As the 2025 NFL season approaches, it’s clear that only a handful of teams possess a significant advantage at quarterback, showcasing exceptional talent behind center. The evaluation of the league’s 32 teams groups them into tiers based on historical and current quarterback impact, career achievements, team success, and overall quarterback depth.
Teams without strong quarterback legacies like the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Carolina Panthers fall into Tier 5, labeled "The Desperate Dreamers," reflecting their youthful or inconsistent NFL quarterback histories. Tier 4, "Mixed Bag," features teams such as the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions, who have had moments of solid quarterback play but lack consistently elite figures or deep success. Tier 3, "In Progress Action," includes teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals with promising quarterbacks currently developing their legacies.
Tier 2, "Historical Bundle," highlights franchises with rich quarterback histories, such as the Tennessee Titans (formerly Houston Oilers), New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, and includes rising stars like Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Finally, Tier 1, "Hall of Fame Factory," brings together the NFL’s most storied quarterback teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers, all noted for their legendary players and championship success.
Fan Take: This comprehensive ranking underscores how crucial quarterback prowess remains in shaping NFL success and legacy. For fans, it highlights the rich history some teams carry and the exciting potential of rising stars, setting the stage for thrilling competition as the 2025 season unfolds.