Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is off to a sensational start here in 2026. The former No. 1 overall pick is tied for the most passing touchdowns (six) and the second-most passing yards (648) through two weeks, and has led his offense to a cool 35.5 points per contest.
Before the season began, Young was placed where he usually is in most quarterback rankings—somewhere between No. 20 and No. 25. As is appropriate, Young has skyrocketed up those rankings, including the ones at NFL.com.
This week, Young is up one spot, now coming in at No. 9 on the list. Nick Shook writes:
Bryce Young stacked another excellent showing on top of his season debut, making throws that wowed viewers and buoyed his standing in the QB Index. The confidence and conviction
represents a significant step forward for a quarterback who needs a career year ahead of contract talks.
For context, Young is now just one spot lower than two-time Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson—who fell several places after a rough outing against the New Orleans Saints. Young is one spot ahead of Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence, who's playing out the second year of a $275 million contract extension.
Statistically, Young could stand to boost his completion percentage (63 percent). But operationally, we have no complaints.
Next up will be a different kind of challenge in the form of the Cleveland Browns, who no longer have superstar edge rusher and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Cleveland's defense ranks 16th against the pass so far after finishing third in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' Bryce Young rises in latest NFL QB rankings ahead of Week 3
