Top 20 quarterbacks heading into the 2021 NFL season

#11 Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Divisional Round - Baker Mayfield Cleveland Browns

Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns into the NFL postseason for the first time since 2002.

The Browns are now back on the map in the AFC North, with Mayfield being one of three Heisman winners in the division. Mayfield and the Browns defeated the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round in 2020 but fell to the Chiefs in the divisional round.

#12 Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert was drafted out of Oregon in 2020 and wasn't supposed to make an immediate impact. But after an unexpected injury to Tyrod Taylor, Herbert started for the Chargers.

Although LA went 7-9 in Taylor's absence, Herbert's outstanding performances led him to the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Herbert passed for 4,336 yards and broke the record for most passing touchdowns (31) by a rookie, most 300-yard games (8) by a rookie and the most completions (396) by a rookie.

#13 Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders

Derek Carr was able to keep the Las Vegas Raiders in NFL playoff contention till Week 17 in 2020. After the team made the move to Las Vegas and opened a new stadium, without fans, Carr threw for over 4,000 yards and brought his interceptions down to nine on the season.

#14 Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans had a disappointing 2020 NFL season, so Deshaun Watson has been vocal about a trade. Whether it happens or not remains to be seen due to off-the-field issues. But his performances on the field cannot be ignored. Watson threw 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns along with 444 rushing yards.

#15 Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington Football Team

Miami Dolphins vs Las Vegas Raiders

The 28-year-old NFL journeyman will take the field with his ninth NFL team this upcoming season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a solid quarterback and constantly gets replaced by new young quarterbacks, but he gets the job done with whichever team he is with. Last season, he teamed up with Tua Tagovailoa as a two-quarterback threat with the Dolphins, mentoring the rookie quarterback. Now he has headed to Washington.

#16 Daniel Jones, New York Giants

New York Giants vs Baltimore Ravens

Walking in the footsteps of Eli Manning is no easy task. But Daniel Jones is starting to find his way in the NFL.

Jones has a big arm and isn't afraid to use his legs, which helps out his young team's offense. The Giants started going in the right direction last season and with Saquon Barkley returning from injury, they could get even better this campaign.

#17 Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams

Kyler Murray was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl in 2020. He is quietly having a productive start to his career in Arizona. Murray only needs to keep his shoulder healthy to help the Cardinals stay competitive in the West.

#18 Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts

Philadelphia Eagles vs Green Bay Packers

Carson Wentz needed a fresh start, and he will get just that with Frank Reich and the Colts. Reuniting with Reich might be the bounce-back Wentz needs to send the doubters away.

#19 Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Divisional Round - Los Angeles Rams vs Green Bay Packers

The Los Angeles Rams made the Super Bowl in 2018, and many expected them to repeat it. But Goff and the Rams have struggled to find that constant momentum to repeat. With a move that brought Matt Stafford to LA, Jared Goff now heads to Detroit.

#20 Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

No. 1 overall picks 10 years apart.Now Matthew Stafford and @K1 are division rivals. pic.twitter.com/hvEMSCram1

— NFL (@NFL) May 21, 2021

After 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Matt Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams this off-season. In a move that was foreseen by many, Stafford has struggled the last few campaigns with injuries.