Five weeks in, the quarterback hierarchy is starting to take shape, and it’s not the one anyone expected. From vets finding new life to rookies carving out instant identities, the LockerRoom QB Index looks beyond just stats. We measure who’s elevating their team, who’s delivering when it matters, and who’s passing the eye test when the pressure hits. Let’s break down this week’s rankings.

32. Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans

LR-QB Score: 53.42

The Titans finally got their first win of the year, and Cam Ward deserves some love for it. The rookie showed real poise on a game-winning drive, even if the stat line (no TDs, one pick) wasn’t pretty. Sometimes it’s not about numbers, it’s about the moment.

Ward looked composed under pressure, handled a tough situation, and came through when it mattered. The Titans might have found a young leader worth developing, and that’s a win in itself.

31. Cooper Rush – Baltimore Ravens

LR-QB Score: 53.92

The Ravens’ offense is in shambles without Lamar Jackson, and Cooper Rush hasn’t been able to stop the bleeding. Three interceptions, stalled drives, and no spark, Baltimore looked lifeless in the blowout loss to Houston.

Rush was signed to hold things steady, but right now, it feels like the Ravens are sinking fast. Unless Jackson returns soon, this could spiral out of control quickly.

30. Jake Browning – Cincinnati Bengals

LR-QB Score: 59.92

Jake Browning is trying, but it’s not working. Three more picks and another fumble in the loss to Detroit have the Bengals sitting in QB purgatory. You can see the effort, but effort doesn’t win games in the AFC North.

It’s clear Cincinnati needs to make a move. Browning’s doing his best, but the gap between him and starting-caliber play is massive. The Joe Flacco rumors? They make perfect sense now.

29. Geno Smith – Las Vegas Raiders

LR-QB Score: 62.36

Let’s be blunt: Geno Smith has been a turnover machine. Nine interceptions through five weeks is brutal, and the Raiders’ offense has zero rhythm because of it. The decision-making just hasn’t been there.

It’s wild how quickly this experiment has gone south. Vegas thought it was upgrading at QB, but so far, Geno’s regression has the fan base rethinking everything. They’ll need a miracle turnaround to stay afloat.

28. Bryce Young – Carolina Panthers

LR-QB Score: 64.26

Down 17-0 to the Dolphins, Bryce Young could’ve folded. Instead, he battled back, making clutch throws and leading a stunning comeback. It wasn’t perfect, under 200 yards and a couple of early mistakes, but the fight was there.

The next step is cutting down those early turnovers. When Young plays within himself, the Panthers’ offense looks functional. They just need more of that version of him, and less of the frantic one.

27. Jaxson Dart – New York Giants

LR-QB Score: 64.46

After his electric debut, Jaxson Dart came crashing back to Earth. Three turnovers, two interceptions, and a lost fumble against New Orleans showed just how hard the rookie learning curve can hit.

Still, the flashes are there; arm talent, movement, creativity. Dart’s growing pains are obvious, but so is the potential. Giants fans should stay patient; this kid’s got tools worth building around.

26. Spencer Rattler – New Orleans Saints

LR-QB Score: 67.01

Nobody’s talking about him, but Spencer Rattler’s been rock-solid for the Saints. No sacks, no turnovers, and finally,  a win. His accuracy and tempo have improved week by week, and it feels like he’s quietly stabilizing New Orleans’ offense.

It’s early, but this might be the start of something. If he keeps playing this clean and confident, Rattler could lock down the starting gig long-term. The city deserves some hope and right now, he’s giving it to them.

25. Dillon Gabriel – Cleveland Browns

LR-QB Score: 70.44

For a rookie thrown into the fire against Brian Flores’ blitz-happy Vikings defense, Dillon Gabriel held up impressively well. Two touchdowns, no picks, and smart decision-making, that’s all you could ask for.

His quick-release style and pocket awareness are traits coaches love. Gabriel won’t be lighting up box scores yet, but the Browns clearly have something intriguing in him. Not a bad debut for a kid facing an NFL defensive madman.

24. Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins

LR-QB Score: 70.50

No Tyreek Hill, no problem,  at least for a quarter or two. Tua Tagovailoa started hot against the Panthers, throwing three touchdowns early, but Miami’s offense flatlined after halftime. It’s becoming a troubling pattern for the Dolphins.

With Hill out indefinitely, everything falls on Tua’s timing and decision-making. He’s still efficient and accurate, but without that explosive vertical threat, this offense looks a lot more human. The pressure’s on him now to carry the load.

23. Michael Penix Jr. – Atlanta Falcons

LR-QB Score: 72.07

After getting blanked by Carolina, Michael Penix Jr. bounced back with a strong, efficient outing that quieted some of the noise. The arm strength is still breathtaking, and the Falcons offense looked alive again.

Atlanta fans can breathe for now,  Penix showed command and rhythm, and that’s what this team needs before a brutal matchup with Buffalo. The flashes are promising, but the rookie’s next few starts will tell us if he’s ready to be the guy.

22. Justin Fields – New York Jets

LR-QB Score: 73.21

The Jets took a swing on Justin Fields, but through five weeks, the experiment looks shaky. The Cowboys game was ugly multiple sacks, off-target throws, and garbage-time stat padding. The offense lacks rhythm, and Fields isn’t seeing the field fast enough.

London awaits next week against Denver, and that could be a make-or-break outing. The talent is there, but patience might not be. Fields needs to deliver something soon, or the Jets’ gamble could implode before midseason.

21. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars

LR-QB Score: 73.502

The Jags are 4-1, but Trevor Lawrence has been more functional than flashy. His dual-threat performance against the Chiefs,  one passing TD, two rushing scores, was solid, but the turnovers (five INTs in five games) remain a concern.

Still, Lawrence is too talented for this to continue. Once he tightens up his ball security, Jacksonville’s offense will reach another level. For now, the Jags are winning in spite of the turnovers, and Lawrence deserves credit for finding other ways to make an impact.

20. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals

LR-QB Score: 73.505

Something just feels… off with Kyler Murray. The athleticism and flashes are still there, but Arizona’s offense is sputtering. The fumble, the penalties, the drops, everything is messy right now. And Murray hasn’t quite elevated the group like he’s capable of.

He’s still one of the most electrifying dual threats in football, but the Cards need more from their franchise guy. It’s not panic time, but the energy around that offense needs a serious jolt.

19. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers

LR-QB Score: 77.21

Justin Herbert’s talent is undeniable, but lately, the turnovers have been killers. Another interception in the loss to Washington made it three straight games with costly mistakes. The absence of his top tackles has clearly hurt, and the Chargers’ offense just hasn’t looked in sync.

Still, you can’t count him out. Herbert’s arm talent remains top-three in the league, and once L.A. cleans up protection and red-zone execution, he’ll bounce back fast. For now, though, he’s slipping down the index until he finds consistency again.

18. Carson Wentz – Minnesota Vikings

LR-QB Score: 77.26

Carson Wentz just keeps doing what’s asked and right now, that’s winning football games. No turnovers, clutch completions, and full command of Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Against the Browns’ ferocious defense, Wentz stayed calm and delivered when it mattered most.

The 9-for-9, 71-yard game-winning drive was vintage Wentz,  confident and accurate. He’s giving Minnesota a real reason to be patient with JJ McCarthy’s injury. The Vikings are quietly dangerous again, and Wentz deserves the credit.

17. Bo Nix – Denver Broncos

LR-QB Score: 77.31

Bo Nix continues to prove he’s built for NFL chaos. After a rough first half against Philly, the rookie turned it all around in the second, leading a comeback win over the defending champs. He finished with 242 yards and a touchdown, plus some clutch throws late that showed serious poise.

He’s still learning on the job, but Nix’s maturity and rhythm under pressure are beyond his years. Denver might finally have found its long-term QB solution,  something that’s been missing since Peyton Manning’s retirement.

16. Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears

LR-QB Score: 78.83

The Bears are finally getting the version of Caleb Williams they drafted. Two straight strong games, confidence restored, and a growing connection with his playmakers. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is,  Williams is starting to look the part.

Ben Johnson’s offense is clicking, and Williams’ patience in the pocket is improving each week. Coming out of the bye, a road matchup with Jayden Daniels will be a great test, and a fun glimpse at two young franchise QBs on the rise.

15. C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans

LR-QB Score: 79.18

The Texans needed something positive in a bad way, and C.J. Stroud delivered. Four touchdowns against the Ravens,  depleted or not,  reminded everyone why he was last year’s breakout star. His precision, confidence, and command were back in full force.

Back-to-back strong outings (six TDs, zero picks) show that Stroud’s sophomore slump might’ve lasted all of two weeks. If Houston can get healthier around him, this offense could be back to the top-10 level we saw in 2024.

14. Mac Jones – San Francisco 49ers

LR-QB Score: 80.33

Mac Jones in Kyle Shanahan’s offense just works. He’s cool under pressure, he’s decisive, and he’s delivering wins even without top weapons like Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall. Thursday night’s win over the Rams was a statement, the 49ers are 4-1, and Jones looks like a legit starter again.

The “Two-Face” Halloween costume was fitting because this is a completely new version of Mac Jones. If he keeps this up, there’s no question he’ll have starting offers across the league next season. Shanahan has done it again.

13. Aaron Rodgers – Pittsburgh Steelers

LR-QB Score: 81.075

Bye week or not, Aaron Rodgers is in the zone. The Steelers hit their Week 5 break on a high note after that win in Dublin, and Rodgers has brought instant stability to an offense that’s been searching for it since Big Ben retired.

He’s not lighting up the stat sheet like his MVP years, but Rodgers has the Steelers in the AFC North mix, and that alone says plenty. The poise, efficiency, and leadership are still elite and you can bet he’s going to age like Tom Brady did in 40s.

12 .Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs

LR-QB Score: 81.99

It feels weird seeing Mahomes outside the top ten, but let’s face it, he’s not in peak form right now. Still, his 318 yards and 70% completion rate against the Jaguars showed flashes of the brilliance we know. He’s been getting more comfortable with a new supporting cast, and it’s starting to click.

Mahomes also added 60 yards and a rushing touchdown, reminding everyone he can still take over games with his legs. The Chiefs may be 2-3, but if that connection with his receivers tightens up, it’s only a matter of time before Mahomes reclaims his top-tier spot.

11.Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders

LR-QB Score: 81.99

The Commanders got their guy back and boy, did it make a difference. Jayden Daniels returned from injury and immediately gave Washington’s offense the juice it had been missing. Efficient doesn’t even cover it: 15 completions, 231 yards, a touchdown, and 39 yards on the ground. The Chargers had no answer once Daniels settled in.

He just makes this team more dangerous. The offense moves differently, the energy is different, and his dual-threat ability keeps defenses guessing every snap. The Commanders are a legitimate NFC Wild Card threat when Daniels is healthy and that’s entirely because of No. 5.

10. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys

LR-QB Score: 84.25

Say what you want about the opponent, but Dak Prescott is playing possessed right now. Four touchdowns against the Jets pushed him to another statement win, and his confidence is clearly back.

Dak’s throwing darts, spreading the ball around, and leading with swagger again. The Cowboys offense has rediscovered its rhythm, and if this version of Prescott keeps showing up, Dallas might finally have a postseason breakthrough coming.

9. Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams

LR-QB Score: 84.31

At 37, Matthew Stafford is still slinging it like he’s in his prime. The Rams may have lost to the 49ers, but Stafford threw for 389 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks. That’s elite production, plain and simple.

He’s now averaging north of 5,000 yards pace on the season and looks like a guy who could drag this team back into the playoff hunt. Every week Stafford reminds fans: as long as he’s healthy, he’s still that dude.

8. Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles

LR-QB Score: 85.51

It’s been a frustrating few weeks for Jalen Hurts. The Eagles’ passing attack has been hit-or-miss, and the offense sputtered badly against Denver. Still, Hurts found ways to keep Philly in it with deep shots to DeVonta Smith and his trademark toughness under pressure.

