Fantasy Football QB Rankings 2026: Full Tier List
Mid-season means one thing every Tuesday: you're staring at your lineup wondering if you should bench the guy you drafted in round four. This tier list covers all 32 names on the fantasy radar right now, from locked-in weekly starts to names you should probably just leave on waivers.
A couple of entries here (Kyle Larson, Brandon Aiyuk) aren't quarterbacks in real life, but they showed up in the conversation, so we're ranking them in the same build-your-own-QB-sheet spirit as everyone else. Use this as a template, drop in your own weekly notes, and argue with us in the comments. That's the whole point.
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SS Tier: Set it and forget it
Josh Allen
The rushing floor alone makes him close to unbenchable. Even a quiet passing week usually comes with a couple of short touchdown runs that save your lineup.
About Josh Allen
Starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, known for his rushing production as much as his arm. A perennial fantasy QB1.
- Team
- Buffalo Bills
- Position
- QB
Lamar Jackson
Dual-threat production at a level almost nobody else offers. The rushing yards are the cushion that turns a mediocre passing day into a top-five finish.
About Lamar Jackson
Starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens and one of the most prolific rushing passers in NFL history.
- Team
- Baltimore Ravens
- Position
- QB
Jalen Hurts
Goal-line rushing touchdowns are basically a guaranteed line item. Add in the passing volume and he's one of the safest first picks at the position.
About Jalen Hurts
Starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, famous for the 'tush push' short-yardage touchdown runs.
- Team
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Position
- QB
Patrick Mahomes
Still the name people reach for when they need a ceiling week. The accuracy and the late-game heroics haven't gone anywhere.
About Patrick Mahomes
Starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
- Team
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Position
- QB
AA Tier: Weekly must-starts
Joe Burrow
When healthy, the volume and the arm talent put him in weekly must-start territory. The only real question fantasy managers keep asking is durability.
About Joe Burrow
Star quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, drafted first overall in 2020 after a record-setting national championship season at LSU. Known for his poise, accuracy, and chemistry with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
- College
- LSU
- Draft
- 2020, 1st round, 1st overall (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Current Team
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Achievement
- Led LSU to National Championship in 2019 season
Jayden Daniels
The rushing numbers out of the gate turned a lot of skeptics into believers. He's the rookie-to-star story fantasy drafters keep pointing to.
About Jayden Daniels
Washington Commanders starting quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner, known for his dual-threat ability as both a passer and runner since entering the NFL.
- Draft
- 2024, 1st round, Washington Commanders
- Heisman Trophy
- 2023
C.J. Stroud
Clean mechanics, big arm, and a receiver room that keeps the volume high. He's settled into being a reliable top-ten option most weeks.
About C.J. Stroud
Houston Texans starting quarterback and former Offensive Rookie of the Year, known for his poise and downfield passing accuracy since entering the league.
- Draft
- 2023, 1st round, Houston Texans
- Offensive Rookie of the Year
- 2023
Justin Herbert
The arm talent was never the question, it's always been the supporting cast. When the offense clicks, he throws for enough yards to carry your week by himself.
About Justin Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers starting quarterback known for his big arm and prolific passing numbers since entering the league, regarded as one of the most talented passers of his generation.
- Draft
- 2020, 1st round, Los Angeles Chargers
- Offensive Rookie of the Year
- 2020
Dak Prescott
Consistent volume passer who racks up yardage even on weeks the offense looks stuck. Fantasy managers trust him as a steady floor-plus-ceiling QB1.
About Dak Prescott
Franchise quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys since 2016, known for his leadership, rushing ability, and consistent passing production. He signed one of the richest contracts in NFL history to remain in Dallas.
- College
- Mississippi State
- Draft
- 2016, 4th round, Dallas Cowboys
- Current Team
- Dallas Cowboys
BB Tier: Solid QB1/QB2 streamers
Brock Purdy
The system quarterback label follows him around, but the stat sheet keeps saying QB1. Matchup matters more here than with the elites above him.
About Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback known for his efficiency and winning record, notable for being the final pick ('Mr. Irrelevant') of his draft class before emerging as a surprise starter.
- Draft
- 2022, last pick (Mr. Irrelevant), San Francisco 49ers
Baker Mayfield
Years of bouncing around made people doubt him, then he settled in and started putting up weekly QB1 numbers people weren't expecting.
About Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback and former first overall pick, known for his competitive intensity and journey through multiple teams before finding a resurgence in Tampa Bay.
- Draft
- 2018, 1st overall, Cleveland Browns
Geno Smith
The volume passing attack keeps him fantasy-relevant even when the win-loss record doesn't match. A solid streaming option most weeks.
About Geno Smith
Veteran quarterback who revived his career with the Seattle Seahawks after years as a backup with the New York Jets, earning Pro Bowl recognition and a long-term starting role. Known for accurate short-to-intermediate passing and a resurgence under head coach Pete Carroll.
