Three of the quarterbacks could not have asked for better beginnings in 2025, putting up a combined record of 10-2.
And for the fourth? Well, a 1-3 start is far from ideal.
The top of the line is reigning MVP Josh Allen and the undefeated Buffalo Bills (4-0). Following Allen are Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Mayfield with Tampa Bay and Darnold with Seattle are each sitting at 3-1.
Most surprising, in some ways, is Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens (1-3). And now a hamstring injury for Jackson could dampen this start even further.
Even factoring in Baltimore's losing record, Jackson is off to a decent start, along with Allen, Mayfield, and Darnold. A big reason for the victories is each quarterback is taking care of the ball. In the first three games, the only quarterback to throw an interception was Darnold, who threw two in one game. In week four, however, the three other quarterbacks ended their interception-free start, each throwing a pick.
Still, the stars are aligning for one of these quarterbacks to finally reach the promised land. Difficult roads lie ahead but the veteran status of all will allow them to navigate the tricky landscape.
Josh Allen
Allen and the Bills began the season with a bang. In a thrilling come from behind victory over the Jackson and the Ravens, Buffalo won 41-40 on a last-second field goal.
The last three weeks were easier, with the Bills winning by an average margin of 14 points against teams with a combined record of 1-11. Allen has the offense in sync, where the lowest scoring output of the season for the Bills is 30 points.
Allen's completion percentage is sitting at 70.2 and he is tops among these four quarterbacks with 964 passing yards. Seven touchdown passes against only one interception is more than efficient and Allen in the running game is among the league's best, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns.
The best game for Allen came in week one, where he threw for 394 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. He was sacked only once that game and a total of only five times so far this season.
Buffalo and Allen are off to a fantastic start. Given the upcoming schedule, the Bills have a strong chance to be undefeated when they host Kansas City in week nine.
Next 5 weeks: vs NE (10/5), @ ATL (10/13), BYE, @ CAR (10/26), vs KC (11/2)
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield was a comeback king for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season's first three weeks. Each game saw Mayfield carry the team to a comeback victory, providing the Bucs with their best start in 20 years.
The magic ran out in a week four 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But Mayfield has Tampa Bay in prime position so far in the 2025 season.
Of the four quarterbacks here, Mayfield is struggling the most with a 59.7 completion percentage. The former top pick has thrown for 904 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception. Mayfield also has 129 yards on the ground, including a 16-yard scamper on fourth down in a week two victory over the Houston Texans.
Mayfield is more impressive considering Mike Evans went down with an injury. Emeka Egbuka stepped up and has 18 receptions for 282 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Magic for Mayfield and the Bucs will be a plus in a tough upcoming stretch of games. The next three games involve teams with a combined record of 9-3 and, of the next four games, three are on the road.
Next 5 weeks: @ SEA (10/5), vs SF (10/12), @ DET (10/20), @ NO (10/26), BYE
Lamar Jackson
Jackson has been in decent form through the season's first four games. In completing 71.6 percent of his pass attempts, Jackson has thrown for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns, with only one interception. The two-time MVP is averaging 7.9 yards per carry (166 yards) but found the end zone only once.
Sacks have been a major issue for Jackson and the Ravens, going down seven times in a loss to the Detroit Lions, and 15 times through four games.
While the offense is putting up decent numbers, the Baltimore defense is struggling. In the three losses, the team gave up 116 points. Things didn't get any better in the loss to Kansas City, where more players on that side of the ball joined the injury club.
The sledding was tough through four games, but Jackson, health pending, and Baltimore can right the course with an upcoming schedule that includes three straight home games. A bye is mixed in during that stretch, so the Ravens could very well be back to .500 or better by time week nine finishes up.
Next 5 weeks: vs HOU (10/5), vs LAR (10/12), BYE, vs CHI (10/26), @ MIA (10/30)
Sam Darnold
A bit of the most surprising start belongs to Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. Especially concerning was an opening week loss where Darnold looked like the quarterback of old and not the one who turned the corner last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Darnold responded well and led the Seahawks to three straight victories. An offensive line that was scrutinized ahead of the season responded well, allowing only six sacks in the first four games.
Darnold completed 70 percent of his passes, throwing for 905 yards. Buoyed by a strong ground game behind him, Darnold tossed five touchdowns passes and two interceptions.
If the Seattle and Darnold can keep on this same trajectory, a 6-2 record after week nine is very much in the cards. The schedule is kind and as long as Darnold keeps performing well, a postseason may be on the horizon for this Seattle squad.
Next 5 weeks: vs TB (10/5), @ JAX (10/12), vs HOU (10/20), BYE, @ WAS (11/2)
Josh Rosen
No longer active, the former first-round pick is pursuing other endeavors.
Thanks for following along this series chronicling the careers of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Be sure to check back in after week nine to see where they stand.
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