As goes the quarterback, so goes the team. It's not always true in the NFL, but it usually is. And it makes sense: In a passing league, the passers are like royalty -- the biggest influences on whether a team is destined more for a Super Bowl title or a No. 1 draft pick.

It's with that in mind that we come to you with the most important pecking order outside of traditional team power rankings: QB Power Rankings. Consider this your cut-and-dry guide to the best and worst of the NFL's signal-callers -- a weekly 1-to-32 rundown of every starter under center.

How are the QBs ranked? We try to factor in both current standing and future upside. So a long resume doesn't always guarantee an edge over untapped potential, just as a cold streak doesn't always erase a history of success. At the end of the day, we're simply trying to sort the QBs based on 2021 value, both now and in the near future.

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Now, without further ado, let's get to first edition of the season, our Week 1 rankings:

Week 1 QB Power Rankings
1
Patrick Mahomes Kansas City Chiefs QB
Oh so smooth. Anyone and everyone would pay money to watch Mahomes play, because he's still the standard-bearer when it comes to modern-day backyard-style quarterbacking.
2
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers QB
At 37, has Rodgers ever been more confident in himself? What he lacks in youth, he more than makes up for in clutch ability and elite accuracy. Another title run is very much a possibility.
3
Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks QB
The occasional forced throw aside, Russ remains the NFL's most reliable dual-threat quarterbacks. Let him lean on the run or let him air it out, but either way, he's a lock to keep you alive on any given play or week.
4
Josh Allen Buffalo Bills QB
The total package, physically. Can he actually improve upon 2020? If so, he's probably an MVP front-runner. Keeping himself out of harm's way could still be a challenge considering his knack for extending plays.
5
Tom Brady Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB
Father Time has no power as long as Brady is still playing. Newly 44, his arm looked as strong as it has in years down the stretch of the 2020 season. His dedication and touch remain elite. Do not bet against him.
6
Justin Herbert Los Angeles Chargers QB
He's still got things to prove, like operating consistently from a clean pocket. But everything points to a continued ascension for one of the game's most explosive young arms. L.A. can ride his talent to playoff contention.
7
Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys QB
Health is a big X-factor here, as he's not only coming off two injuries but working behind some oft-injured blockers. When upright, however, he's good in almost every area: footwork, pocket presence, heavy passing workloads.
8
Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens QB
There are some strong opinions out there regarding his unproven big-game passing. And, yes, he's a better weapon than QB most of the time. But come on. His athleticism is unparalleled at the position, and it routinely changes games.
9
Ryan Tannehill Tennessee Titans QB
Tannehill in 26 starts for the Titans: 55 TDs, 13 INTs and an 18-8 record. It's possible he's still entering his prime at 33, and Julio Jones' addition could confirm it. A jump toward the top five isn't out of the question.
10
Matthew Stafford Los Angeles Rams QB
Moving to shiny L.A. doesn't erase the fact Stafford has long been more good than great. But his toughness and arm strength have never been questioned, and now he's got a much better supporting cast/staff.
11
Kyler Murray Arizona Cardinals QB
Such a tough one to slot, because in terms of upside, few offer the gifts he does. We're talking Lamar Jackson-level impact on the ground. And he's got a rocket for an arm. The question is, can he win more with smarter decisions?
12
Baker Mayfield Cleveland Browns QB
If the latter half of 2020 was any indication, he's well on his way to a top-10 ranking. The arm and gusto are playoff-caliber. We already know he can manage a run-heavy attack. Can he deliver more big throws in big games, too?
13
Kirk Cousins Minnesota Vikings QB
Captain Kirk probably gets criticized a bit too much, even though he's anchored in the tier below championship-caliber talents. His crunch-time resume leaves a lot to be desired, but he's accurate, efficient and capable of big plays; solid, if unspectacular.
14
Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers QB
This doesn't feel quite right for Big Ben, but who knows what he has left? Apparently in better mental and physical shape, he's smart and savvy enough to win when it matters. But the days of playing Superman are probably over.
15
Derek Carr Las Vegas Raiders QB
