Playoffs: Who Can Win It All?

As the regular season winds down and anticipation for the 2025 NFL playoffs reaches a fever pitch, the conversation inevitably circles back to the league’s most important position: quarterback. Playoff success is often tied directly to quarterback play, and understanding which QBs are best equipped for a postseason run can help fans and analysts alike forecast who might be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February. Let’s break down the current NFL quarterback landscape into tiers and evaluate which signal-callers have what it takes to win it all.

The Elite Tier: True Franchise Quarterbacks

The elite tier is reserved for quarterbacks who can single-handedly elevate their teams and perform in any situation. These are the QBs who have both the stats and the intangibles, and who enter every big game with the expectation of victory.

Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) has set the standard for postseason excellence, demonstrating calm under pressure and the ability to deliver in crucial moments. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), if healthy, has proven he can go toe-to-toe with anyone in January. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) brings a rare dual-threat dynamic, capable of dominating both through the air and on the ground. These quarterbacks don’t just have the tools—they have the postseason résumés and leadership qualities that drive deep playoff runs.

For more insight into quarterback performance in the playoffs, check out NFL.com’s analysis of recent playoff QB performances

The Contender Tier: Proven Winners, But with Questions

Players in this tier have enjoyed regular season and playoff success but may have a few more questions regarding consistency or supporting cast. They’re dangerous, but need the right circumstances to unseat the perennial favorites.

Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) made a Super Bowl appearance recently and continues to develop as a leader. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), known for his arm talent and composure, is still chasing his first signature playoff win but remains a threat every time he takes the field. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) is a former MVP who, if healthy late in the year, can change the game with his legs and improvisational skills.

These quarterbacks could certainly engineer a Super Bowl run, especially with a strong playoff performance and timely contributions from their teams.

The Upside Tier: Young Guns and Breakout Stars

In this group, you’ll find quarterbacks who are rising quickly and could become household names with a hot postseason. Their ceilings are high, but they may still lack the playoff experience or prove-it moments that define the greats.

CJ Stroud (Houston Texans) surprised the league with his poise and accuracy as a rookie, and his trajectory puts Houston in the conversation. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) showed major flashes late in the 2024 season and could carry momentum into the playoffs. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars), while inconsistent, still has all the traits of a future elite QB and could break out on the national stage.

If these QBs heat up at the right moment, they have the potential to push their teams past even the most established contenders. For deeper insights into breakout performances, check out ESPN’s coverage alongside Pro Football Focus’s quarterback rankings.

The Reliable Veterans Tier: Playoff Steady Hands

Some teams lean on veteran quarterbacks who may not have the flashiest stats, but have been through the playoff gauntlet before. Their experience and leadership can help steady a ship during playoff turbulence.

Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) and Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) fit this mold. While they may not have quite the same upside as the names above, they’ve proven capable of getting hot for a postseason run and managing the game when it matters most. Their teams are often built with strong defenses and reliable run games, allowing these QBs to operate efficiently and avoid mistakes.

System QBs & Game Managers: Can They Go All The Way?

This tier features quarterbacks who may be considered “system QBs” or game managers. They don’t tend to take over games, but if everything else clicks, they can ride strong team play to postseason success.

Names like Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) occasionally inhabit this zone—in part because their success is tied so closely to scheme, coaching, and overall roster strength. While critics may question whether these QBs can win a Super Bowl on talent alone, history shows that teams with strong defenses, great coaching, and steady quarterback play can absolutely win it all.

Dark Horse: Surprise Contributors and Backup Heroes

Every postseason seems to feature an unexpected star, often out of necessity or injury. These “dark horse” quarterbacks might not be household names, but they’re fully capable of catching fire during a playoff run.

Whether it’s a late-season backup taking over and riding a hot streak, or a young player suddenly stepping up in a big game, there’s always potential for surprises. While it’s tough to predict exactly who this year’s dark horse may be, franchises with talented depth at quarterback might have a secret advantage.

Which Quarterbacks Are Most Likely to Win It All?

While surprises are part of what makes the NFL playoffs so exciting, history favors teams with elite, proven quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen have already demonstrated their abilities to win under pressure, making their teams perennial threats. However, the next generation—including C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts—will be looking to take that next step and shake up the established order.

Ultimately, winning it all requires a blend of quarterback excellence, coaching genius, health, and just a bit of postseason magic. As the 2025 NFL playoffs approach, keep a close eye on each tier—because as we’ve seen before, almost anything can happen once the playoffs begin.