BUSR NFL Odds and Rankings: Top Quarterbacks for 2026 Season
Analyzing the 2026 NFL Quarterback Landscape
With the highly anticipated 2026 NFL training camps fast approaching, the league’s competitive power structure is finally crystallizing. To get a definitive view of the league’s signal-callers, BUSR recently conducted its annual exhaustive survey of prominent NFL bettors, handicappers, and scouts. This comprehensive poll ranks the top 10 players across 11 key positions on the field.
Now in its seventh year, this ranking system represents one of the most respected barometers of current NFL talent. Voters submitted their personal top-10 rankings, which were compiled alongside film study and analytical research by BUSR NFL analysts. Over 70 influential voters cast ballots, creating an incredibly accurate picture of the league’s quarterback landscape.
For passionate sports fans looking to bet on NFL futures, understanding these expert rankings is the ultimate way to gain a sharp edge. This list is not a projection of future legacy or a career achievement award. Instead, it answers a very direct question: Who are the absolute best quarterbacks in the NFL right now?
As training camps kick off, analyzing the shifting NFL odds is essential for predicting which franchises will dominate the postseason. Getting involved in NFL betting early allows you to lock in maximum value before these signal-callers take the field and drive prices up.
Elite Tier: The Battle for the Top Spot
During the 2000s, the football world was defined by the relentless debate between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Today, a new rivalry has captured the sports world: Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen. These two dominant AFC rivals are squarely in their primes at age 30, and they have separated themselves into a clear top tier of their own.
However, behind them, the overall talent at the position has grown incredibly deep. A staggering 15 different quarterbacks appeared on at least 30% of the executive ballots this year, signaling a historic era of quarterback play.
With so much depth, finding the right value in NFL betting markets requires a deep dive into each player’s metrics, team scheme, and historical performance. Let’s look at the official top 10 quarterbacks entering the 2026 NFL season.
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4
Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 2
Josh Allen has officially claimed the top spot in this year’s rankings, overcoming Patrick Mahomes in a tightly contested vote. Allen finished with a stellar 2.10 average ranking per ballot, helping him secure the crown despite Mahomes holding a slightly higher first-place vote percentage of 41.5% compared to Allen’s 34.1%.
“He’s the most singularly unstoppable player at the position when you get his A-game,” the GM said. “And he has cut down on the turnovers the past two seasons.”
Allen remains the only player in NFL history to record at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns, making him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. When looking at the latest NFL MVP odds, Allen is always a premier candidate due to his dual-threat supremacy.
Since 2024, Allen has dramatically improved his efficiency, throwing only 8 interceptions per season, down from a high of 15.7 per season from 2021 to 2023. He also cut his fumbles down to 12 over the last two years, which is a massive relief for Buffalo Bills fans.
“You live with him and die with him,” an NFL coordinator said. “You can’t get mad at him because he won a lot of games for you with a similar style, and he was so good.”
“Look who he was throwing to. His wideouts weren’t great. But he made it work and brought out their best. He elevates the people around him, clearly.”
2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 9
Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 1
Patrick Mahomes slips to the second spot after leading this list for three consecutive seasons, but he remains one of the most feared athletes on earth. His 267 touchdown passes tie for second all-time among quarterbacks over their first nine seasons, and his 35,939 passing yards speak to his historic start.
“He still puts fear in people like no other quarterback — gives you a shot in every game,” an NFL quarterbacks coach said. “His skill set, combined with his will to win, puts him at the top.”
For those looking to engage in NFL betting, backing Mahomes is rarely a losing proposition. However, a weak supporting cast and a late-season ACL injury caused roughly 15% of voters to leave him out of their top three entirely this year.
“I think the hits were taking the toll even before the injury,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s not the biggest guy. He’s such a stud, but the violent hits he’s taken, the big-time shots, are a thing.”
“Mahomes struggled even before the injury last year — held the ball too long and forced throws when it wasn’t necessary. Still has a tendency to chase the big play instead of keeping the offense on schedule.” But even that coach added, “If they don’t have him, they win three games, tops [last year].”
3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 38 | Last year’s ranking: 6
Matthew Stafford’s spectacular MVP-caliber campaign has vaulted him into the elite top three. Stafford commanded an impressive 17% of first-place votes, completing a historic season with 46 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. Stafford’s resurgence has completely shifted the NFL odds for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC.
“Nobody played better than him last year, and it wasn’t even close,” an NFL head coach said.
With Davante Adams and Puka Nacua at his disposal, Stafford tore defenses apart in Sean McVay’s highly protective, three-tight-end formations.
“Stafford and McVay are now the best quarterback-coach duo in the league,” an AFC offensive coach said.
“The system helps him,” an NFL coordinator said. “He has an elite offensive coach and elite weapons. He’s great, don’t get me wrong. He has advantages that some of the other quarterbacks don’t have.”
4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 6
Age: 29 | Last year’s ranking: 3
Durability concerns pushed Joe Burrow down to No. 4, but when healthy, his processing and pocket movement are widely regarded as comparable to Tom Brady’s. Savvy players looking to bet on NFL player props will note that Burrow’s 16 games with at least 300 passing yards and three touchdowns over the last five seasons lead the league.
“Best pocket movement in the league, accelerated vision best in the league,” said an NFL personnel evaluator.
“Burrow doesn’t play in a system. He is the system,” the coordinator said. “He’s the whole thing.”