Kind of representative of the Raiders under Jon Gruden: Offensively efficient for the most part, but still stuck in the mud as a whole. Carr is better than he gets credit for, but like Kirk Cousins, we've yet to see him carry his team over the hump.
16
Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons QB
Ryan remains smart and mechanically sound, but on a semi-rebuilding team, he doesn't necessarily have the arm or mobility to consistently take over games. Maybe Arthur Smith will work wonders and set him up for a late-career resurgence.
17
Jimmy Garoppolo San Francisco 49ers QB
When he's healthy, he's a perfectly smooth figurehead for Kyle Shanahan's run- and play-action-heavy attack. But good health has been hard to come by, and Trey Lance's dual-threat talent is just waiting to be unleashed.
18
Joe Burrow Cincinnati Bengals QB
Some will say this is too high. Some will say it's too low. Burrow still has plenty to prove as he comes off a serious knee injury. But his toughness and feel for the game are still top-notch. Let's hope Cincy gives him the support he needs.
19
Teddy Bridgewater Denver Broncos QB
Better positioned in Denver than he was in Carolina, Teddy is who he is: a steady hand with a limited ceiling. Give him a playoff-caliber roster, and he'll probably get you to the tourney. But don't expect him to deviate much from the script.
20
Mac Jones New England Patriots QB
For all the guff he got as a potential 49ers target at the No. 3 spot in the draft, Jones looks to have the poise and decision-making for an early impact. If his receivers help him out, he should have New England back in the playoff mix.
21
Zach Wilson New York Jets QB
The Jets' O-line spells trouble, but Wilson's arm is for real. He'll almost assuredly throw himself into trouble, but he's got the top-level zip to throw himself out of it, too. Highlight-reel plays should not be lacking as a rookie.
22
Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars QB
Tools-wise, Lawrence belongs higher on the list. But situation plays at least a small part here, and he's got hurdles to clear playing for the Jags. In due time, and with proper help, he should climb toward the top 15.
23
Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles QB
Almost universally ranked as a bottom-five QB entering 2021, Hurts has way too much going for him to be written off. The intangibles are off the charts, and his legs are a constant threat. Still, can he regularly scare opponents through the air?
24
Carson Wentz Indianapolis Colts QB
The Colts were right to bet on Wentz's reunion with Frank Reich, as his ceiling remains top-12ish. If he can stay on the field, Indy will be good. But isn't that always the concern? Injuries and COVID battles have already plagued him this year.
25
Ryan Fitzpatrick Washington Football Team QB
Look, he's a ton of fun. He's also a clear upgrade over Alex Smith. Washington has the weapons and defense to help him out, but he's still Ryan Fitzpatrick, the journeyman prone to turnover sprees. It doesn't help he's nearing 39 with an injury history.
26
Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins QB
The opinions on Tua have probably been too harsh considering the kid is fresh off an efficient, if muted, rookie year. Until we can see what he does with improved weaponry, however, it's hard to bet on him as a play-making game-changer.
27
Jameis Winston New Orleans Saints QB
Bombs away, right? Winston has never failed to flash with his big arm, and he seems genuinely committed to fitting into Sean Payton's offense as a Drew Brees successor. But mental miscues have followed him every step of his NFL career.
28
Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB
Oh, how things change. Goff is not a bottom-tier QB at his best; far from it. But his days as a Rams standout are long gone. As a placeholder for a rebuilding squad, the odds are against him, especially considering his tendency to wilt under pressure.
29
Sam Darnold Carolina Panthers QB
Something tells us he could make a quick dart up the rankings, now that the New York spotlight is in the rear view. For now, Darnold has to prove he can stay healthy and align confidence in his arm with smart decisions.
30
Andy Dalton Chicago Bears QB
All indications are that Dalton is a hard worker and solid teammate, and his Bengals career was more than respectable. But he hasn't been a winning starter for years. His arrival feels like a marginal upgrade on Nick Foles as a bridge to Justin Fields.
31
Daniel Jones New York Giants QB
If only all of Dave Gettleman's offseason gifts -- new toys at the skill positions -- had been healthy enough to develop chemistry with the youngster. Jones has athleticism, but he's yet to prove he can protect the ball long enough to win important games.
32
Tyrod Taylor Houston Texans QB
Good for Taylor, getting another shot at QB1 duties. But he's a backup playing an emergency role. Maybe his legs will allow him to surprise, but he's both conservative and not particularly accurate as a passer, hence the No. 2 reputation.