Football relies on teamwork, but the quarterback position often dictates success. Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady exemplify how elite quarterbacks can lead teams to greatness. As injuries plague many starters, backup quarterbacks become crucial, as seen with the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts. This article examines the best and worst quarterback situations heading into 2026.

The Worst QB Situations

1. Atlanta Falcons

   • QBs: Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian, Jack Strand
   • Analysis: Tua Tagovailoa struggles with consistency and injuries, while Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from multiple ACL tears. Despite talented weapons like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons risk another losing season without a reliable starter.

2. Miami Dolphins

   • QBs: Malik Willis, Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller, Mark Gronowski
   • Analysis: Malik Willis shows potential but lacks experience. The Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase, making their QB situation uncertain heading into a loaded draft class.

3. Arizona Cardinals

   • QBs: Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II, Carson Beck, Kedon Slovis
   • Analysis: Jacoby Brissett has a checkered history, while Gardner Minshew II offers little stability. The Cardinals' future remains murky with no clear starter emerging.

4. New York Jets

   • QBs: Geno Smith, Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook
   • Analysis: Geno Smith returns but struggled last season. The Jets hope for improvement, but their QB depth lacks proven talent.

5. Cleveland Browns

   • QBs: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green
   • Analysis: Deshaun Watson faces scrutiny after injuries and poor performance. Shedeur Sanders showed promise but also struggled, leaving the Browns in a chaotic QB situation.

The Best QB Situations

1. San Francisco 49ers

   • QBs: Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Adrian Martinez, Kurtis Rourke
   • Analysis: Brock Purdy has emerged as a star, leading the 49ers to success. Mac Jones provides solid backup, giving the 49ers the best QB room in the league.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

   • QBs: Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
   • Analysis: Joe Burrow excels when healthy, with Joe Flacco adding experience and depth to the position.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

   • QBs: Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier, Chris Oladokun
   • Analysis: Patrick Mahomes remains elite, and Justin Fields could thrive under the right conditions.

4. Los Angeles Rams

   • QBs: Matthew Stafford, Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett, Matthew Caldwell
   • Analysis: Matthew Stafford continues to be a top performer, with Ty Simpson as a promising future option.

5. Baltimore Ravens

   • QBs: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, Diego Pavia, Joe Fagnano
   • Analysis: Lamar Jackson is a game-changer, and Tyler Huntley serves as an effective backup, ensuring the Ravens remain competitive.