Football is a team game, but let’s be honest…
In the modern day NFL, it’s all about the quarterback position.
Whether it is during the recent 2026 schedule release for the Buffalo Bills and rest of the NFL, or when each game week is approaching… most fans have the same thought in mind. Which quarterback is up next?
Each team has 17 games upcoming in 2026, but if things go according to plan, just 14 quarterbacks are en route because of divisional games. Of that 14, who are the most daunting for the Bills? Who are the easiest?
Here is Bills Wire’s ranking of QBs coming on the team’s 2026 schedule:
14. Malik Willis (Dolphins)
Willis is just very unknown at this point. He has a 3-3 record as a backup and joins a rebuilding team in Miami.
13. Geno Smith (Jets)
Smith has established himself as a starting-caliber QB since he first departed the Jets. As he heads back to New York, their roster is looking a bit improved. However, Smith is known for erratic play and turnovers.
12. Kirk Cousins/ Fernando Mendoza (Raiders)
It’s unclear who will be starting for the Raiders by Week 6. Mendoza is a highly-praised prospect at the No. 1 overall pick and Cousins is a steady NFL vet. Both players feel like a 12th spot on this rating.
11. CJ Stroud (Texans)
Stroud’s stock could be all over this list. He is hard to rank after Stroud had his worst-career season in 2025. If the Stroud of years prior appears in 2026? Stroud would move up our ranking.
10. Kyler Murray (Vikings)
While this is a ranking of strictly quarterbacks, the offense around them factors in. Murray will be playing his first season with the Vikings in 2026–and on paper–there is loads of potential. Now to show it.
9. Jordan Love (Packers)
Love can be a week-to-week player. Regardless, he has a high floor and can get his team across any finish line.
8. Bo Nix (Broncos)
Nix is another quarterback that has his ranking tied to the team and play calling around him with head coach Sean Payton. Nix exploded on the stat sheet in some games but not all of them in 2025… but you cannot take away his playoff win against the Bills.
7. Jared Goff (Lions)
Goff feels perfect for down the middle of this ranking. He gets the ball out of his hand fast and runs the Lions offense like a machine.
6. Caleb Williams (Bears)
Williams burst onto the scene in 2025. Showing a willingness to be a dual-threat QB, Williams did one thing pretty consistent last season: Win.
5. Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Herbert has more explosive and positive plays than negative ones. It might be the Charger in him, but Herbert has still not fully shaken costly mistakes.
4. Drake Maye (Patriots)
After guiding the Patriots to the Super Bowl, Maye deserves to be among the top QBs listed. Maye could push higher in due time, but after his breakout year, can he cement himself with another strong season.
3. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Speaking of proving it, here is Mahomes. It was not his best season in 2025, so the NFL might be in trouble with a “revenge tour” coming.
2. Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Jackson remains the top dual-threat weapon in the NFL. He is consistently in MVP chatter.
1. Matthew Stafford (Rams)
And speaking of MVP talk, Stafford is the reigning winner of the award. He deserves the top spot until someone knocks him off.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Ranking quarterbacks on the Bills’ 2026 NFL schedule
Reporting by USA TODAY / Bills Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
