NFL power rankings: Top 5 AFC quarterbacks
In this edition of the NFL power rankings, we look at which five AFC quarterbacks are the best in what has become a loaded conference.
5. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
Wilson is coming to the AFC West after spending the first 10 years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he reached two Super Bowls and won another. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Wilson elevates the Broncos in the NFL power rankings to that of a playoff contender after they’ve missed the postseason each season since 2015. He should also have some nice targets to throw at including receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler. Don’t be surprised if Wilson easily eclipses 4,000 passing yards.
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4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow led one of the more improbable Super Bowl runs in recent memory last year, taking the Bengals all the way to the final few minutes before falling to the Los Angeles Rams. Coming into his third season, one could argue Burrow deserves to be a spot higher. However, even at No. 4 on the list, the upside is insane. Burrow also has the help of receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, along with running back Joe Mixon. This should be another huge year for the former No. 1 overall pick.
3. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert is one of the most physically-gifted quarterbacks in the league, and he’s used those traits to turn into an elite player. Although his Chargers haven’t made the playoffs in each of his first two seasons at the helm, it’s impossible to fault Herbert. So far, he’s thrown for 9,350 yards, including 5,014 last season alone. Â Los Angeles has loaded up around him with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, tight end Gerald Everett and running back Austin Ekeler. Herbert should have a massive 2022 in store.
Read: Panthers Agree To Trade With Browns For Quarterback Baker Mayfield
2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Allen was incredible last year after breaking out in 2020, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. The Bills are the favorites in the eyes of many to win their first Super Bowl, and Allen’s prodigious talents are a huge reason why. Last year, Allen led Buffalo to its second straight AFC East title before throwing nine touchdowns against zero interceptions in two playoff games, only to lose to the No. 1 guy on the list.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes has been the most consistently phenomenal quarterback in football since he became a starter in 2018. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler, MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and has amassed 18,991 passing yards with 151 passing touchdowns against 37 interceptions in his career. Others are excellent, but Mahomes is in a class unto himself.
