The quarterback position is the most important in the NFL and perhaps the whole of American sports. An elite QB might be all that’s needed to take a team from fringe contenders to genuine Super Bowl hopefuls.
Ahead of the 2026 season, there are a host of teams in top-notch quarterback situations. With that in mind, it’s looking at three of the most ideal signal-caller rooms ahead of September.
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Ranking the three best QB situations in the NFL 2026
3. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are fresh off missing out on the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. They did finish with a 9-8 record and saw some impressive performances from starting quarterback Jared Goff.
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Goff will enter his sixth season in Detroit as the team’s undisputed starting QB. He’ll be backed up by journeyman signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater and the promising Luke Altmyer.
Bridgewater’s presence in the quarterback room is a big plus. Bridgewater has years of starting experience, and he’s good enough to keep the offense running if Goff gets hurt.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are searching for their first playoff appearance since the 2022 season. The AFC North powerhouse has recorded one losing season within that span.
Starting quarterback Joe Burrow is no stranger to injuries. He missed nine games in 2025, and the Bengals were virtually eliminated by the time he returned.
The Bengals will look to nip this issue in the bud by having Joe Flacco and Josh Johnson as backup QBs. Both are at the tail ends of their careers, and they bring loads of experience to the locker room.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams made one of the more unique draft decisions in recent memory. They selected Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 draft despite having the reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford under contract.
This instantly gives the Rams one of the best quarterback situations entering the 2026 season. They have Simpson as insurance just in case Stafford gets hurt, and there’s also a certain Stetson Bennett nudging for the priority backup QB spot.
The Rams have the best quarterback in the league, his replacement and a Georgia Bulldogs legend on their roster. It’s an ideal situation for Sean McVay as he pushes for another Super Bowl ring.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe