Every NFL team's Week 1 starting QB as three rookies get big opportunity (original) (raw)

The NFL season is officially back this weekend, so here's an introduction to all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks this season — from the iconic veterans to the intriguing rookies

Caleb Williams is among three rookie quarterbacks starting in Week 1

The NFL season is officially underway, with two of the league's most accomplished quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes battling in a debut matchup on Thursday.

All 32 NFL squads will take the field for the first time this weekend, offering fans a glimpse at many more familiar faces under center along with a selection of new quarterbacks making their debuts.

Here's a look at the starting quarterback for all 32 NFL teams heading into the opening week of the season.

AFC East

New York Jets — Aaron Rodgers returns from a season-ending Achilles injury to reclaim the starting, looking to partner with a stingy defense for a long-awaited breakout year in East Rutherford.

New England Patriots —In one of the most contentious quarterback battles of the offseason, Jacoby Brissett beat out rookie Drake Maye to win the Week 1 job.

Miami Dolphins — Tua Tagovailoa, the NFL's passing leader in 2023, returns for his fourth season in Miami, looking to continue a historic connection with star receiver Tyreek Hill.

Buffalo Bills — Two-time Pro-Bowler Josh Allen will look to post his sixth-consecutive winning season in Buffalo as he retains the starting role.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers — Despite entering training camp in "pole position," veteran quarterback Russell Wilson did not formally earn the starting job over Justin Fields until a week before Pittsburgh's season opener.

Cincinnati Bengals — Joe Burrow returns for another year under center in Cincinnati but has been unable to continue building chemistry with star receiver Ja'marr Chase, who sat out the preseason due to contract disputes.

Cleveland Browns — The controversial signing of Deshaun Watson has been largely disappointing for Cleveland, with the three-time Pro Bowler appearing just 12 times over the last two seasons.

Baltimore Ravens — Lamar Jackson scooped up his second MVP award after a dynamic close to the 2023 season, looking to secure another AFC North title this year.

Lamar Jackson won the 2023 Most Valuable Player Award (

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Getty Images)

AFC South

Houston Texans — Sophomore quarterback C.J. Stroud leads one of the NFL's youngest, most dynamic offenses in Houston this season as the Texans look to secure their first playoff win in franchise history.

Indianapolis Colts — Another second-year gunslinger who impressed down early on last season, Anthony Richardson reclaims the starting role in 2024 after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars — Trevor Lawrence returns for his fourth season under center with Jacksonville, looking to recapture his Pro-Bowl best from 2022.

Tennessee Titans — After playing in nine games during an inconsistent rookie season, Will Levis enters his second season in Nashville as the unquestioned starter.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs — A six-time All-Pro selection and three-time Super Bowl winner, Patrick Mahomes remains at the center of the NFL's greatest contemporary dynasty for an eighth season.

Los Angeles Chargers — Justin Herbert will look to take a leap under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, regressing the past two seasons after breakout rookie and sophomore campaigns.

Las Vegas Raiders — Among the weaker quarterback rooms in the NFL, Gardner Minshew II will earn his first Week 1 start in four seasons after beating out fourth-round rookie Aidan O'Connell

Denver Broncos — The first rookie to start on opening day for Denver since John Elway, Bo Nix will look to fill this illustrious legacy after beating out Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham.

NFC East

New York Giants — Daniel Jones will look to bounce back for his sixth season under center at Metlife Stadium season after a disappointing 2023 campaign ended with a Week 9 ACL tear.

Washington Commanders — Officially named the Washington starter in late August, No. 2 overall pick and reigning FBS total yards leader Jayden Daniels will lead the Commanders into Week 1.

Dallas Cowboys — Dak Prescott will look to follow up his career-best 2023 season where he finished second in MVP voting and third in overall passing yards.

Philadelphia Eagles — The heart of Philadelphia's controversial 'Tush Push' returns as Jalen Hurts looks to make his second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons.

Hurts will lead the Eagles offense in 2024 (

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Getty Images)

NFC North

Green Bay Packers — Jordan Love is back after a stellar first season starting under center in 2023, throwing for nearly 4,200 yards and a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Minnesota Vikings — The Vikings saw six-year starter Kirk Cousins depart to Atlanta this offseason, allowing former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold to win the starting job.

Chicago Bears — The Caleb Williams era is officially underway in Chicago as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024 leads Chicago against the Titans from Soldier Field in Week 1

Detroit Lions — Jared Goff has helped lead a remarkable turnaround since joining Detroit three years ago, leading the Lions to their joint-winningest season in franchise history in 2023.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Regarded among the infamous busts in NFL history, Baker Mayfield transformed his career in 2023 with the Bucs, totaling over 4,000 passing yards and finishing third in Comeback Player of the Year voting

Atlanta Falcons — Kirk Cousins arrived in Atlanta this offseason after inking a massive 4-year, $180 million contract, a period that also strangely saw Atlanta draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick.

New Orleans Saints — Derek Carr was serviceable with the Saints last season, his first away from the Raiders franchise, throwing 25 touchdowns and leading New Orleans to a 9-8 record.

Carolina Panthers — After a disappointing rookie season, Bryce Young will look to pull Carolina out of the NFL basement during year 2 in Charlotte.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers — Mr. Irrelevant continues his improbable run leading one of the NFL's most esteemed franchises, as Brock Purdy led the NFL in quarterback rating and San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance.

Seattle Seahawks — After six seasons as a backup, Geno Smith was remarkably effective replacing Russell Wilson in 2022 and enters his third year commanding the Seattle offense.

Arizona Cardinals — Kyler Murray will once again assume starting duties for Arizona after missing the second half of 2023 with a torn ACL.

Los Angeles Rams — Matthew Stafford is hardly slowing down as he approaches year 16 in the NFL, earning MVP votes for just the second time in his career after a 24-touchdown campaign in 2023.