Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season is underway. Wednesday’s opener featured a rematch of February’s Super Bowl XLIX, as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold exited the game early with a hip injury, and Drew Lock relieved him. After trailing 10-0 in the third quarter, Lock led the Seahawks to 13 unanswered points to pick up the win. Of course, Seattle had some help, as Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions — all in the fourth quarter, including one in the end zone in the final seconds, negating an opportunity for New England to tie the game and send it into overtime.
Before Wednesday’s season opener, Garrett Podell of CBS Sports revealed his Week 1 quarterback power rankings.
Maye was ranked No. 6, while Darnold was No. 14.
Where was Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels?
He was ranked No. 15.
Jayden Daniels’ follow-up to a historic 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2025 was marred by him missing 10 games with injuries. Can he keep himself healthy behind a Laremy Tunsil-less offensive line in 2026?
Is that fair? You could make a strong case for Daniels being higher, but as we often say, rankings are subjective. Daniels does have a lot to prove in 2026. Something he knows all too well. And he’s not concerned about weekly power rankings. He’s concerned about playing well against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL, and honestly the world at large, operates with a what have you done for me lately mindset. Since Maye’s team went to the Super Bowl last season, he began the season at No. 6 in these specific power rankings. Meanwhile, Daniels, who missed 10 games, finished No. 15. In that sense, it’s understandable.
As for No. 1 in CBS’ QB Week 1 power rankings, that spot belongs to Rams QB Matthew Stafford, not Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL Week 1 QB power rankings: Where is Jayden Daniels?
