{
  "id": 7548223,
  "title": "Ranking every AFC North quarterback after their Week 1 performances",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ranking-every-afc-north-quarterback-after-their-week-1-performances",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T12:20:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ranking-every-afc-north-quarterback-122021649.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: PFF grades show Jackson excelling in passing (75.9), rushing (81.0), and overall (83.1) performance during his Week 1 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Jackson completed 17 of 25 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown, added 40 rushing yards and another score on the ground, and posted a 124.2 passer rating. His explosive playmaking and decision-making abilities earned him a 83.1 overall grade from PFF, putting him comfortably at the top of the AFC North quarterback rankings.\n\n2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: PFF grades for Burrow reveal a strong Week 1 performance with passing efficiency at 62.6%, rushing efficiency at 69.6%, and an overall grade of 66.2. Burrow completed 71.4% of his passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, but threw one interception. His 5 rushing yards showcased his mobility, and the Bengals quarterback finished without a turnover, contributing significantly as both a passer and runner. Despite competing closely with Lamar Jackson, Burrow currently holds the second spot in the AFC North quarterback rankings.\n\n3. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers: PFF grades demonstrate Rodgers' efficiency in Week 1 with a passing grade of 78.7%, rushing grade of 70.0%, and an overall grade of 80.5. Rodgers completed 221 yards and a touchdown without an interception, earning him the highest grade among AFC North quarterbacks for his 37 QBR. However, his ranking at third is influenced by the Steelers' defense stepping up with as many touchdowns as their offense. Rodgers has proven capable of winning games, but the Steelers' defensive prowess has been a crucial factor in his team's success.\n\n4. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: Watson's Week 1 performance led him to the bottom of the AFC North quarterback rankings. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, and was sacked 5 times, resulting in a 97.7 passer rating. The Browns suffered a significant defeat, and Watson's performance, combined with the team's overall struggles, resulted in a 37.0 overall grade from PFF. As the Browns navigate their first month of the season, Watson's performance will be closely monitored, and his role as the starter remains uncertain.",
  "summary": "With a week of NFL action in the books, we rank Lamar Jackson against his AFC north peers at the quarterback position.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}