The NFL is all about the quarterback position. If you have a good one, you are almost guaranteed to be in the playoff conversation annually. If you have a great one, you’re a Super Bowl contender. Sometimes, it matters less what is around the quarterback if you have one of the top guys.
The Washington Commanders appear to have a great one finally. Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene last season, leading Washington to its best season in 33 years. The Commanders were 60 minutes away from the Super Bowl until they ran out of gas against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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The NFL released the 2025 schedule last week, and the road will be more challenging for the Commanders next season. Washington will face some of the league’s top quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes, on the road at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday Night Football.
Who are some of the quarterbacks Washington will face in 2025? We ranked all 14 quarterbacks from the best to the least experienced.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rushes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
You can argue whether Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, or Lamar Jackson are the best, but don’t bet against Mahomes. Some were disappointed in Mahomes’ play last season, which shows how good he is.
2. Justin Herbert, Chargers
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Herbert’s physical tools are as impressive as anyone’s in the NFL. However, he always appears to fall just short. Now, Herbert has Jim Harbaugh as his head coach and is surrounded by a strong running game and better defensive play. Expect Herbert to take another step forward.
3. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Some will say this is too high. Hurts is in the best situation in the NFL. He has the best offensive line, the best running back and an elite duo of receivers. Regardless of what you think of him, he wins and does what the Eagles need for them to succeed.
4. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Nov 22, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the ball as Washington Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith (94) tries to bring him down during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Prescott was out most of last season. You could argue that Dallas didn’t do enough around Prescott this offseason. However, look at his success against Washington. Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. know all of Prescott’s strengths and weaknesses. The Cowboys will be much better with Prescott back under center.
5. Jared Goff, Lions
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) waits for the snap in the first half against the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Goff has been outstanding since coming to Detroit. However, the Commanders had his number in the playoffs, and he lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. How much will that impact Goff? Fortunately, Detroit has plenty of talent remaining around Goff.
6. Bo Nix, Broncos
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to pass in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
We could have placed Bo Nix higher on this list based on last season. He was terrific and improving late in the season. His rookie season didn’t receive enough praise because Daniels was so good. You shouldn’t expect a sophomore slump from Nix with Sean Payton coaching him.
7. Jordan Love, Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) makes an adjustment at the life during the first quarter of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Jordan Love has been excellent at times since replacing Aaron Rodgers two years ago. He’s also flashed some inconsistencies. He’s Green Bay’s guy, but there is room to improve.
8. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Tua Tagovailoa has sometimes looked like an MVP candidate and merely average at other times. Tagovailoa is better than people give him credit for, but you have to wonder how much of his success is due to the presence of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
9. Geno Smith, Raiders
Jan 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) leaves the field following the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Geno Smith was traded from Seattle to Las Vegas this offseason, providing a major upgrade for the Raiders. Smith is a gunslinger and immediately gets a sneaky group of weapons to throw to, led by tight end Brock Bowers. Don’t sleep on Smith moving up this list in 2025.
10. Sam Darnold, Seahawks
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Can Sam Darnold continue his comeback story with the Seahawks? If the Vikings believed he could, they would’ve made a stronger attempt to keep him from free agency. The Seahawks also have a rebuilt group of weapons to throw to, so Darnold could take a significant step back in 2025.
11. Caleb Williams, Bears
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
On talent alone, Williams is right behind Mahomes and Herbert. He will be much better in 2025 with Ben Johnson as his head coach and a rebuilt offensive line. Williams is here based on last season. He will bounce back in 2025.
12. Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
Dec 29, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Another of the 2024 quarterback class, Michael Penix Jr., made his second NFL start against the Commanders. He struggled early, but showed his talent late in the game, putting the Falcons ahead before Daniels worked his magic. Penix is lower on this list and still has much to prove, but the talent is there.
13. J.J. McCarthy, Vikings
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – JUNE 04: Quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy #9, Sam Darnold #14 and Nick Mullens #12 of the Minnesota Vikings watch the drill during Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on June 04, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Yet another member of the 2024 rookie QB class, McCarthy has yet to play after missing his rookie season with a knee injury. McCarthy is talented and will throw to the NFL’s best receiver (Justin Jefferson). The Vikings have rebuilt the offensive line, and McCarthy has the great Kevin O’Connell coaching him.
14. Jaxson Dart, Giants
May 10, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Will the Giants start veterans Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston? Or will head coach Brian Daboll go with rookie Jaxson Dart? Regardless of who starts for the Giants, they are ranked last on this list. New York should roll with Dart, but Daboll and GM Joe Schoen are battling to keep their jobs. This should be an interesting one to watch.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Ranking the best and worst quarterbacks Commanders will face in 2025