Quarterback Rankings You Didn’t Ask For: AFC East Edition

bearlymaintainingp
Sep 13
2 min read

The AFC East is always entertaining, but in 2025, the QB situation might be the wildest it’s been in years. From superstar talent to rookies and redemption stories, here’s how I’m stacking them up after Week 1.

4. Justin Fields – New York Jets

Fields is officially QB1 in New York, and he made his Jets debut with some fireworks. He threw for 218 yards and added three total touchdowns (two on the ground) in a narrow loss to the Steelers. The flashes are there — his legs make him a nightmare for defenses, and when he’s on, he looks like a game-changer.

But the familiar questions remain: can he stay consistent? Accuracy and decision-making have always been his hurdles, and one good game doesn’t erase that history. For now, he sits at the bottom of this list — but there’s upside for him to climb if the Jets can build around his strengths.

3. Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins

Yikes. Tua’s Week 1 was one of the roughest outings of his career: 14-of-23 for just 114 yards, two interceptions, and a lost fumble in a blowout loss to the Colts. He looked out of rhythm, the offense looked out of sync, and frustration boiled over on the sidelines — even Tyreek Hill’s body language said it all.

Coach Mike McDaniel defended his QB, saying the issues went beyond Tua, but the performance fueled fan overreactions and even chatter about the Dolphins drafting his replacement down the road. Still, when he’s on, Tua can be one of the most efficient passers in the NFL. For now, though, his spot at #3 feels shaky.

2. Drake Maye – New England Patriots

The Patriots finally believe they have their guy. Drake Maye comes in with all the tools — arm strength, size, mobility — and the confidence that this franchise has been missing since Brady left. He’s still a rookie, which means growing pains are guaranteed, but he has the long-term potential to take over this division if he develops.

Right now, he’s ahead of Fields and Tua because of projection more than proof. If he delivers steady growth through the season, don’t be shocked if he starts closing the gap on #1.

1. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills

No surprise here. Josh Allen is still the king of the AFC East. He’s reckless at times, sure, but nobody else in this division can completely take over a game the way he can. Allen’s arm talent, rushing ability, and sheer willpower keep Buffalo in the contender conversation every season.

Until someone else shows they can do what he does week after week, this spot belongs to him.