NFL quarterback rankings, Week 1: Aaron Rodgers reigns

With the 2022 regular season kicking off this week, we bring back the NFL quarterback rankings. And to start, Aaron Rodgers is atop the leaderboard. 

Our 2022 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.

2021 stats: 702 yards | 68.4 comp % | 5 TD | 1 INT | 7.4 YPA | 45.8 QBR

The Seahawks just conducted one of the saddest quarterback battles in NFL history, and Smith is the winner. It’s going to be a long year in Seattle.

2021 stats: 338 yards | 64.3 comp % | 3 TD | 0 INT | 8.0 YPA | 43.5 QBR

Flacco is filling in for Zach Wilson until he’s back from a sprained knee. The Jets are hoping Flacco can be serviceable until Wilson begins his second season.

2021 stats: 4 yards | 50.0 comp % | 0 TD | 0 INT | 2.0 YPA | 40.3 QBR

Mariota is reuniting with Arthur Smith, who was his offensive coordinator in Tennessee. Realistically, Atlanta is in a rebuilding year, and Mariota will take lumps.

2021 stats: 43 yards | 75.0 comp % | 0 TD | 1 INT | 5.4 YPA | 47.4 QBR

How long does Trubisky hold onto the job? Kenny Pickett has been good in the preseason, and with a tough schedule early, the rookie might soon get the nod.

2021 stats: 1,283 yards | 62.7 comp % | 5 TD | 4 INT | 5.7 YPA | 48.2 QBR

Without Deshaun Watson for the season’s first 11 games, the Browns are trying to stay afloat. Brissett needs to manage the game and hand off to Nick Chubb.

2021 stats: 2,428 yards | 64.3 comp % | 10 TD | 7 INT | 6.7 YPA | 41.5 QBR

This is it for Jones. He either starts playing winning football under first-year head coach Brian Daboll, or he picks up a Change of Address form come January.

2021 stats: 1,870 yards | 58.9 comp % | 7 TD | 10 INT | 6.9 YPA | 26.4 QBR

Fields has talent, but the Bears are brutal in every capacity around him. Very tough to see Fields putting up big numbers, even if he improves.

2021 stats: 603 yards | 57.7 comp % | 5 TD | 2 INT | 8.5 YPA | 33.4 QBR

Lance is taking over a Super Bowl contender with elite weaponry. The question is how quickly he reaches his potential.

2021 stats: 3,245 yards | 67.2 comp % | 19 TD | 8 INT | 6.6 YPA | 39.5 QBR

The Lions have some talent, but Goff is a game-manager who struggles to make elite throws. Can Goff do enough to put Detroit in the playoff race?

2021 stats: 2,664 yards | 66.8 comp % | 16 TD | 10 INT | 6.8 YPA | 35.5 QBR

Mills played well as a rookie, and entering his second season, has to prove he’s worth investing in going forward. Houston has ample draft capital to move on if need be.

2021 stats: 2,653 yards | 67.8 comp % | 16 TD | 10 INT | 6.8 YPA | 49.7 QBR

Tagovailoa is the player on the most pressure in 2022. He’s now surrounded by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, an improved offensive line and enough expectations to last a lifetime.

2021 stats: 1,170 yards | 59.0 comp % | 14 TD | 3 INT | 7.3 YPA | 64.4 QBR

Winston was playing really well in New Orleans before a season-ending torn ACL in October. The Saints have potential, but Winston has to build off his good start in ’21.

2021 stats: 3,641 yards | 59.6 comp % | 12 TD | 17 INT | 6.0 YPA | 33.5 QBR

Lawrence should have his rookie season scrubbed from the record. His coach was Urban Meyer. Now, he has an upgraded offense and a real coach.

2021 stats: 3,010 yards | 60.5 comp % | 17 TD | 13 INT | 7.2 YPA | 35.1 QBR

Mayfield has another opportunity and with free agency looming, faces an enormous campaign. There’s plenty on the line for both Mayfield and the Panthers.

2021 stats: 3,563 yards | 62.4 comp % | 27 TD | 7 INT | 6.9 YPA | 54.7 QBR

Wentz is on his third team in as many years. Time to step up, be a leader and make some big-time throws.

2021 stats: 3,144 yards | 61.3 comp % | 16 TD | 9 INT | 7.3 YPA | 48.5 QBR

Hurts and the Eagles are poised to take off. Philadelphia added A.J. Brown on the outside, trying to take the passing game from middling to above-average.

