Ranking the starting and backup quarterbacks in the AFC North (2024)

Aug 26, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (17) runs out of the pocket as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (9) defends during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs for q first down during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Justin Fields didn’t get all the support he needed in Chicago, but his lack of production and improvement as a passer has him lower on this list. He is a dynamic runner, one of the better runners at the position, but he struggles to work through his progressions when teams take away his number one read.

There is a good chance that Fields will see the field this year for Pittsburgh, and if they are able to protect him, he could take a step forward as a player. He has the arm strength and accuracy to get the job done if he cleans up some of the mechanical issues and trusts his offensive line to keep him upright.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL game between Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

When Joe Burrow went down, it seemed like the season was over, but backup Jake Browning stepped in and played pretty well for the Bengals. Browning took advantage of Cincinnati’s talented pass catchers and won four of the seven games he started. He tends to play it safe and take what the defense gives him, but it worked for the Bengals, as he completed 70% of his passes.

When you have the playmakers they have, you need to be smart with the football and not take unnecessary risks, and Browning does that well. If Burrow misses time again this season, they can stay afloat with Browning under center.

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns weren’t ready to play their backup last year and, as a result, found themselves in a tough spot until Joe Flacco came to town. This year they decided to take a different approach and spent big backup money to bring Jameis Winston to town. The former number-one overall pick isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield to create explosive plays.

Winston has the arm to make all of the throws, but the risk is there, as he also turns the ball over a lot. Teammates seem to love being around him, and his experience and leadership will help the team, especially if Watson struggles or gets hurt again.

Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws on the run during the second halfa*gainst the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Just like with Russell Wilson in Denver, things haven’t gone well for Deshaun Watson since coming to Cleveland, having only played in twelve games. The last time we saw Watson, he played his best football for the Browns in a thrilling win over the Baltimore Ravens. Watson has the talent and has talked about taking what the defense gives him and not always looking for the big play when he doesn’t have to.

The Browns have surrounded him with the talent he needs to rebound and regain his form from his time in Houston, but it’s all up to him. He seems to be struggling to pull the trigger and read defenses on time, so if he figures the mental side out and is healthy, the Browns will be real contenders.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs for a touchdown in the second quarter during an NFL Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Cincinnati Bengals At New Orleans Saints Oct 16 024

There are two, maybe three quarterbacks in the NFL better than Joe Burrow, and unfortunately for the Browns, one of them is also in the AFC North. What can you say about Burrow that hasn’t been said already? He sees the field so well, knows how to manipulate defenses with his eyes, and throws his wide receivers open with great anticipation.

The biggest issue has been the injuries, but the team drafted one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in this year’s draft to help keep him upright. Burrow is one of the best and his ability to make throws at all three levels has him in rare company in the NFL.

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) grabs Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) jerexzsy while he throws during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Fresh off his second MVP award-winning season, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson takes the crow for the division’s best. As someone who follows the Browns closely, I can’t tell you how many games Jackson is just untouchable in the backfield. I remember the game where Jadeveon Clowney threw a shoe out of frustration because they couldn’t bring him down.

Jackson has progressed a ton as a passer with his ability to extend plays, and the threat of him taking off helps open things up in the secondary. He has to find a way to continue his high play in the playoffs but it’s hard to argue he isn’t one of the best in the NFL.