blending individual skill with consistent impact on their team’s success.

For our rankings, here’s what mattered most:

• Performance under pressure – The ability to deliver in crunch time, whether it’s a two-minute drill or a playoff push.
• Efficiency and decision-making – Touchdown-to-interception ratio, completion percentage, and smart reads that keep drives alive.
• Consistency across seasons – One hot year isn’t enough; we’re looking for players who sustain elite play.
• Impact on winning – Quarterbacks who elevate their team’s chances, not just pile up empty stats.
• Athleticism and versatility – Modern QBs need to create outside the pocket, extend plays, and threaten defenses in multiple ways.
• Betting reliability – From a gambling standpoint, the quarterbacks you trust most are usually the ones covering spreads on a consistent basis.

This mix of criteria ensures we’re not just focusing on the flashiest arms in the league, but highlighting the quarterbacks that bettors can count on throughout the NFL season. For sports bettors, pairing the right quarterback with the best NFL sportsbooks can give you that edge you’ve been missing. 

10. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield has officially shaken the “journeyman” label and proven himself as one of the best NFL quarterbacks right now. Following stints with the Browns, Panthers, and Rams, he found stability in Tampa Bay. Baker has elevated his game since joining the Bucs in 2023, leading them to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and cementing his role as a top-tier starter. 

Mayfield’s improvement has been a boost for bettors, too. Tampa Bay has consistently covered spreads with Baker under center, largely because their QB has avoided costly turnovers and delivered in big moments. He may not have the raw arm talent of the league’s elite passers, but he’s playing smart, winning football, and that’s enough to earn him a spot in our top 10.

Key Criteria for Mayfield:

• Touchdown passes – 46 TD passes since 2024, 2nd most in NFL
• Locker room spark – Brings energy and confidence that rallies teammates
• Playoff performer – 8 TD passes in 3 playoff games with Bucs
• Betting angle – Bucs are 24-15 ATS with Mayfield under center

9. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford is no stranger to lists of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but what makes his 2025 ranking impressive is how he continues to defy age and injuries. Entering his 16th season, Stafford has proven that when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the sharpest passers in football. His arm strength remains elite and allows the Rams to stretch the field, while his chemistry with receivers like Puka Nacua and newly acquired Davante Adams keeps the offense dynamic.

For bettors, Stafford’s presence brings stability. The Rams’ offense often outperforms projections when he’s at the helm, making Los Angeles a team worth backing against the spread. Even though durability is always a concern, his ability to engineer comebacks and control games through the air ensures he stays in the conversation among the league’s top signal-callers.

Key Criteria for Stafford:

• Veteran experience – 10 career playoff starts, including a Super Bowl win
• Clutch factor – 49 career game-winning drives, 5th most all-time
• Big-arm passer – Still among the best at attacking defenses downfield
• Super Bowl champion – Has delivered at the highest level when it matters most

8. Jared Goff

Despite leading one of the NFC’s top offenses, Jared Goff still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. He’s quietly become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Lions to consistent playoff contention and orchestrating one of the NFC’s most dangerous offenses. His calm presence in the pocket and precise accuracy have turned Detroit into a true contender, proving that he’s more than just a system QB.

Goff offers something invaluable for sports bettors: reliability. He may not have the flashiest highlight reel, but he delivers steady, efficient performances that help the Lions cover spreads with regularity. Surrounded by elite weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and a top-tier offensive line, Goff is thriving in an environment built for sustained success.

Key Criteria for Goff:

• Accuracy specialist – 72.4% completion rate in 2024, 1st among starters (400+ attempts)
• Low turnovers – 11 interceptions or fewer in 9 of the past 10 seasons
• Safe bet – Lions are 27-13 ATS since 2023, best mark in the NFL
• Reliable – Consistent performer who keeps Detroit competitive

7. Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels may be the youngest starting quarterback on this list, but he’s already proven why he belongs in any conversation about the best NFL quarterbacks. Now playing in just his second full season, Daniels has brought a spark to Washington’s offense with his dynamic dual-threat ability. Defenses are forced to account for both his arm and his legs, and that unpredictability has quickly made him one of the toughest matchups in the NFL.

While youth often comes with inconsistency, Daniels has displayed remarkable poise under pressure. He rarely looks rattled, even against top defenses, and his knack for extending plays makes him dangerous on every snap. NFL bettors have taken notice, too—the Commanders have been one of the league’s sneaky value teams thanks to Daniels outperforming expectations and keeping games competitive.

