Going into the 2023 NFL playoffs, the quarterback hierarchy is clear. There’s Patrick Mahomes on one tier, Lamar Jackson on another, and then a litany of signal-callers with playoff experience who are trying to either break through or cement their legacies, such as Matthew Stafford and Joe Flacco.
But through it all, let’s not lose sight of Jordan Love, who entered the autumn as a first-time starter trying to prove he wouldn’t be crushed by the weight of replacing Aaron Rodgers. At 3–6, things were bleak. Since then, the Green Bay Packers are 6–2, with Love throwing 18 touchdowns against a single interception.
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While Green Bay is nationally seen as a nice story likely to have a quick exit in the playoffs, don’t think Love can’t go to Dallas and win. While the Cowboys haven’t lost at home this season, they’ve also occasionally struggled against good teams at AT&T Stadium, narrowly beating the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks.
Picking the Packers may be a bit rich, but if Love keeps playing great football, don’t be shocked by an upset.
14
Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh SteelersRudolph has won each of his three starts this season to propel Pittsburgh into the playoffs, but he’s clearly at the bottom rung. The Steelers will need Rudolph to play a fantastic game if they hope to upset the Bills.
13
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay BuccaneersMayfield is only this far down because he’s clearly injured. Playing through a painful rib ailment in Week 18 against the Panthers, Mayfield threw for 137 yards on 4.3 yards per attempt. Healthy, he’d be a few slots higher, but we could see a limited version of Mayfield on Monday night.
12
Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
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Flacco has been an amazing story. The fourth of five starting quarterbacks for the Browns this season, the 38-year-old has led Cleveland to the AFC’s top wild-card spot. On the year, he threw for 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions while amassing four consecutive 300-yard games.
11
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami DolphinsTagovailoa led the league in passing yardage, but he also has 20 turnovers to his name. Now, he must go into Kansas City in brutal weather and beat the Chiefs’ second-ranked defense. Tagovailoa is accurate and smart enough, but does he have the attributes to make enough plays?
10
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ersNiners fans won’t love this ranking, but let’s talk reality. Purdy has been terrific. He’s also buoyed by the best supporting cast in football. The big question is whether San Francisco can give him comfortable situations throughout the playoffs, or if Purdy has to come from behind. The latter has been a problem.
9
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
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Goff has quietly enjoyed a second straight excellent year in Motown. The Lions won their first division title since 1993, largely because Goff threw for 4,575 yards, second to only Tagovailoa. He also tossed 30 touchdowns, and inside the dome at Ford Field, he’s capable of a huge day against the Rams.
8
Jordan Love, Green Bay PackersAs aforementioned, Love is a rising star. This year, he was also given an extremely young supporting cast of receivers and tight ends, almost all in their first or second seasons. Despite it all, Love has Green Bay thriving, giving it a real chance to win a playoff game on the road this weekend.
7
C.J. Stroud, Houston TexansStroud is a superstar already. Now, the next step is winning his first playoff game. The Texans’ rookie threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 games, helping Houston win 10 games and earn the AFC South title. Stroud hasn’t just been great. He’s been a revelation in a city desperately needing a revival.
6
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
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This has been a challenging year for both Hurts and the Eagles. The reigning second-team All-Pro struggled through injuries and dips in play, throwing 15 interceptions while also failing to throw for 4,000 yards. Hurts deserves a spot toward the top based on his pedigree and talent, but this hasn’t been a fun campaign.
5
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles RamsStafford has enjoyed a terrific year with the Rams. Surrounded by elite talent in receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, and running back Kyren Williams, the quarterback has a chance to make a run at a second Super Bowl. It all starts in Detroit, as Stafford goes home to face his former team this weekend.
4
Dak Prescott, Dallas CowboysPrescott gets plenty of criticism from the national and local media, but he’s been elite this season. The Cowboys are the second seed, and Prescott led the way with 36 touchdown passes to pace the NFL. This is going to be a defining postseason for the eighth-year pro.
3
Josh Allen, Buffalo BillsSpeaking of defining postseasons, Allen certainly has one upcoming. The Bills are more than $40 million over the projected cap for next year. This is the moment for Allen, who finished top five in passing yards (4,306) and touchdown passes (29). A Super Bowl run changes his legacy.
2
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
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Nobody has more pressure on them than Jackson this postseason. Almost certain to win his second NFL MVP, Jackson has accomplished everything but playoff success. During the regular season, he totaled 4,499 yards and 29 touchdowns, helping the Ravens to a league-leading 13–4 record.
1
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City ChiefsBy Mahomes’s standards, 2023 was rough. He threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns, both career lows since ’19. Still, nobody is more dangerous than the Kansas City quarterback, who remains the best player in football. If the Chiefs make another Super Bowl run, it’ll be because their defense remains top-notch, and Mahomes makes a few legendary plays.
