The quarterback position in the NFL is one of the most important positions on the field. Many quarterbacks drafted in recent years are taking the league by storm and are becoming some of the best in the league. Here are my top quarterbacks in each AFC division.

AFC NORTH: Joe Burrow
(Cincinnati Bengals)

Joe Burrow took a massive leap in 2021 after tearing his ACL and MCL in a Week 11 game against the Washington Commanders. He lead the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl LVI where they would eventually fall to the Los Angeles Rams (23-20). Burrow may not have the arm strength compared to guys like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, but he is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL. He lead the NFL in completion percentage in 2021, his second season. In 2022, Burrow finished the season with 4,475 passing yards, and 35 touchdowns, with just 12 interceptions. Burrow also had a passer rating of 100.8.

Rest of the division rankings

2. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
3. Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
4. Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers)

AFC SOUTH: Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Lawrence was selected No. 1 overall in 2021 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lawrence struggled in his rookie season, throwing 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. In 2022, he took a huge leap and lead the Jaguars to their first playoff birth and division title since 2017. This also ended the Jaguars’ four-year streak of finishing last in the division. It looked like another disappointing year with the Jaguars being 4-8 with five games remaining. Lawrence and the Jaguars finished the season on a five-game win streak to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Over that stretch, Lawrence had 1,279 passing yards, with 10 total touchdowns (eight passing & two rushing), and just two interceptions. Lawrence finished 2022 with over 4,000 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 95.2.

Rest of the division rankings

2. Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans)
3. CJ Stroud (Houston Texans)
4. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)

AFC EAST: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

It took a few years for Allen to turn into the superstar quarterback he is today. Allen does not have the best supporting cast around him. Outside of Stefon Diggs, the wide receivers are pretty average. The offensive line is a problem as Allen runs for his life the whole game and the run game is all Allen as well. In the past three years, Allen has been performing like a top-five quarterback, throwing for over 13,000 yards, and 129 total touchdowns (108 passing & 21 rushing). The turnover numbers can be a bit concerning with Allen having 29 interceptions over the past two years, but Allen makes up for it with his play-making ability. In 2022, Allen finished with 4,283 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He also had a passer rating of 96.6.

rest of the division rankings

2. Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
3. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
4. Mac Jones (New England Patriots)

AFC WEST: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)

Do I need to explain? Mahomes is in a league of his own. It was clear from the start that Mahomes would be special, after throwing 50 touchdowns in his first full-time season. Mahomes always keeps defenses on their toes with his insane ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing. Like Allen, Mahomes does not have a great supporting cast. After trading Tyreek Hill, the wide receiver core is not the best. The offensive line, outside of Creed Humphrey, is not the greatest. Joe Thuney and Jawann Taylor are solid linemen, but not as good compared to the top offensive linemen. On a positive note, Travis Kelce at tight end and Isiah Pacheco at running back are good accolades. Mahomes finished the 2022 season with the most passing yards at 5,250, and passing touchdowns (41). He also lead the league in QBR at 77.6 and had a passer rating of 105.2.

rest of the division rankings

2. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
3. Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)
4. Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders)

“Patrick Mahomes” by All-Pro Reels is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0