AFC North Quarterback Preview for 2025
The AFC North is one of the most intriguing division in the NFL, and it all starts at the Quarterback position.
The four projected starters in this division combined are the oldest quartet of any division in the league. With two 40+ year old passers set to hit the field as Week 1 starters in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, the questions there are about health, team fit, and whether a vintage season might be in store.
For Baltimore and Cincinnati, their QBs are 2 of the best in the game today and there’s only one question for those guys: Can you get us to a Super Bowl?
Without further ado, let’s dive into this group of passers:
LAMAR JACKSON — BALTIMORE RAVENS
2024 STATS:
Age: 28 | Exp: 7 | CMP: 316 | ATT: 474 | YDS: 4,172 | TD: 41 | INT: 4 | RTG: 119.6 | Rush Yds: 915 | Rush TDs: 4
2025 Projection: MVP Candidate
Lamar Jackson makes things go for the most explosive total offense in the league. He’s one of the four QBs that are currently the face of the league, and if he hung up his cleats today, he’d already be the greatest dual threat QB of all time. The Ravens have nothing but Super Bowl expectations with him under center. While he has to play better in January, Jackson should be in line for another All-Pro/MVP caliber season if he stays healthy.
JOE BURROW — CINCINNATI BENGALS
2024 STATS:
Age: 28 | Exp: 5 | CMP: 460 | ATT: 652 | YDS: 4,918 | TD: 43 | INT: 9 | RTG: 108.5 | Rush Yds: 201 | Rush TDs: 2
2025 Projection: MVP Candidate
The AFC North is home to 2 of “The Big 4” superstar QBs in the league today. Joe Burrow is the league’s best pure passer, displaying pristine pocket management, anticipation, recognition, and accuracy. No QB has more riding on him in 2025, as he looks to carry his team’s Super Bowl expectations despite a defense that projects to be one of the worst in football. If anyone caan do it, it’s Joe Burrow.
AARON RODGERS — PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2024 STATS:
Age: 41 | Exp: 20 | CMP: 368 | ATT: 584 | YDS: 3,897 | TD: 28 | INT: 11 | RTG: 90.5 | Rush Yds: 107 | Rush TDs: 0
2025 Projection: Borderline Top 12 QB
Rodgers isn’t playing anymore like the All-Time great QB he once was, but there seems to be some juice left in the tank even after a nightmare stint with the Jets. Entering his 21st year, Rodgers will look to turn back the clock in an epick “Last Ride” season with Pittsburgh. He still brings an elite arm, pocket awareness, and the veteran savvy to be effective in situational ball, but can he recapture some of the magic that made him so dangerous as a passer? The Steelers hope so.
JOE FLACCO — CLEVELAND BROWNS
2024 STATS:
Age: 40 | Exp: 17 | CMP: 162 | ATT: 248 | YDS: 1,761 | TD: 12 | INT: 7 | RTG: 90.5 | Rush Yds: 26 | Rush TDs: 0
2025 Projection: Stand in for mid-season Rookie takeover
Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Monday that Joe Flacco will be the Week 1 starting Quarterback. As expected. Joe Flacco is the obvious choice, with neither Rookie (Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders) ready to begin the season as the starter. Joe Flacco gives the team a baseline for QB play. He can still sling it, and he diagnoses defenses well pre-snap, but he’ll be on the shortest of leashes. With the Browns projected to not be very good in 2025, it’s doubtful the 40-year-old plays the full season, with Stefanski and co. wanting to take a look at the young guys before a highly consequential 2026 Offseason.
