The NFC East quarterback hierarchy may vary depending on who you ask. It depends on what pundits value and, in some cases, how guys played the previous week. Philadelphia Eagles fans are frustrated. Make no mistake. Fans of the other three teams in the division may be doubly so.
If you're looking for a way to sum up the NFC East's topsy-turvy nature, perhaps while ranking the division's starting signal-callers, we could use words and phrases similar to 'shake-up.' Week 5 was wild, but not necessarily because the division’s best quarterbacks suddenly changed. Jameis Winston delivered one of his more reassuring performances, Dak Prescott had a night to forget, and Jayden Daniels returned from an elbow injury in a game the Washington Commanders
had every opportunity to win (and wound up tying by the contest's conclusion).
Then there is Jalen Hurts, whose Eagles suffered another frustrating defeatdespite having plenty of obstacles to overcome. His numbers were hardly spectacular, but evaluating a quarterback requires looking beyond the box score and considering the circumstances surrounding his performance. Here is how the four NFC East starters rank entering Week 6. Be forewarned, this ranking is subject to change without prior warning.
1. Jameis Winston, New York Giants
In Week 4, New York Giants fans got the full Jameis Winston experience, complete with impressive plays, gut-wrenching moments, touchdown passes, and interceptions. This past week, they saw more of the version they hope will lead them forward: Winston threw three touchdown passes without an interception in a 326-yard road performance against Washington.
Winston completed 33 of 54 passes in the overtime tie, showing he can move the ball and give New York a chance to win when he avoids the mistakes that have plagued his career. His performance wasn't flawless, but the production was hard to dismiss.
The Giants are unlikely to go far if Winston’s turnover problems return, and his tendency to make unpredictable decisions remains part of the package. For now, though, he deserves the top spot after delivering the most convincing performance among the division’s quarterbacks in Week 5.
2. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia’s 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Those numbers don't jump off the page, and the Eagles’ offensive struggles remain a major concern, but Hurts shouldn't shoulder the blame for everything that went wrong in London.
Philadelphia entered the game dealing with significant personnel losses, including injuries at running back and along the offensive line. The offense struggled to establish a consistent running game, and the team’s late-game execution ultimately proved costly.
Hurts and the offense did enough to put the Eagles ahead with eight seconds remaining, but a disastrous kickoff return set up Jacksonville’s winning field goal. Hurts could have played better, especially as a passer, but his performance wasn't the primary reason Philadelphia lost. Until the Eagles get healthier and find more consistency in their offensive approach, it is hard to expect Hurts to overcome every problem around him.
3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott may have the strongest case as the division’s best quarterback based on his overall ability, but he did not play like it in Week 5. The Cowboys lost at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were starting their backup quarterback, in a sloppy performance that exposed several problems.
Prescott threw for 316 yards, but he also committed two costly interceptions as Dallas managed just 16 points. The Cowboys’ inability to establish a reliable running game made his job harder, but the turnovers were still damaging in a game Dallas could have won.
One poor performance does not erase Prescott’s standing as one of the division’s most capable quarterbacks. However, he falls behind Winston and Hurts in this week’s rankings because he made more mistakes and produced fewer results in his latest outing. Dallas has issues beyond its quarterback, including questions about its coaching, but Prescott must take better care of the football if the Cowboys want to avoid wasting another opportunity.
4. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels returned from an elbow injury and immediately reminded everyone of the dual-threat ability that makes him such an intriguing quarterback. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards while adding 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Washington’s overtime tie with the Giants.
The rushing production was impressive, particularly for a quarterback returning from injury, but Washington still failed to close out a game it had chances to win. The Commanders’ overtime possession ended in a baffling clock-management sequence that prevented them from lining up to spike the ball before time expired.
Daniels deserves credit for returning and contributing significantly on the ground. However, his passing production was modest, and the Commanders’ inability to finish the game leaves more questions than answers. Washington is now 1-3-1, and Daniels’ health remains an important consideration as the team evaluates its long-term direction. His talent is undeniable, but until he can stay healthy and help Washington consistently turn opportunities into wins, he remains fourth in the division.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFC East QB rankings: Where Jalen Hurts stands after Week 5
