The AFC feels like a rather messy conference right now, as even the best teams at the moment are all struggling with something rather notable. The quarterback play has largely been alright to start the season. Typically we see defenses gain the upper hand in the early part of the season, as it usually takes longer for offenses to come together.
We should see various QBs around the league begin to settle into their game as the season progresses. Now that Week 3 is here, we're approaching the final football in the month of September, and as the weather gets colder and the games become fewer, the stakes get a lot higher.
As the bulk of Week 3 hits, let's dive into how the QB hierarchy looks in the AFC. A notable face is trending in the wrong direction. Our rankings will be solely based on how the QBs have played this year so far. Prior production in previous seasons is not included.
Drake Maye headed in the wrong direction in updated AFC QB rankings ahead of Week 3
16. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are 0-2 to begin the 2026 NFL Season. Cam Ward ranks 16th in the AFC with 323 passing yards, and he's completed just 61.5 percent of his passes.
Ward had just one touchdown on the season and is largely in a new offense, as Brian Daboll was hired as the offensive coordinator this offseason. Many across the NFL landscape, including myself, do think Ward can make a jump this year, but the early returns just have not been there.
15. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Malik Willis is honestly in a lose-lose situation being on the Miami Dolphins, as they just do not have much talent to speak of on either side of the ball, so Willis simply won't hit his ceiling on this team. He did get a nice payday, but the production just won't be there this year.
Willis has completed just 58 percent of his passes and has 417 yards through two games. He's only attempted 50 passes, which ranks last among AFC starting QBs as well. Unless something major changes in the coming weeks, Willis is likely remaining this low in our QB power rankings.
He's a fine backup option but probably won't ever be a legitimate starting QB, and that won't ever become a reality being on the Dolphins.
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