Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA

Ranking the 2021 Playoff quarterbacks 1-14

Whose number 1?
Publish Date: 01/14/2022
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

Find the best site to place your bets for the NFL Playoffs!

14) Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

To me, Hurts is easily last on this list! He runs too much for me, and he runs too much to win in the playoffs. The Eagles have shocked everybody by making the playoffs, but their college RPO offense will be one and done.

13) Mac Jones, New England Patriots

Jones has a bright future ahead as he is in a great situation with Bill Belichick. The Patriots still don’t have enough weapons for Jones to take this team on a run, but Jones could lead Belichick back to another Super Bowl when they do. The Patriots are probably still a couple of years away from a deep run.

12) Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have lost four of their last five games entering the playoffs, and Murray, when he has played, has been running more than usual. The best thing for Murray is a playoff matchup with Matthew Stafford, who hasn’t proven he can play on a big stage yet, either.

11) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

He is not what he used to be, but he is still an experienced quarterback who helped lead an undermanned team to the playoffs. He’s been there and done that, and this is his final go-round. Will the Steelers beat the Chiefs? Probably not, but don’t be surprised if Big Ben puts a scare into the Chiefs as he rides off into the sunset.

10) Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

These playoffs will answer many questions about Stafford one way or another. Stafford is the king of pick-sixes! He has never won a playoff game, and I don’t have a lot of confidence in him in a playoff situation. He is capable, but it’s hard to imagine him leading a Super Bowl run when you consider he has a career record against winning teams of 11-70. That being said, if he can eliminate stupid turnovers, he has maybe the best roster in the NFL.

  • DraftKings
    4.6/5
    DraftKings Review
    New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
    Bet now
    21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
    FanDuel
    4.6/5
    FanDuel Review
    Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
    Bet now
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
    BetMGM
    4.5/5
    BetMGM Review
    Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
    Bet now
    Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

9) Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

Carr played exceedingly well over the Raiders four-game winning streak to get into the playoffs. It has taken him eight years to get to the playoffs, but that was primarily because of the Raiders as an organization. Can Carr take it to the next level and win a playoff game?

8) Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

In the current setup with Derrick Henry coming back, Tannehill could lead the Titans on a Super Bowl run. He has playoff experience and seems to be able to make the needed plays to win come playoff time. He is not a stat guy unless your vital stats are wins and losses.

7) Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

This may surprise some people, but Jimmy G. has been highly underrated. He helped lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl just two seasons ago and if you do not believe how valuable he is to the 49ers looked how they played when he didn’t play.

6) Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Prescott has had a remarkable season coming back from an injury that ended his season early last year. Prescott closed the regular season with 13 TDs and no interceptions in Dallas’ last four games. A deep playoff run is expected from the Cowboys, and that pressure will fall directly on Prescott’s shoulders.

For more NFL news, click here!

5) Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Allen helped lead the Bills to the AFC Championship game last season; the question now is can he take the Bills to the Super Bowl? Allen has played very well over the second half of this season, and there can be no doubt that Allen is now an elite NFL quarterback.

4) Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow has not been to the playoffs until this season, but the way he played in must-win games against the Ravens and Chiefs is hard to ignore. Can he continue to play at the extraordinarily high level that he has in the playoffs? My guess is yes, and if he does, he will solidify himself as the next face of the NFL.

3) Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

His season wasn’t as spectacular as the last three seasons, but his past playoff experience is why he is this high. In his previous six AFC playoff games, Mahomes averaged 294.3 yards with 15 TDs and no interceptions. He is the only quarterback in the AFC with Super Bowl experience, and he has won one.

2) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Rodgers is in the same place as he was last year! Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and the leader to win the NFL’s MVP, but we know how it turned out last year. The difference between Brady and Rodgers lies right here; Rodgers is 5-3 in postseason starts at Lambeau Field. He’s also 1-4 in the NFC championship game. Those stats, which are the most essential, do not compare to Tom Brady.

1) Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Who else would it be? Seven Super Bowl Championships, and he is just as good as he ever was at the age of 44! Hell, people don’t even mention his age anymore. It seems no matter how many weapons he losses, he keeps winning and making everybody around him better. He’s played in 10 Super Bowls, three more than the rest of the field combined. He beat the next two QBs on this list in last year’s postseason.

Read Also
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
The Greatest College Basketball Team of All Time
Rating the greatest college basketball teams ever has been done many times ...
Bet365 Promo
Indiana Basketball Weekly
Welcome to Indiana Basketball Weekly, your dedicated podcast for all things Indiana ...
1985 New England Patriots: A Wild ride to the Super Bowl
The Patriots were not always a dynasty, it may be hard to ...
Come Fly with me: How the 1988-89 Chicago Bulls pushed forward to an NBA dynasty.
Find the best sportsbook to bet on the NBA Playoffs! Prologue: By ...
Sam Teets’ way-too-early 2022 NFL mock draft: Texans pick first
The 2021 NFL Draft wrapped up less than a week ago, which ...
Grading every NFL team’s picks from the 2021 NFL Draft
Quickly, click away if you’re going to get upset by reading draft ...
Sam Teets 2021 NFL three-round predictive mock draft 6.0
This is a predictive NFL mock draft and my final of the ...
NFL Draft 2021: Sam Teets’ top 100 prospects big board
The 2021 NFL Draft is less than a month away, meaning it’s ...
Every NFL team’s best player not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame- NFC East
The Pro Football Hall of Fame houses the greatest players in NFL ...
Latest Sport News
The Miami Hurricanes Dynasty (1983–2003): Championships, Culture, and Consequ...
From the 1983 national championship to the early ...
Bert Jones: The legend of the Ruston Rifle
Football was woven into Bert Jones’ life long ...
Cleveland Browns High Points of 2025
Total transparency here, many fans of the Cleveland Browns would read ...
Henry Armstrong – Indisputable Greatness
What Henry Armstrong achieved in the late 1930s ...
Terry Hoeppner: The Coach who restored hope to Indiana Football
Indiana football has had better seasons than the ...
Frazier vs Daniels: Terry Daniels in the Lion’s Den
As it takes only moments to name truly ...
The Inspiring Life and Tragic Death of Lyman Bostock
Tragedies in sports happen. Take the 1986 World ...
Howard Schnellenberger and the Blueprint That Built “The U”
Before Miami was swagger. Before national titles, convicts, ...
Top 15 Light Heavyweights of All Time: Where does Roy Jones Jr. Rank?
The light heavyweight division has long been boxing’s ...
Latest NFL Betting Picks

Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.5/5
Bet365
4.5/5
Caesars
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterMark LewisAuthor IconJohn RaspantiSamuel Teets
+5
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now