The first week of preseason is over, and it’s time to take stock of how players and teams are trending in the NFL. In a new tier system, Mike Sando shares his top 34 quarterbacks, with Patrick Mahomes leading the pack.
Mahomes has taken the “Brady seat” as the starting quarterback, according to panelists. The Kansas City Chiefs’ signal-caller led the league’s starters with his impressive rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, who posted a second-highest PFF grade among Chiefs starters behind only Mahomes. Simmons is considered a potential top-10 pick and has impressed in training camp.
On the other hand, quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray are struggling to find their footing. Wilson finished 6 of 7 for 28 yards against Buffalo, while Murray showed talent but was criticized for his consistency. The Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders is another quarterback with a lot of potential but faces skepticism from some coaches and executives, who see him as a work in progress.
The preseason has also seen impressive performances from kickers like Cam Little, who hit an unofficial NFL-record 70-yard field goal against the Jaguars. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots’ Mike Vrabel had a strong debut, with TreVeyon Henderson making a promising impact as the rookie running back.
Overall, the first week of preseason has set the stage for an exciting NFL season ahead.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6547001/2025/08/11/nfl-risers-fallers-trending-preseason-week-1-scoop-city-jets-giants