AFC South Quarterback Rankings
The AFC South has long been a division of poor play, with three of the four teams having yet to win a Super Bowl, with two having yet to make one.
What a year a difference makes. This time last year, there were three rookie quarterbacks in the AFC South who all had their protagonists going into the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, the landscape has changed following their rookie years. Here is a ranking of AFC South quarterbacks from four to one.
4. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans)
Will Levis was a much-maligned quarterback going into the draft last year, whether this was his off the field diet or the on the field vision concerns.
He started the season as the backup to Ryan Tannehill but soon cemented his place as the Tennessee Titans QB1 when he threw for four touchdowns, 238 yards and zero interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons. Wearing the Houston Oilers throwback uniform, Levis balled out and looked way better than any expected.
If you remove that game from his 2023 stat line, he had four touchdowns and four interceptions with five zero touchdown games, albeit one game he only had six attempted passes.
Whilst Levis had his moments, including the 28-27 comeback road win over the Miami Dolphins, he is still a project and it is still to be decided whether he is a QB1 for the future or just a bridge. With Tannehill released and Malik Willis traded to the Green Bay Packers, it is firmly Levis’ job with only Mason Rudolph standing in his way.
3. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
Putting Anthony Richardson third when he only played four games seems crazy, but Richardson seems to have it. The Indianapolis Colts have gone through a turnstile at the QB position ever since Andrew Luck retired prior to the 2019 season. He may have his injury concerns but you cannot deny how impressive he looked when he did play.
He is the closest thing we have had to Cam Newton and could be a dark horse for the MVP award should he stay on the field this season.
His highlight game of 2023 was against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite losing 29-23 in overtime, he threw for 200 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as one rushing touchdown. However, the injury concern means he cannot be any higher than third.
2. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
It was a down year for Trevor Lawrence in 2023. After a difficult rookie year in 2021 under the ill-fated Urban Meyer reign, hope was restored for Jacksonville Jaguars fans in 2022 as the former first overall pick had a brilliant sophomore campaign. He recorded 4,113 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and just eight interceptions, as well as five on the ground.
However, in 2023, and he threw for 4,016 yards, 21 passing touchdowns, four more on the ground, but 14 interceptions. After going 8-3, the Jags completely collapsed, losing six of their last eight games and going from the AFC number one seed to not even making the playoffs.
Lawrence had one game with two touchdowns and two interceptions, and another with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He struggled late on, including missing a wide-open Calvin Ridley in the Week 18 season finale.
Lawrence played hurt, which gives him the benefit of the doubt. With a brand new five-year $275 million deal, this is the front office’s way of telling him he is the guy, he just needs to prove he is not a one-season wonder.
1. C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
What a rookie year for CJ Stroud, going on to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. It took him until October 15th to throw for an NFL pick, only throwing for five all season. Three of those came in one game, which they still won. He ended the season with 23 touchdowns and 4,108 yards.
Whether this was his five touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 39-37 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or his three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Wildcard Round victory over the Cleveland Browns, Stroud was ever so impressive.
Stroud proved his big game credentials during the week 18 “Win and in” game against the Colts, one that eventually ended up being a game that won them the division after the Jaguars missed the chance to secure it.
The Colts went 3-0 up through a Matt Gay field goal in their opening possession. In the Texans’ opening possession, Stroud threw to Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown on their first play on offense.
Albeit it is one year, he has proved to be the best quarterback in this division. He has already done more in a playoff game then the likes of Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa, who have both been in the league for numerous years.