With the 2026 NFL season quickly approaching, quarterback competitions are beginning to take shape across the league. Some teams have established stars locked into their roles, while others are entering the season with major questions under center. Here is a look at the projected Week 1 starting quarterback for every NFL team. MORE: NFL top 5 richest teams in 2026 AFC East Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a touchdown pass during the third quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen Miami Dolphins: Malik Willis New England Patriots: Drake Maye New York Jets: Geno Smith
Josh Allen and Drake Maye enter the season as two of the best in the league. Miami and New York are more intriguing situations, with Malik Willis and Geno Smith projected to get the nod. AFC North Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers
The AFC North features several veteran quarterbacks, including three former MVP-caliber players in Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Aaron Rodgers. Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains one of the more interesting in the division. AFC South Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward
C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence headline this group, while Cam Ward enters the season as one of the league’s most intriguing young quarterbacks. Daniel Jones was a revelation last year before his injury. AFC West Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Denver Broncos: Bo Nix Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes Las Vegas Raiders: Kirk Cousins Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert remain firmly entrenched as their teams’ starters. Mahomes looks ready to play in Week 1 despite his injury last season. Bo Nix is expected to continue leading Denver, while Kirk Cousins gives Las Vegas a veteran presence. It’s his job to lose. MORE: Rating every NFL game on the Monday Night Football schedule in 2026 NFC East Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hugs Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott New York Giants: Jaxson Dart Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott and Jayden Daniels are established starters, while Jaxson Dart represents one of the more intriguing young quarterback situations in the NFL. NFC North Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams Detroit Lions: Jared Goff Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray
Caleb Williams enters this season in Chicago with significant expectations, while Jared Goff and Jordan Love continue to lead two NFC contenders. Kyler Murray is expected to take the reins in Minnesota. NFC South Jul 30, 2026; Atlanta, Falcons, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) shown on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Atlanta Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
This division features a mixture of veterans and young quarterbacks. Bryce Young gets another opportunity to establish himself in Carolina, while Tyler Shough is projected to open the season for New Orleans. Baker Mayfield could be playing his final season in Tampa, while Tua will look to hold off Michael Penix Jr. NFC West Sep 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) meets with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) following the victory at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Arizona Cardinals: Jacoby Brissett Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold
Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy provide stability for two teams with legitimate postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett is projected to lead their respective teams into Week 1. Sam Darnold is coming off a Super Bowl win for Seattle, and there is no doubt surrounding him anymore. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —