TDT: Preseason NFL QB Rankings
July 30th, 2025
We just dropped our preseason QB rankings at Third Down Therapy, and we’re not here to hedge. These aren’t consensus takes or “safe” picks. It’s how we see it heading into the season—based on vibes, tape, chaos potential, and a dash of disrespect.
(Insert Ranking Photo)
ELITE
Allen, Mahomes, and Lamar get the 1A/1B/1C treatment—we won’t pretend to split hairs there. Burrow rounds out the tier when healthy. These guys win you games no matter what’s around them. Not to mention, they all have someone around them.
GREAT
Stafford, Hurts, Daniels, Herbert, and Stroud… All guys who can elevate the room, even if they don’t make you fear for your life like the elite tier does. They’ll win you 10+ games, but they’re not dragging a JV roster to the playoffs. At least not yet for some of these guys.
ON REALLY GOOD TEAMS THAT MAKE THEM LOOK BETTER?
Goff and Love. They’re in the right systems, doing exactly what’s asked — and benefitting from rosters that mask flaws. Are they actually great? Tough question. I want to believe in Goff and Love. I think I do. But there’s room for debate. True therapy session stuff.
FUN & NEED HELP AROUND THEM
Mayfield, Lawrence, and Geno are pure entertainment. They make plays, they take chances, and you’ll definitely feel something watching them—though it’s not always confidence.
FUN TO MAKE FUN OF
Dak, Rodgers, and Kyler all live rent-free in some part of the internet. Whether it’s memes, contract drama, or conspiracies, they’ve all become characters beyond the game. Rodgers is still that dude—but yeah, he’s definitely gotten weirder.
CTE
Tua alone in this tier isn’t a shot at talent—it’s the unease that every dropback could be his last. It’s uncomfortable, and we all feel it. Honestly, it’s an issue that doesn’t need to be addressed head-on (no pun intended).
CAN BE GOOD
Bo Nix and Bryce Young. These guys could absolutely be legit. But until we see it for a full season, they live in the “maybe” bin. There’s a path for both—just not clear yet. With Bryce, I’m not sure the team is built to support it.
A LOT TO PROVE
Purdy (again – without CMC), Maye, Williams, and Penix. This tier is where hype meets reality. The potential is wild. So are the expectations. And Purdy… I just don’t trust him without a cheat code roster, but for illustrative purposes, this is where he lands when it’s all on him.
WHO KNOWS?
McCarthy, Cousins, and Darnold. This is a purgatory of mystery. Could work. Could unravel by Week 4. No one knows. That includes their own coaching staffs.
THE BOTTOM FEEDERS
ROOKIES / WON A SUPER BOWL / GIANTS / REALLY BAD / SAINTS
Ward is here on potential. Flacco is here on résumé. The Giants QBs are here because, well, they’re Giants QBs. Fields and Richardson round out the “REALLY BAD” section—high ceilings, but we’ve got eyes. It’s been rough. And finally… the Saints. We don’t know who’s starting. We do know it won’t be fun to watch. Whoever it is, we’re sorry in advance. Lose/lose scenario if you aren’t a rookie.