In 99% of situations, the team with the better quarterback is going to win a playoff game, and as of now, there are some shocking quarterbacks who are not in the playoff picture and others who have already been eliminated.
The playoffs this year could be some of the most competitive we have ever seen, and I personally think this is great for the NFL. There are still two regular season weeks left, but the playoff field we have now is quite a shock.
A ton of teams have also been eliminated from contention as well. Now that Week 16 of the 2025 NFL Season is about over, let's dive into a power ranking of all 14 current playoff quarterbacks. Who stands at the top?
Power ranking every playoff quarterback following intense Week 16 action
14. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers have had a fun season thus far, as they are currently 8-7 and in first-place in the NFC South. Young and the Panthers held the fort down at home in Week 16 and beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The third-year QB is playing the best football of his young career as well, and while he might not currently be a high-end QB, I do believe he has shown enough for the Panthers to bring him back in 2026, at least.
I would be shocked if he signed a long-term extension this offseason, but the arrow is pointing up. However, Bryce Young and the Panthers just aren't quite there yet.
13. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts has serious limitations throwing the ball down the field, and of the current playoff quarterback field, Hurts is probably the most inconsistent passer, but he has a ton of playoff experience, and that might be enough for the Philadelphia Eagles to walk into the playoffs and win a few games.
Experience goes a long way, and the best quality that Hurts has is probably his remaining cool under pressure and in high-stakes situations. Hurts is no. 13 in our power rankings.
12. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy is a good quarterback, but I am not sure he is anything more than that. If you ask me, Purdy is a fine passer who can be a starting passer in this league for a long time. He's probably not ever going to be able to ascend to elite status, but he can win from the pocket and is a great processor.
Purdy is 12th in our power rankings.
11. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers can still sling the rock, but he's not nearly the quarterback he once was. One of the most experienced QBs in the history of the NFL, Rodgers and the Steelers are dangerously close to winning that AFC North title, which guarantees them at least one home playoff game.
The Super Bowl is definitely going to be out of reach, but this has been a good likely final season for Aaron Rodgers. He's a good QB at this point, not a great one.
10. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams seems to have that 'it' factor late in games. However, you'd ideally love to see that completion percentage increase, as that and the Chicago Bears' passing attack is still a work in progress, but he's not taken nearly as many sacks, and the Bears are 11-4, so you can't really argue with that.
9. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
CJ Stroud could be heating up at the right time for the Houston Texans, but he missed about a month with a concussion. Stroud and the Houston Texans have won the AFC South two years in a row and have also won a single playoff game two years in a row as well. With how good this defense is, Houston could make a run, and this is especially true if Stroud can channel some of what we saw him do as a rookie.
8. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Bo Nix might be the most clutch QB in the NFL, and the Denver Broncos are 12-3 and atop the AFC. Nix is an obvious 'good' QB that still seems to have a ton of doubters. The Broncos have done a total 180, and it began when Nix arrived. Let's not overthink this player. He's a franchise guy.
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has been good this year, and he and the Los Angeles Chargers are kind of just there this year. They likely aren't going to be able to catch the Denver Broncos in the AFC West and aren't good enough to win a playoff game. Herbert has played out of his mind at times, but this entire operation simply needs more talented players on the roster. Herbert has an 0-2 record in the playoffs.
6. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love has been very good this year but did leave the Week 16 game with a concussion. The Green Bay Packers are clinging to life in the NFC North and are right on the edge of falling out of the NFL Playoff Picture. Just a few weeks ago, though, the Packers were atop the NFC North, and things were looking great.
If this team could get into the playoffs, they might be able to do some damage, as Love has been balling this year.
5. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars are heating up at the right time, having just beaten the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Lawrence has played clean, prolific football in recent weeks, and the Jaguars have now won six games in a row. This team might be a juggernaut.
4. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold, outside of a brutal six interceptions just against the Los Angeles Rams this year, has otherwise been outstanding. He can throw the ball down the field better than most QBs in the NFL and is no. 4 in our power rankings. Darnold in the big game is a concern, but we cannot overlook just how efficient he's been this year.
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills haven't been quite as efficient this year as they were last year, but Allen can still overtake games when needed, and with no Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the postseason, Allen and the Bills might have an 'in' to make a Super Bowl run.
2. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Drake Maye is going to receive a ton of MVP votes this year and has been excellent. I am not sure the New England Patriots will be able to win a playoff game this year, but Maye has been outstanding and is approaching elite status. He does feel like a future MVP in this league.
1. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
The actual MVP of this league might actually be Matthew Stafford. He's been on fire this year and has been the best quarterback in the NFL for about 98% of the season. I would truly be shocked if the Los Angeles Rams did not make a very deep run this year, as they won it all back in 2021.
Matthew Stafford playing the best football of his career at 37 years old is honestly kind of poetic.