ESPN 2025 NFL QB rankings: top 10 and fantasy impact
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Updated
ESPN's 2025 QB rankings from Jeremy Fowler's annual insider poll are out, and the top of the list looks familiar while the middle has real movement.
Fowler polled more than 70 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to build the list.
The full top 10
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
- Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What stands out about the top four
Mahomes remains the consensus top QB despite some voters noting a fading fear factor. The expectation is a bounce-back with healthier weapons and a rebuilt offensive line.
Burrow made history last season as the first NFL player ever to post 250 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in 8 consecutive games. He did it behind a poor run game and a porous defense, which makes that stretch more impressive from a fantasy standpoint.
Jackson, just 26, was only an honorable mention in last year's version of this poll. His jump to 4th reflects how fast the league's perception of him has shifted.
Jayden Daniels at 5th is the biggest story
Daniels cracking the top five in his first year of eligibility is notable. He posted a 70.6 QBR as a rookie, the best rookie QBR since Dak Prescott in 2016, and narrowly edged out Stafford in the voting. Dynasty managers already know this, but the insider community is catching up.
A few players worth watching in fantasy
Goff was 2nd in the NFL in yards per attempt (8.6) and 2nd in total yards (4,629) last season. He also led the league in play-action completion percentage (75.4%), play-action yards (1,978), and play-action touchdowns (15). He now plays under new head coach Ben Johnson, which adds to his redraft upside.
Herbert has more passing yards through his first five seasons than any quarterback in NFL history. One AFC executive described him as 'always been a top-5 to -8 QB.'
Hurts dropping to 9th despite winning Super Bowl LIX is a perception issue more than a production one. He is the most prolific short-yardage rushing quarterback in NFL history, has posted 10 or more rushing touchdowns in four straight seasons (an NFL record for a passer), and his +6.6 completion percentage over expected ranked first in the league. That rushing floor keeps him relevant in PPR and standard formats.
Who fell out of the top 10
Three quarterbacks from last year's list did not make the cut.
C.J. Stroud (QB, Houston Texans) had the steepest fall, dropping from 7th all the way out. Aaron Rodgers (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers) fell out after ranking 8th last year. Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas Cowboys) dropped out after ranking 10th; he was limited to 8 starts due to a partial hamstring tear and posted a career-low 45.3 QBR.
Seven players received honorable mention votes, including Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, and Daniel Jones.
What this means for your roster
The QB market is deeper than it has been in years. In redraft, that depth pushes back the point where reaching for a quarterback makes sense. In superflex and 2QB leagues, Daniels landing 5th among NFL insiders reinforces his value as a first-round asset.