- College
- West Virginia
- Draft
- 2013, 2nd round, New York Jets
Sam Darnold
Boom-or-bust is the honest description here. Some weeks he looks like a franchise answer, other weeks you're scrambling for a backup plan.
About Sam Darnold
Veteran quarterback who has started for several NFL teams, known for a career marked by flashes of talent and ongoing efforts to find stability and consistency as a starter.
- Draft
- 2018, 1st round, New York Jets
Matthew Stafford
Still slinging it at a high level with a dangerous receiving corps behind him. Age is the only thing keeping him out of the tier above.
About Matthew Stafford
Longtime NFL quarterback who spent over a decade with the Detroit Lions before winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Known for a strong arm and ability to make off-platform throws, he remains a productive veteran passer.
- College
- Georgia
- Draft
- 2009, 1st round, 1st overall (Detroit Lions)
- Super Bowl
- Won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams
- Current Team
- Los Angeles Rams
Jordan Love
Flashes of real upside mixed with inconsistent weeks. The arm talent is obvious, the weekly floor is the thing fantasy managers worry about.
About Jordan Love
Starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers who took over after Aaron Rodgers, known for his strong arm and growth into a top-tier fantasy and real-life passer.
- Draft
- 2020, 1st round, Green Bay Packers
Caleb Williams
The rookie hype was real and the flashes back it up. He's still figuring out the weekly consistency part, which keeps him out of must-start range for now.
About Caleb Williams
Chicago Bears starting quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner, regarded as a highly creative playmaker and the top overall pick of his draft class.
- Draft
- 2024, 1st overall, Chicago Bears
- Heisman Trophy
- 2022
CC Tier: Matchup-dependent flex plays
Kirk Cousins
A name that used to be an automatic streaming play, now more of a matchup-check before you trust the start.
About Kirk Cousins
Veteran quarterback known for his steady, high-volume passing production across stops with the Washington franchise, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. Recognized for his durability and reputation as a reliable, if streaky, statistical performer.
- College
- Michigan State
- Draft
- 2012, 4th round, Washington
- Current Team
- Atlanta Falcons
Tua Tagovailoa
The efficiency numbers look great on paper, but injury history keeps fantasy managers checking the inactive list before kickoff.
About Tua Tagovailoa
Miami Dolphins starting quarterback known for his accuracy and quick release within the team's high-tempo passing offense, with a college career highlighted by a national championship-winning performance at Alabama.
- Draft
- 2020, 1st round, Miami Dolphins
- College
- Alabama
Trevor Lawrence
The talent has never really been in question, it's the weekly inconsistency that keeps him in the flex-play range instead of the must-start tier.
About Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback and former number one overall pick, regarded as a highly touted prospect coming out of Clemson with strong arm talent.
- Draft
- 2021, 1st overall, Jacksonville Jaguars
- College
- Clemson
Jared Goff
A high-volume passer in a good system who's capable of a big week, but the ceiling rarely gets talked about in the same breath as the top tier.
About Jared Goff
Veteran quarterback and former first overall pick, now with the Detroit Lions after helping lead them to sustained playoff contention. Known for his accuracy and quick decision-making in an efficient offensive system.
- Draft
- 2016, 1st overall, Los Angeles Rams
- Pro Bowls
- 2
Anthony Richardson
The rushing upside is tantalizing enough to stash every week, but accuracy questions make him a genuine coin flip as a starter.
About Anthony Richardson
Indianapolis Colts quarterback known for his rare combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism, viewed as a high-upside dual-threat talent still refining his consistency.
- Draft
- 2023, 1st round, Indianapolis Colts
- College
- Florida
Daniel Jones
The rushing floor keeps him fantasy-relevant in a way his passing numbers alone wouldn't. A streamer in the right matchup, nothing more.
About Daniel Jones
Quarterback currently with the Indianapolis Colts, previously drafted sixth overall by the New York Giants in 2019. Known for a mobile skill set and an up-and-down career marked by injuries and inconsistent offensive support in New York.
- College
- Duke
- Draft
- 2019, 1st round, 6th overall (NY Giants)
- Current Team
- Indianapolis Colts
DD Tier: Bench stashes and desperation starts
Derek Carr
Steady enough in a good week, but there's rarely a ceiling that makes him worth starting over a streaming option.
About Derek Carr
Veteran quarterback known for his long tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders before joining the New Orleans Saints, valued for his experience and passing volume over a lengthy career.
- Draft
- 2014, 2nd round, Oakland Raiders
- Pro Bowls
- 4
Bryce Young
The weapons and offensive line questions have made this a tough fantasy ride. Bench stash at best until the supporting cast improves.
About Bryce Young
Former Heisman Trophy winner and first overall pick who starts for the Carolina Panthers, still working to develop consistency at the NFL level after a challenging rookie campaign.
