Top 10 Struggling NFL QB Rooms: Week 1 Starter Predictions for Steelers, Colts, and Browns

The NFL boasts a thrilling mix of quarterbacks. Names like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts capture fan attention week after week. Players such as C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert are also consistently exciting to watch. However, this piece focuses on a different topic: the league’s weakest quarterback situations.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, let’s take a closer look at the teams struggling in this area.

10. Seattle Seahawks

• Current QBs: Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe

Sam Darnold had a breakout year with the Vikings, throwing 35 touchdowns. Despite this success, the Vikings let him leave after a rough postseason where he faltered under pressure. Moving to Seattle, he’ll face new challenges without the star-studded roster he once had. Drew Lock, now on his third team, provides veteran experience, but his inconsistency raises concerns. Jalen Milroe, a rookie, has potential but is still a project.

Projection: Sam Darnold will likely start if Milroe can’t adapt quickly.

9. New York Giants

• Current QBs: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart, Tommy DeVito

Russell Wilson, now 36, has seen better days. His performance with the Steelers plummeted, leading to a historic five-game losing streak at the end of the last season. Jameis Winston oscillates between brilliance and disaster, making his reliability questionable. Rookie Jaxson Dart has shown promise, but his inexperience might hold him back.

Projection: Russell Wilson is set to start, with Dart waiting in the wings.

8. Denver Broncos

• Current QBs: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger

Bo Nix had a solid rookie season, but his cautious play style raises flags for the future. A disappointing playoff performance against the Bills revealed his limitations. Stidham and Ehlinger, both journeymen, lack the star power to inspire confidence.

Projection: Bo Nix will remain the starter, given his early successes.

7. New Orleans Saints

• Current QBs: Derek Carr, Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener

Derek Carr had a decent season but dealt with injuries that limited his play. The Saints struggled without him, and the backups failed to secure wins. Shough, the rookie out of college, could be a work in progress.

Projection: If Carr is healthy, he starts, but Shough could see action if issues arise.

6. New York Jets

• Current QBs: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, Brady Cook

Justin Fields brings a mix of potential and uncertainty to the Jets. While he had moments of brilliance, issues with turnovers and sacks plagued his game. Tyrod Taylor’s experience may offer stability, but he can’t be relied upon for long stretches. Adrian Martinez and Brady Cook are still proving themselves.

Projection: Fields is positioned as the starter, with Taylor as a mentor.

5. Tennessee Titans

• Current QBs: Cam Ward, Will Levis, Brandon Allen, Tim Boyle

Cam Ward became the first overall pick and showed promise in college. However, his rookie season will come with pressure. Will Levis struggled last year, leading to high turnovers, which is a major concern for the Titans as they look for stability.

Projection: Cam Ward takes the job as the new face of the franchise.

4. Minnesota Vikings

• Current QBs: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, Max Brosmer

J.J. McCarthy, drafted 10th overall, carries high expectations but faces recovery from an injury. Sam Howell brings experience but was known for forcing plays, leading to high interception rates. The addition of Rypien and Brosmer adds depth but not necessarily with proven reliability.

Projection: McCarthy is expected to start, barring health issues.

3. Cleveland Browns

• Current QBs: Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders

Deshaun Watson, coming off an Achilles injury, faces a year filled with uncertainties. Joe Flacco, while experienced, is nearing the end of his career. Kenny Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh was underwhelming, and both Gabriel and Sanders are still raw.

Projection: Joe Flacco may start, but the chaos in this room could shift rapidly.

2. Indianapolis Colts

• Current QBs: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Jason Bean

Richardson, a high-risk, high-reward player, brings significant potential but needs to improve accuracy. Daniel Jones struggles to put up touchdowns consistently, and new draft picks Leonard and Bean are mostly untested.

Projection: Richardson is favored to start due to his raw talent.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Current QBs: Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Skylar Thompson

The Steelers have a murky situation at quarterback. Mason Rudolph returns after an unspectacular stint last season. Skylar Thompson is nowhere near a proven starter. Will Howard, a rookie, offers the slightest hope of a fresh start.

Projection: Will Howard is likely to begin the season as the starter, depending on development and team dynamics.

As the new season unfolds, these teams will be under immense pressure to figure out their quarterback situations. Each QB brings a unique story and potential, but many face uphill battles aiming for success.

For more on quarterback performances and trends, check out CBS Sports.

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