Key Criteria for Daniels:

• Dual-threat weapon – Over 3,500 passing yards and 800 rushing yards as a rookie
• On the rise – Only 24 years old and getting better every game
• Playmaker under pressure – Extends drives with creativity and composure
• Clutch QB – Set rookie record with 12 TD passes in 4th quarter or overtime

6. Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts has firmly established himself in the upper-echelon of NFL quarterbacks thanks to his rare blend of power, speed, and leadership. Fresh off being named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Eagles to a championship last season, Hurts has silenced any doubts about whether he can win on the biggest stage. His ability to punish defenses with his legs, combined with steady improvement as a passer, makes him one of the most complete quarterbacks in the league.

What truly separates Hurts is his impact in critical moments. Whether it’s the unstoppable “tush push” on short-yardage plays or clutch throws in tight games, he consistently finds ways to move the chains. For gamblers, that dependability has translated to Philadelphia being one of the most trusted teams in close spreads. Even when the Eagles stumble, Hurts’ versatility keeps them in the game.

Key Criteria for Hurts:

• Super Bowl MVP – Proved he can win on the game’s biggest stage
• Versatile playmaker – Equally dangerous as a passer and a runner
• Short-yardage dominance – Redefines QB sneaks with unmatched strength
• Leadership presence – Sets the tone for the Eagles with toughness and poise

5. Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert has all the tools you want in a franchise quarterback, and he continues to prove why he belongs in the upper echelon of NFL signal-callers. With his rare combination of size, arm strength, and mobility, Herbert can make every throw on the field while keeping defenses honest with his ability to extend plays. Even though the Chargers have had their share of ups and downs, Herbert remains the kind of player who can carry an offense on his back.

What makes Herbert stand out is his consistency in tough situations. Whether it’s threading a pass into tight coverage or leading a two-minute drill, he plays with a calm confidence that gives Los Angeles a chance in any matchup. For bettors, Herbert is one of those quarterbacks who can flip a spread with a single drive, making the Chargers a team worth keeping an eye on each week.

Key Criteria for Herbert:

• Prototype quarterback – Blends size, arm talent, and athleticism
• Elite ball security – Threw just 3 interceptions on 500+ pass attempts in 2024
• Versatile skill set – Capable of winning from the pocket or on the move
• ATS leader – Chargers covered in 67% of games last year, best mark in the NFL

4. Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to being called one of the best NFL quarterbacks, and for good reason. He’s already built a Hall of Fame resume with multiple Super Bowl titles and MVP awards, but what’s remarkable is how he continues to adapt. Even in seasons where his supporting cast isn’t as strong, Mahomes finds ways to elevate the Chiefs and keep them among the league’s elite.

When it comes to sports betting, Mahomes represents reliability at the highest level. He thrives under pressure, consistently puts up numbers against tough defenses, and has a knack for delivering in primetime games. While other QBs may be better in fantasy, Mahomes is one of the best QBs in reality. His unique skill set and big-game magic make him a constant threat to cover spreads and deliver wins.

Key Criteria for Mahomes:

• Super Bowl winner – Three-time champion and Super Bowl MVP
• Top-tier passer – Thrown for 5,000+ yards in multiple seasons
• Creative playmaker – Extends drives with off-script throws few others can make
• Clutch gene – 17 career playoff wins already, most among active QBs

3. Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow’s 2025 season came to a halt in Week 2 after suffering a significant injury, but that doesn’t erase what he’s already proven. When healthy, Burrow is truly elite, blending pinpoint accuracy, excellent decision-making, and a calm presence that keeps Cincinnati in contention every year. Few passers can make the big-time throws when it matters most like Burrow.

The injury is a blow to the Bengals’ playoff hopes, but it underscores just how valuable Burrow is to the franchise. His leadership, poise, and ability to elevate teammates have defined the team’s recent success, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. As far as most bettors are concerned, Burrow is an electric playmaker who can put up huge numbers and always seems to raise his level against the toughest opponents. That makes him one of the best quarterbacks to bet on in the NFL.