- Draft
- 2023, 1st overall, Carolina Panthers
- Heisman Trophy
- 2021
Will Levis
Flashes of arm talent show up on the highlight reel, but the turnovers and inconsistency keep him firmly in desperation-start territory.
About Will Levis
Tennessee Titans quarterback known for his strong arm talent, continuing to work toward consistency as a starter after being drafted out of Kentucky.
- Draft
- 2023, 2nd round, Tennessee Titans
- College
- Kentucky
Tyler Huntley
Only relevant in deep leagues when the starter in front of him goes down. Handcuff value, not a lineup plan.
About Tyler Huntley
Backup-caliber quarterback known for his time as Lamar Jackson's primary backup with the Baltimore Ravens, valued for his mobility and ability to run a similar offensive scheme.
- College
- Utah
- NFL entry
- Undrafted, 2020
Marcus Mariota
A backup who can run a little if forced into action, but nobody is drafting him with a straight face.
About Marcus Mariota
Veteran dual-threat quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner, known for his rushing ability and experience as both a starter and backup across several NFL teams.
- Draft
- 2015, 1st round, Tennessee Titans
- Heisman Trophy
- 2014
Aaron Rodgers
The name recognition is still there from the glory years, but the weekly fantasy production hasn't kept pace in a long time.
About Aaron Rodgers
Veteran quarterback and four-time NFL MVP, formerly of the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. Known for his accuracy, play-action mastery, and long track record as one of the most decorated passers of his era.
- Draft
- 2005, 1st round, Green Bay Packers
- Super Bowl titles
- 1 (XLV)
- MVP awards
- 4
FF Tier: Drop and forget
Andy Dalton
A reliable game manager in real football, a non-factor in fantasy unless your league starts three quarterbacks.
About Andy Dalton
Longtime NFL journeyman quarterback known for providing reliable veteran depth, most recently in a backup or spot-starter role. Originally made his name as the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Draft
- 2011, 2nd round, Cincinnati Bengals
- Pro Bowls
- 3
Malik Willis
Deep stash only, and even that's a stretch. Not a name that belongs on a fantasy roster in most formats.
About Malik Willis
Mobile quarterback originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans, known more for his rushing upside than consistent passing production. Has bounced around rosters as a developmental and backup option.
- Draft
- 2022, 3rd round, Tennessee Titans
- College
- Liberty
How we ranked them
We leaned on what fantasy forums, waiver-wire chatter and weekly rankings discussions broadly agree on: volume, rushing upside, offensive line play and matchup consistency. Where the consensus splits (and it splits a lot in the QB2 range), we picked a side and told you why. This isn't a real-life talent ranking, it's built for fantasy points.
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Rank these yourselfFAQ
Who is the best fantasy QB for the rest of the 2026 season?
Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts lead the pack right now thanks to their rushing floors stacked on top of real passing volume.
Is Caleb Williams a must-start in fantasy?
Not yet every week. The flashes are real, but the weekly consistency isn't there, which keeps him in streamer territory rather than a locked-in start.
Should I bench Jared Goff in a tough matchup?
Treat him as matchup-dependent. He can post a big week in the right spot, but he's not the kind of QB1 you start blindly against a tough defense.
Are Kyle Larson and Brandon Aiyuk actually fantasy quarterbacks?
No. They're included here as a nod to how odd some build-your-own ranking sheets get, and they land at the bottom for that reason.
Who are the best waiver-wire QB streamers this week?
Geno Smith, Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones are the names fantasy managers keep checking matchups for before deciding on a weekly start.
More rankings
Image credits
- Josh AllenPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Lamar JacksonPhoto: Maryland GovPics, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Jalen HurtsPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Patrick MahomesPhoto: All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Joe BurrowPhoto: Lordstown Motors, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Jayden DanielsPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- C.J. StroudPhoto: Tennessee Titans, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Justin HerbertPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Dak PrescottPhoto: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Brock PurdyPhoto: Jar-Lar, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Baker MayfieldPhoto: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Geno SmithPhoto: All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Sam DarnoldPhoto: SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Matthew StaffordPhoto: Sewageboy, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Jordan LovePhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Caleb WilliamsPhoto: All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Kirk CousinsPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Tua TagovailoaPhoto: Rick Stanfield, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons) · Source
- Trevor LawrencePhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Jared GoffPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Anthony RichardsonPhoto: Tennessee Titans, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Daniel JonesPhoto: AlexanderJonesi, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Derek CarrPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Bryce YoungPhoto: Sgt. Andrew Skiver, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons) · Source
- Will LevisPhoto: Tennessee Titans, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Tyler HuntleyPhoto: All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Marcus MariotaPhoto: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Aaron RodgersPhoto: Mike Morbeck, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Andy DaltonPhoto: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source
- Malik WillisPhoto: Tennessee Titans, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons) · License · Source