“Such a quick decision-maker,” an NFL coordinator said. “The ball is out. That ball is OUT. It’s so frustrating. And when it isn’t out, he’s just waiting for a deep ball to develop. He’s got accuracy, arm strength — a winner.”
5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 29 | Last year’s ranking: 4
Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, continues to develop as an elite pocket passer. He put up a 4,000-yard passing season in 2024 and led the league with 13.3 yards per completion in 2025. This makes him an incredibly lucrative option for NFL betting markets.
“What’s so impressive is he has gotten better as a passer,” the coach said. “He’s more of a complete passer. It’s impressive. I really didn’t respect the passing game as much before in his career, but the last time we played him, he was much better. He can dice you up.”
Jackson currently holds the record for the most rushing yards in NFL history (6,522) among players with at least 1,000 career passing yards.
“I do wonder if he starts running less as he approaches age 30,” an NFL personnel director said. “He’s still fast but probably not at his peak. So they could start to manufacture runs in other ways.”
“I expect him to have a big year,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “This is like a contract year for him coming up.”
6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 32 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Dak Prescott made a triumphant leap into the top 10, appearing on nearly 75% of ballots. When healthy, Prescott’s statistical production is highly prolific, amassing 9,068 passing yards and 66 touchdown throws over his last two healthy seasons.
“He’s a true, acute progression passer,” an NFL coordinator said. “There are only so many of those types. He can read the whole field, from pre- to post-snap. He’s just really a good commander of the offense.”
“I think he can use his athleticism even more and run for first downs,” said an AFC offensive coach.
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 7
Justin Herbert remains one of the absolute rawest talents in the league. Now paired with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert’s strategic outlook is highly exciting, and this change could instantly lower his NFL odds to win passing titles.
“If you’re picking quarterbacks to build around, you’re still taking him pretty high,” an NFL personnel exec said.
“There’s a reason the Los Angeles Chargers OC job was the best one available — because of the quarterback,” an NFC scout said. “McDaniel should be able to streamline some things for [Herbert], manufacture some layup first downs for him.”
“He plays young,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s incredibly talented and has made progress, but he doesn’t have the maturity level of the other guys as far as how he runs the overall operation and mastery of the position.”
8. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 23 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Drake Maye’s rapid development has taken the league by storm. Maye is only the third NFL quarterback since 2006 to lead the NFL in Total QBR (77.1), completion percentage (72%), and yards per attempt (8.93) in a single season.
“Size, athleticism, accuracy, playmaking upside through the roof, poise and toughness,” an NFL coordinator said. “He had zero weapons and a shaky OL, and made it all work.”
“He’s really talented, but I need to see more,” a veteran NFC defensive coach said.
9. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 31 | Last year’s ranking: 9
Jared Goff has enjoyed a stellar run with the Detroit Lions, accumulating 9,193 yards and 71 touchdowns over the last two years. This offensive continuity makes the Lions an absolute favorite for high-scoring game total wagers.
“The guy wins,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s going to find a completion if not under pressure. Mature pocket passer with a plus arm who can layer the ball at all levels.”
10. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Highest ranking: 6 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 24 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Caleb Williams barely secured the 10th spot in a tight tiebreaker over Jordan Love and Sam Darnold. His 11 deep-ball touchdowns and six fourth-quarter comebacks in 2025 proved he is a prime-time performer.
“He’s the most dynamic of the group,” one GM said. “He’s got the arm talent and overall athleticism suited for today’s game.”
“He’s a closer,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.
“Wildly erratic,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “…[He] has some of those ‘what is he doing?’ plays. But he also makes plays only he and Mahomes can make.”
Honorable Mentions and Key Betting Values
Several elite players missed the top 10 but represent excellent betting opportunities for the upcoming season. These dark-horse candidates offer incredible value in NFL betting markets as they look to disrupt the quarterback hierarchy:
- Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks: “What a career bounce-back. He’s been lights-out for two years. Deserves to be in the top 10.” — High-ranking AFC team official
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders: “I know he was hurt [in 2025], but I think this is the year he really makes his stamp and he’s the guy we’re all talking about as having taken the next step…” — NFC exec
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: “Control of the offense, protection, and route adjustments, he has really grown in those areas.” — veteran NFL offensive coach
- Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers: “He has got two superpowers. Layering the ball and short-area quickness to stay alive.” — NFC executive
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: “He’s a winner. [He] can make every throw. Fearless…” — NFL coordinator
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: “…He plays better ball when the offensive infrastructure and personnel around him set him up for success…” — veteran AFC offensive coach
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: “I know it has been up-and-down, but I’m still betting on the Super Bowl credentials, the intangibles and the toughness.” — AFC offensive coach
Take Action and Bet on NFL Season Props Today
Now that you have the complete breakdown of the NFL’s top quarterback rankings for the 2026 season, it’s time to put this knowledge to work. Head over to BUSR today to register your account, secure your $3,000 welcome bonus, and keep a close eye on the fluctuating NFL odds. Don’t miss your chance to cash in on player props, division winners, and future MVP candidates.
Join the BUSR Experience. Stream LIVE all major sports leagues, enjoy live in-game moments with live betting, exclusive team props, and season futures. You control your winnings with our new Early Cash-Out option, no need to wait for game endings. Enjoy 24-hour payouts, dive into over 1,000 casino games, and access to exclusive lines and boosted odds.Up to $3,000 Welcome Bonus
on Your First 3 Deposits300% Sports Welcome Bonus
