Quarterback is the most important position in all of professional sports, with the physical and mental demands requiring a special player necessary at the highest levels. The uber-rugged AFC North happens to have some of the finest QBs in the league. Returning this summer is Last Word On the NFL’s top returning series as we examine the best players at their position groups. So, without further ado, let’s rank the best quarterbacks in the division.
Ranking the Best AFC North Quarterbacks for 2026
4. Shedeur Sanders / Deshaun Watson
The competition in Berea will be fierce to gain control of the starter spot when the season begins in September. The sophomore Sanders may have the early lead, but it’s hard to tell where new head coach Todd Monken and his staff rank Watson or how they really feel about him.
Sanders filled in admirably last season for Cleveland, throwing for 1400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Watson hasn’t taken a snap since injuring his Achilles tendon in October of 2024 against the Cincinnati Bengals. With so much uncertainty regarding who wins the QB1 job and the steep climb still for both, this duo gets the last-place ranking for AFC North quarterbacks.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers holds the longevity card by a large margin and will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he retires. He has stated that this is the final season of his illustrious 21-year career. The Steelers signal-caller still has plenty of arm strength and could see a resurgence in 2026 with old friend Mike McCarthy calling plays again. Rodgers will likely put up solid numbers, but as we look at the 2026 crystal ball, he’s still behind our top two in the AFC North.
2. Lamar Jackson
Truth be told, you could probably put Jackson and Burrow as 1b and 1a, but when predicting for 2026, we give a slight edge to Cincy’s number nine. Jackson has the MVP awards and has been relatively less injury-prone. He’s also posted incredible stats since coming into the league and holds a wide head-to-head edge over Burrow. The Ravens’ lead man is primed for another excellent year, and the only thing left for him to do is make it to that elusive Super Bowl he’s been eagerly waiting for.
1. Joe Burrow
When evaluating both players in the running for the top spot, Burrow reigns supreme, and truthfully, it’s based on banking on a return to form, which would have been an MVP season if the Bengals had made the playoffs in 2024. Cincinnati is seemingly going all-in more than ever with the additions of Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and the huge splash of Dexter Lawrence II, as they have completely rebuilt their defense. Look for Burrow to be the biggest beneficiary in all of this, and his numbers and play on the field should reflect this if he can stay healthy for all of 2026. Time will tell, and you would be wise to push every chip to the middle of the table for Burrow and his Bengals.
Main Photo: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
