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 New York Jets 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 Jets? Who are the easiest?
Here is Jets 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. Cam Ward (Titans)
Ward is expected to take a next step in 2026, but he hasn’t had the chance to yet.
12. Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals)
Brissett is a steady as it goes for a quarterback… whether starting or as a backup.
11. Kirk Cousins/ Fernando Mendoza (Raiders)
It’s unclear who will be starting for the Raiders by Week 8. Mendoza is a highly-praised prospect at the No. 1 overall pick and Cousins is a steady NFL vet. Both players feel like a 11th spot on this rating.
10. Deshaun Watson (Browns)
Watson is reportedly the top candidate to start for the Browns. After a long time away, it’s unclear if he’ll return to a high level or struggle.
9. 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.
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.
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. 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.
4. 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.
3. 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.
2. 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.
1. Josh Allen (Bills)
Allen was not MVP last season. For most of the year, he was in the conversation.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Ranking quarterbacks on the Jets’ 2026 NFL schedule
Reporting by Nick Wojton, USA TODAY / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