Key Criteria for Burrow:

• Elite accuracy – Among the NFL’s most efficient passers when healthy
• Poise under pressure – Nicknamed “Joe Cool” for his calm decision-making
• Proven playoff success – Guided Bengals to multiple AFC title games and a Super Bowl
• Prolific passer – Led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and passing TDs (43) last season

2. Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is unlike any other player on this list. Already a two-time MVP, he’s redefined how the quarterback position is played. Defenses know what’s coming when they face him, yet still can’t stop it. His blend of speed, vision, and passing has turned the Ravens into perennial contenders, making him both a nightmare matchup and a bettor’s best friend when Baltimore’s clicking.

What makes Jackson so dangerous is his ability to flip a game on a single play. Whether it’s a 60-yard run or a perfectly timed deep strike, he constantly forces defenses to adjust on the fly. That explosiveness often makes the Ravens a smart bet in games with tight spreads, as Jackson’s legs and leadership give Baltimore an edge few teams can match.

Key Criteria for Jackson:

• Rushing dominance – Only QB in NFL history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons
• Game-changer – Opponents must scheme differently just to contain him
• Passing growth – Has steadily improved accuracy and decision-making each season
• MVP winner – Youngest two-time NFL MVP in the Super Bowl era (2019, 2023)

1. Josh Allen

Josh Allen has climbed to the top of the mountain as the best NFL quarterback in 2025. After years of flashing elite talent, he’s put it all together—combining a rocket arm, bruising rushing ability, and unmatched playmaking instincts. What separates Allen from everyone else is his versatility: he can torch defenses deep, bulldoze linebackers on the ground, or improvise a highlight-reel throw when the pocket collapses. No defense truly has an answer for him.

Allen’s ability to take over games is why he edges out the competition on this list. He doesn’t just put up stats; he dictates outcomes. Whether it’s rallying the Bills in the fourth quarter or dismantling a top defense in primetime, he thrives in the moments that matter most. 

The Bills QB has become the ultimate betting weapon: a quarterback who consistently helps Buffalo cover spreads and push totals higher thanks to his explosive style of play. His week-to-week dominance is also why Buffalo is often a go-to choice in the best NFL survivor contests.

While he may not yet have a Super Bowl title, if you’re asking who the NFL’s best quarterback is in 2025, the answer is Josh Allen.

Key Criteria for Allen:

• Rocket arm – Widely considered the league’s hardest thrower
• Dual-threat playmaker – One of the NFL’s top rushers and passers at his position
• Elite production – Has scored 40+ total touchdowns in 5 straight seasons
• Playoff performer – Career postseason passer rating of 101.7, among the best in NFL history

Honorable Mentions

• Dak Prescott
• Jordan Love
• Aaron Rodgers
• Brock Purdy
• Sam Darnold

Narrowing this list down to just 10 wasn’t easy, and a few big names barely missed the cut. Dak Prescott has the numbers and skill set to warrant consideration, but inconsistency in big games keeps him just outside the top tier. 

Jordan Love, meanwhile, is coming on strong in Green Bay and could easily climb into the top 10 soon if his growth continues.

Aaron Rodgers remains one of the most talented passers in league history, but coming off a disappointing run with the Jets, it’s fair to question whether he can sustain a full season of elite play. 

Brock Purdy has already led San Francisco to a Super Bowl, though critics argue he benefits heavily from the system and weapons around him. 

And then there’s Sam Darnold. The Seahawks’ new signal-caller has finally found stability and shown flashes of the potential once expected of him, but still has more to prove before cracking this list.

Each of these quarterbacks is capable of pushing into the top 10, but for now, they remain on the outside looking in.

Who is the Best Quarterback in the NFL?

After weighing every factor, Allen gets the nod as the best quarterback in the NFL. He has the strongest arm in the league, the size and power to run through defenders, and the ability to change the course of a game on a single play. For bettors and fans alike, Allen is the answer to the question: who is the NFL’s best quarterback in 2025?

That said, it’s a closer debate than the ranking might suggest. Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP winner and is arguably the league’s most explosive running quarterback. Joe Burrow, when healthy, has the precision and poise to outduel anyone. Patrick Mahomes has the championship hardware and a proven clutch resume, while Jalen Hurts recently proved he can deliver on football’s biggest stage.

The truth is, there’s no runaway winner here. The top tier of quarterbacks is as competitive as ever, and who you’d pick at No. 1 often comes down to preference. But right now, with his unmatched mix of arm talent, mobility, and game-changing ability, the edge goes to Josh Allen.