12. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Malik Willis has been outstanding in relief as a backup QB when he was with the Green Bay Packers, so his efficiency in those outings should not be discounted. However, Willis just does not have a ton of time on the field, so we can't necessarily give him the benefit of the doubt, and with the Miami Dolphins having some of the worst playmakers in the league, it's hard to see how Willis produces in 2025.
11. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones was playing his tail off to begin the 2025 season, but his play began to regress, and then the Achilles injury happened, leaving Jones having to re-prove himself again. It also doesn't help that Jones has primarily played more 'bad' football in his career than good football. It feels like a tough hill for Jones to climb in 2026 to eventually rise up these rankings, as there are some very good, young players at the position.
10. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers is simply not nearly who he used to be, and he's likely taking another notable step back in 2026, what is likely his final year in the NFL. Rodgers, if nothing else, won't throw a ton of interceptions, but he's turning 43 years old during the season and doesn't have much left in the tank.
9. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
CJ Stroud could be the one obvious QB in the AFC that explodes in 2026. Stroud enjoyed an insanely efficient rookie season, but has been mostly average the past two years. If Stroud can find a way to replicate 2023, the Houston Texans would play football in February, but it is important to note that 2023 was three years ago now, and Stroud's recent performances in 2024 and 2025 should have us proceeding with caution.
8. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Maybe Maye just isn't a very special QB at the moment...?
Sure, Week 1 can be a liar, but Maye has not played well against top teams, and if the Patriots eventually want to win a Super Bowl with Maye, his play will simply need to get better. He threw a trio of interceptions in the fourth quarter, and if we evaluate his play over the past five games going into last year's playoffs, it's not pretty.
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert kind of just... exists. He's a good QB and has been the same B+ QB since entering the league. Outside of some neat regular season statistics, there's really nothing else to fall in love with, and part of me wonders if Herbert is largely thought of as a top QB in this league simply because he's 6-6 and 236 pounds. The physical stature is intimidating, but it doesn't always mean someone is overwhelmingly good.
If Herbert was, let's say, 6-3 and 215 pounds, would he be getting attention as a top-7 player like some view him as?
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