Derek Carr has taken plenty of heat, but he’s rolling to start the 2021 season, leading the Las Vegas to a surprising 2-0 start.
Our 2021 FanSided NFL quarterback rankings go live each Tuesday morning throughout the regular season, and we use a sliding scale incorporating current and past performances, with the former meaning more as the year goes on.
Wilson doesn’t have much help, but he’s off to a bad start. His four interceptions on Sunday — three of which were hideous throws — was the week’s low point for quarterback play.
Dalton is hurting with a knee injury but might start against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. While Justin Fields wasn’t good in his debut, Dalton is clearly a backup, even in Chicago.
Jones was pedestrian in the first half of Thursday’s loss to Washington, but he ignited in the final 30 minutes. If the Giants didn’t completely fall apart, they would be 1-1.
Wentz is now dealing with a pair of sprained ankles, putting his status for Week 3 in jeopardy. When he has played, there have been good moments. There have also been shovel passes getting intercepted.
Winston went bad to “Bad Jameis” on Sunday. The Saints watched him throw two ill-advised interceptions while barely cracking 100 yards. Now, Bill Belichick.
It’s over. Like over, over. The Steelers are going to play out the 2021 campaign with Roethlisberger, but there’s no arm strength and the offense is clearly avoiding the deep middle of the field because of it.
Darnold has done a nice job so far, largely avoiding mistakes and throwing to his ample weapons. If the Panthers get this version, they can make the playoffs.
After an amazing opener, Hurts came back to earth a bit. The Eagles should still love what they’re seeing, but on Sunday, the second-year man only threw for 190 yards on 23 attempts. Factoring in a 91-yard bomb to Quez Watkins, Hurts only notched 99 yards on his other 22 throws.
Jones is the epitome of a game manager to this point. Everything has been underneath, with only one target of more than 20 yards against the Jets. Still, the Patriots have a great defense, so game-manning is enough.
Goff was competent against the Packers, throwing well and keeping Detroit in the game through the better part of three quarters. However, once the Lions fell behind by multiple scores, things fell apart. Nobody needs to be comfortable more than Goff.
Ryan has been awful to start the year. Of course, it doesn’t help he’s constantly trailing and the offensive line stinks, but a pair of pick-sixes on Sunday weren’t ideal.
Bridgewater’s play has him deserving a higher ranking. He’s going downfield, avoiding mistakes and nabbing wins. So why isn’t he soaring? Because the Broncos have played the Giants and Jaguars, and there’s mounds of evidence saying this is an aberration. Let’s see Weeks 4 and 5 against the Ravens and Steelers.
Cousins was very good against the Cardinals, throwing three touchdowns and hitting chunk plays. Unfortunately, the Vikings can’t kick a field goal or stop anybody, so they’re 0-2.
Garoppolo is doing enough to hold off Trey Lance for now. The veteran is utilizing a good defense and solid rushing attack to his advantage, taking few risks and staying within his abilities.
Burrow played great on Sunday, if you erase three consecutive throws being intercepted. The Bengals don’t have a defense to bail the former No. 1 overall pick out, so any mistakes — let alone three straight — are a death sentence.
Tannehill struggled early and the Titans appeared destined for 0-2. Then, suddenly, Tannehill came alive, going for more than 300 yards in a comeback overtime win. For Tennessee, the key to winning is deep balls and avoiding turnovers. Job well done in Seattle.
Mayfield wasn’t great against the Texans, throwing an interception and getting hurt while making the tackle. However, he ran for a score and largely distributed the ball to his undermanned offense, which operated without Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.
Herbert needs to drop a few spots. Throwing two interceptions in a one-score game is devastating, and a horrid sack (should have been intentional grounding) in the fourth turned a potential touchdown into a field goal. Can’t make those errors.
Nobody has enjoyed a better start to the season. Carr is leading the NFL in passing yards by more than 100, despite playing good defenses in the Ravens and Steelers. Left for dead by most pundits — including yours truly — Carr and the Raiders look terrific.
Allen has been, in a word, awful. The ’20 Second-Team All-Pro has struggled mightily against the Steelers and Dolphins, missing hoards of open receivers while checking down far too often. Buffalo needs the Allen of a year ago to show up.
Stafford was solid against the Colts. Nothing that was otherworldly like a few throws against the Bears in Week 1, but quality play which has the Rams 2-0 leading into their tilt with the Buccaneers this weekend.
Jackson put on a masterpiece performance against the Chiefs, accounting for more than 300 total yards with three scores. Yes, he tossed two interceptions — one was because Sammy Watkins slipped — but he took Baltimore down time and again. Phenomenal work.
Murray had some YOLO moments against the Vikings, leading him into two ugly interceptions. However, he’s largely been brilliant this season, generating chunk plays with his arm and legs.
Prescott played great ball against the Chargers, save for one Asante Samuel Jr. interception. The Cowboys are only going as far as their talented quarterback can take them. The good news? Prescott looks healthy and better than ever.
Rodgers needed a huge game, and he produced one. The Packers put up 35 points in the Monday night win, with the future Hall of Famer throwing four touchdowns to handle the Lions. Now, a tough test out west against the 49ers.
Wilson can’t be happy with the Seahawks’ second-half performance, including his own. While the overall statline was solid, Wilson only helped generate seven points over the final 30 minutes and overtime.
Mahomes has been playing spectacular ball, but he drops one spot. Ultimately, he threw a hideous pick against the Ravens that contributed to blowing an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter. It happens.
How is this possible? Brady has already thrown nine touchdowns against two interceptions (one Hail Mary, one ball through Leonard Fournette’s hands). He’s playing at an MVP level.
