As we gear up for the 2023 NFL season, the spotlight is on the quarterbacks, the key players who can make or break a team’s success. NFL Network analyst and former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew has compiled his ranking for NFL.com of the top 10 quarterbacks heading into the new season. Let’s delve into his analysis and see who’s expected to shine this year.
10. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
Despite his high interception total in 2022, Dak Prescott has consistently been an above-average quarterback. With Mike McCarthy taking over play-calling duties, we can expect a more confident and rejuvenated Dak in 2023.
9. Aaron Rodgers – New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers may be transitioning to a new team and city, but if he clicks quickly with Gang Green, the four-time MVP will be back near the top of this list.
8. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
After a disastrous 2021 season, the Jaguars have been committed to putting the right pieces around Trevor Lawrence. With the addition of Calvin Ridley, Lawrence is in a great position to build off his 2022 campaign.
7. Deshaun Watson – Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson’s return from suspension last season wasn’t pretty, but with a full offseason to build more chemistry with his wide receivers, the Browns’ offense should be much improved this fall.
6. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has all the talent in the world, but he needs to win more games to earn the recognition a player of his caliber deserves.
5. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
Fresh off signing a new contract, Lamar Jackson looks poised for a major bounce-back season. If he can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for the 2019 NFL MVP.
4. Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts is special. He has an uncanny ability to almost always make the right play, and his significant improvement put the league on notice.
3. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills
Allen has all the intangibles, leadership skills, and competitiveness to lead the Buffalo Bills to their first Super Bowl title. He needs to limit the mistakes and get more help from the run game to win in January.
2. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has almost singlehandedly turned the Bengals franchise around over the past three seasons. His confidence and ability to stay calm in big moments and games make Cincinnati one of the most-feared teams in the loaded AFC.
1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
In what world is Patrick Mahomes not the No. 1 quarterback in the NFL right now? Mahomes is the only player in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls, Super Bowl MVPs, and regular-season MVPs before turning 28 years old.
As we look forward to the 2023 NFL season, these quarterbacks are the ones to watch. Their performances will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the season and determine which teams emerge as the frontrunners for the Super Bowl.