2021 stats: 3,734 yards | 67.2 comp % | 21 TD | 14 INT | 7.0 YPA | 55.9 QBR

Speaking of A.J. Brown … the Titans are going to rely on a situational passing game and running back Derrick Henry. Tannehill needs to limit the mistakes.

2021 stats: 3,801 yards | 67.6 comp % | 22 TD | 13 INT | 7.3 YPA | 50.9 QBR

Can Jones build off a promising rookie season? The case for? He played well in 2021 and young players usually progress. The case against? Matt Patricia and Joe Judge are involved.

2021 stats: 4,221 yards | 66.3 comp % | 33 TD | 7 INT | 7.5 YPA | 52.3 QBR

Cousins is oddly underrated considering his numbers. And now, the Vikings have a new head coach in Kevin O’Connell who can unlock the offense. Could be fun.

2021 stats: 3,968 yards | 67.0 comp % | 20 TD | 12 INT | 7.1 YPA | 46.1 QBR

Ryan goes from a horrid situation in Atlanta to a quality team with the Colts. Ryan will manage the offense, throwing often to receiver Michael Pittman and handing off plenty to Jonathan Taylor.

2021 stats: 3,787 yards | 69.2 comp % | 24 TD | 10 INT | 7.9 YPA | 57.3 QBR

This has been a bizarre offseason for Murray. Instagram message, agent statement in all caps, new contract, homework clause. He’s also starting the year without the suspended DeAndre Hopkins.

2021 stats: 4,804 yards | 68.4 comp % | 23 TD | 14 INT | 7.7 YPA | 52.4 QBR

Carr could have a career year. The Raiders have elite weapons in receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, and tight end Darren Waller. If the line holds up, look out.

2021 stats: 2,882 yards | 64.4 comp % | 16 TD | 13 INT | 7.5 YPA | 50.7 QBR

Jackson is trying to prove he’s indisputably an elite quarterback. Baltimore isn’t making it easy with this receiving corps.., but Jackson has the talent to elevate it.

2021 stats: 4,449 yards | 68.8 comp % | 37 TD | 10 INT | 7.5 YPA | 54.6 QBR

Prescott is dealing with a shaky offensive line and fewer weapons. However, Dallas still has a dangerous offense and Prescott stands to be one of the league’s best under center.

2021 stats: 3,113 yards | 64.8 comp % | 25 TD | 6 INT | 7.8 YPA | 54.7 QBR

Wilson gets a fresh start in Denver, and he has plenty of motivation with many wondering if he’s on the decline.

2021 stats: 4,886 yards | 67.2 comp % | 41 TD | 17 INT | 8.1 YPA | 63.8 QBR

The Rams are trying to repeat, and Stafford is at the epicenter of that effort. Stafford can make every throw, and he has weapons galore to use.

2021 stats: 4,611 yards | 70.4 comp % | 34 TD | 14 INT | 8.9 YPA | 54.3 QBR

Burrow is trying to get back to the Super Bowl, and this time win it. No team has more receivers than Cincinnati, giving it what could be the league’s top passing attack.

2021 stats: 5,014 yards | 65.9 comp % | 38 TD | 15 INT | 7.5 YPA | 65.6 QBR

Herbert is under ample pressure. The Chargers must make the playoffs and perhaps advance in them. With a loaded roster, Herbert has a chance to earn glory.

2021 stats: 5,316 yards | 67.5 comp % | 43 TD | 12 INT | 7.4 YPA | 68.1 QBR

At 45 years old, Brady remains one of the league’s best. However, there’s growing concern about Tampa Bay’s offensive line amid injuries. Can he keep an all-time career going strong?

2021 stats: 4,407 yards | 63.3 comp % | 36 TD | 15 INT | 6.8 YPA | 60.7 QBR

The Bills are the Super Bowl favorites, due in large part to Allen’s prowess. This could be a banner year in Buffalo.

2021 stats: 4,839 yards | 66.3 comp % | 37 TD | 13 INT | 7.4 YPA | 62.2 QBR

Despite Kansas City retooling, Mahomes is going to put up elite numbers on a Chiefs team loaded with pass-catchers. He’ll miss Tyreek Hill, but not as much as vice-versa.

2021 stats: 4,115 yards | 68.9 comp % | 37 TD | 4 INT | 7.8 YPA | 69.1 QBR

If you’re the two-time reigning MVP, you start in the pole position.