The AFC seems like a pretty messed up conference right now, as even the best teams at the moment are all struggling with something pretty notable. The quarterback play has been much better to start the season. We typically see defenses excel early in the season, as offenses usually take longer to come together.
We should see various QBs around the league start to settle into their game as the season progresses. Now that Week 3 is here, we’re getting closer to the final football month of September, and as the weather gets colder and the games become fewer, the stakes get higher.
As the crowd heads into Week 3, let’s take a look at how the QB hierarchy looks in the AFC. A familiar face is trending in the wrong direction. Our rankings will be based solely on how the QBs played this year so far. Prior production in previous periods is not included.
Drake Maye is headed in the wrong direction in the updated AFC QB rankings ahead of Week 3
16. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are 0-2 to start the 2026 NFL Season. Cam Ward ranks 16th in the AFC with 323 passing yards, and he completed just 61.5 percent of his passes.
Ward had just one touchdown on the season and was largely in a new offense, as Brian Daboll was hired as offensive coordinator this offseason. Many across the NFL landscape, including myself, think Ward could make the jump this year, but the early returns just aren’t there yet.
15. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Frankly, Malik Willis is in a lose-lose situation with the Miami Dolphins, as they don’t have much talent to speak of on either side of the ball, so Willis just hasn’t hit his ceiling on this team. He did get a nice payday, but the production just wasn’t there this year.
Willis completed just 58 percent of his passes and had 417 yards through two games. He only attempted 50 passes, which was also last among AFC starting QBs. Unless there’s a big change in the coming weeks, Willis will likely stay this low in our QB power rankings.
He’s a great backup option but will likely never be a legitimate starting QB, and that will never be a reality with the Dolphins.
follow