The AFC North has long been one of the NFL's most competitive divisions, and that starts with the quarterbacks. There's a lot of history. So many storylines are floating around right now. Entering the 2026 NFL season, the division featured a fascinating mix of established stars, accomplished veterans, and quarterbacks trying to prove they still belong in the conversation.
One week into the season, those storylines already look a little different. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers all opened the season with victories, while the Cleveland Browns took a convincing loss. But as always, separating team success from quarterback play is important.
A quarterback can play well in a loss, just as a quarterback can benefit
from his defense or running game in a victory. Sometimes, everything works. With Week 1 in the books, here's how the AFC North quarterbacks stack up based on performance, production, efficiency, and the circumstances surrounding their respective outings.
1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Pro Football Focus Grades: Passing (75.9), Rushing (81.0), Overall (83.1)
Lamar Jackson didn't just win his game. He earned the edge in the AFC North quarterback battle in Week 1. He and Joe Burrow looked like the guys most capable of creating problems for the rest of the conference.
Jackson completed 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown while adding 40 rushing yards and another score on the ground. He didn't throw an interception, posted a 124.2 passer rating, and helped the Ravens pile up 506 total yards in a 41-23 victory over theIndianapolis Colts.
There were plenty of encouraging signs in Jackson's first game operating Declan Doyle's offense. He distributed the football effectively. He connected with nine different receivers and repeatedly made plays when the Colts appeared to have him contained.
His third-and-16 scramble in the first quarter was one of those moments that reminded everyone why defending Jackson is such a difficult assignment. PFF gave Jackson an 83.1 overall grade, but the numbers only tell part of the story. The Ravens quarterback looked comfortable, decisive, and explosive while avoiding the costly mistakes that can derail an otherwise strong performance. After one week, Jackson sits comfortably atop the AFC North quarterback rankings.
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
PFF grades: Passing (62.6), Rushing (69.6), Overall (66.2)
Joe Burrow remains firmly in the conversation with Jackson when discussing the AFC North's best quarterbacks, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. Still, Jackson was a little better in Week 1.
Burrow completed 71.4% of his passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, while throwing one interception. He also carried the ball five times for 20 yards, showing enough mobility to extend plays and potentially contribute outside of the passing game.
The Bengals quarterback had a solid outing, but Jackson's combination of production, efficiency, and explosiveness gave him the edge. Most importantly, Jackson finished his first start without turning the ball over while creating significant damage as both a passer and runner.
That's enough to put Burrow second for now, although the gap between the two quarterbacks is hardly permanent. Over a full season, this could become one of the most interesting quarterback races in the division.
3. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
PFF grades: Passing (78.7), Rushing (70.0), Overall (80.5)
Every time Aaron Rodgers' name comes up, the football fan in all of us wakes up. That's understandable. He's a legend, but let's try something: Forget everything you know about the future Pro Football Hall of Famer and evaluate the quarterback we're seeing now.
This version of Rodgers isn't the player we watched develop into one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. He's a different quarterback now, but that doesn't mean he can't win a lot of football games.
Rodgers threw for 221 yards and a touchdown without an interception in Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory. He was the Steelers' highest-graded player by PFF, earning an 80.5 overall mark, but his 37 QBR ranked 23rd in the league.
That's why Rodgers lands third here despite having the second-highest PFF grade among AFC North quarterbacks. Burrow completed a higher percentage of his passes and threw for more yards, while Jackson was clearly the division's most dynamic quarterback. Rodgers played efficiently enough to help Pittsburgh win, but the Steelers' defense accounted for as many touchdowns as their offense.
That's not necessarily a criticism. In fact, it could be the formula that makes Pittsburgh dangerous. Rodgers doesn't have to be the quarterback he once was. He has to make enough plays, avoid mistakes, and capitalize when his defense gives him opportunities.
4. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
PFF grades: Passing (33.7), Rushing (67.9), Overall (37.0)
The clock is ticking for Deshaun Watson. After naming him the starter, the Browns have since learned they want to use the first month of the season to evaluate his performance and decide whether to bench him and hand the keys to Shedeur Sanders.
Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards. He threw a TD and an interception. He was sacked five times and notched a 97.7 rating. PFF wasn't impressed with the numbers. He received the lowest grade of any Browns player on offense.
The Browns were blown out in Week 1, and they were the only AFC North team that didn't win. Watson and company didn't seem to have any answers, so he went to the cellar after a week of action.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ranking every AFC North quarterback after their Week 1 performances