Six sacks and only three rushing yards is not the stat line we’re used to seeing but don’t bet against Hurts. The Eagles’ offense will click eventually, and when it does, expect No. 1 to be at the center of it.

7. Sam Darnold – Seattle Seahawks

LR-QB Score: 86.86

Sam Darnold. Yes, that Sam Darnold. The one everyone counted out. He’s thriving in Seattle, tossing four touchdowns and 341 yards in a narrow loss to the Bucs. Sure, the late interception stung — but Darnold looks reborn under Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

This version of Darnold has composure, confidence, and command. The Seahawks might’ve found their bridge from “competitive” to “contender.” The NFL loves redemption arcs and Darnold’s might be the best one brewing right now.

6. Baker Mayfield – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LR-QB Score: 86.92

Baker Mayfield and the “Cardiac Bucs” are must-see TV right now. Every week it’s chaos, clutch throws, and that signature Mayfield fire. Against Seattle, he was surgical:  two touchdowns, just four incompletions, and full command of the offense.

He’s got a rookie phenom in Emeka Egbuka, but make no mistake: Baker’s resurgence is real. With 10 TDs and just one pick, he’s playing the cleanest football of his career. Tampa fans believed. Now the rest of the league does too.

5. Drake Maye – New England Patriots

LR-QB Score: 87.30

Welcome to the show, Drake Maye. The rookie went into Buffalo and stood toe-to-toe with the reigning MVP. He wasn’t perfect, but you can see the tools that made him a top pick:  arm strength, confidence, and the ability to read a defense that’s trying to rattle him.

Maye gave the Bills defense everything they could handle, showing incredible touch downfield and a calm presence under pressure. The Patriots have found their next franchise QB, and the AFC just got another major problem to deal with for the next decade.

4. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers

LR-QB Score: 88.57

The Packers might’ve dropped a couple of close ones, but Jordan Love looks like the real deal. Eight touchdowns to just one interception through four games? That’s the kind of efficiency fans in Green Bay have been craving since early Rodgers days.

Love isn’t just managing games, he’s making big-time throws in shootouts like the one against Dallas. He’s not at MVP level yet, but the flashes are all there. The poise, the arm talent, the command, it’s starting to feel like the Packers found their next decade-long guy.

3. Daniel Jones – Indianapolis Colts

LR-QB Score: 92.13

Who saw this coming? Daniel Jones is reborn in Indy. The Colts offense has exploded under Shane Steichen, and Jones looks comfortable, confident, and dangerous. His connection with Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Tyler Warren is turning into something special, and that fumble he had? Didn’t even matter.

Jones has the Colts right in the AFC South mix and is on a mission to prove the Giants gave up on him too soon. Through five weeks, he’s the clear favorite for Comeback Player of the Year and maybe one of the best feel-good stories of 2025.

2. Jared Goff – Detroit Lions

LR-QB Score: 94.01

The Lions are rolling, and Jared Goff is the one driving the bandwagon. Two games this season with a QB rating north of 153.0? That’s absurd. Goff is laser-accurate, calm under pressure, and making this loaded Lions offense look unstoppable. The addition of rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa has only expanded Detroit’s playbook.

Through five weeks, Goff’s thrown 12 touchdowns to just two picks and holds a 120.7 rating. He’s operating with total control, and it’s time to start putting his name in MVP talks. The Lions might be the NFC’s most complete team and Goff’s the reason they believe it.

1. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills

LR-QB Score: 94.49

Even on a night when the numbers weren’t MVP-level, Josh Allen still looked like the most dangerous player in football. The Patriots pushed him harder than anyone has all year, but Allen’s command, poise, and improvisational magic still gave Buffalo a chance to win. His red zone interception was ugly but let’s be honest, the margin for error when you’re Allen is different.

Allen’s still operating at a level few quarterbacks in league history can touch. The game has slowed down for him, the arm is as freakish as ever, and he’s clearly the engine behind Buffalo’s Super Bowl hopes. One off night doesn’t shake the throne.

Note: LR-QB Scores are recalculated weekly using game-by-game data and normalized across all 32 starting quarterbacks, factoring efficiency, impact, turnover rate, and clutch performance from each week’s games