Within the sports landscape, no other position wields as much influence over a team’s success as quarterbacks in football.
NFL teams allocate a significant portion of their salary cap to top-10 quarterbacks, emphasizing their importance and the risks involved. From the successes of players like Matthew Stafford to the uncertainties faced by Russell Wilson, these investments shape a team’s future prospects.
The Suave Report NFL staff ranked the top five quarterbacks entering the 2023 season.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Jonathan Goudeau: There seem to be three things certain in life: death, taxes, and Patrick Mahomes throwing for a ton of yards and a ton of touchdowns. I expect the same this season as he attempts to not only win his third Super Bowl but also try to join rare air in the process by winning three straight. As long as he and superstar tight end Travis Kelce can stay healthy, the Chiefs have a good chance to do so. The road is not easy; however, Mahomes will have to out-duel both Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, the latter shaping up to be this generation’s Brady-Manning. Either way, expect Mahomes to add another stat-stuffing season to his budding Hall of Fame resume.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Tanner Johnson: I knew Joe Burrow was going to be a great NFL quarterback whenever I watched him throw all over OU’s defense in 2019 in the College Football Playoff. Just three years later, he led the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl. I fully expect another great year out of him, and I foresee the Bengals winning the AFC North again.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
AJ Bussey: Lamar Jackson can very much be considered the Russell Westbrook of the NFL: a player who is polarizing, guaranteed entertainment, and will put up numbers that will make jaws drop in awe. The question that remains is, “Can the former MVP lead Baltimore over the playoff hump?” With a player of Odell Beckham Jr.’s caliber in an already speedy and talented receiving corps that includes three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews, there should be enough to help Jackson lead his offense to Super Bowl contention. Considering the two-time Pro Bowler is entering his sixth season at only age 26, there’s plenty of reason for hope. Especially since he’s only thrown more than 10 interceptions once in his career. Should the Louisville product reach 3,000 or more passing yards, the NFL should be very concerned about what Jackson can lead the Ravens to.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Addam M. Francisco: Josh Allen has come a long way. After some scouts said Allen had a big, but erratic arm and would take time to become a solid QB in the league, to him being the opposite while turning the losing franchise that was the Buffalo Bills into a household name. Over the past three seasons, Allen has averaged 4,411 passing yards and 36 passing touchdowns while rushing for approximately 2,000 yards for 21 touchdowns. He’s fourth on this list right now, but if he can get the job done in the postseason this year, he’ll ascend this list quickly.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Addam M. Francisco: Everyone knew Hurts could run the ball but were critical of his accuracy but, after last season, where he specifically reaped havoc, carving up opposing defenses, it’s clear he’s taken note of his “weakness” and correced it. Per Next Gen Stats, Hurts threw nine touchdowns targeting go routes in 2022, which tied for first in the league. There’s simply no reason why Hurts shouldn’t be on this list after the year he had last year.
