Preseason rankings for all 32 projected starting quarterbacks: Will Josh Allen repeat as QB1?

5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

2023 rank: 4
Top weapons: Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Isaiah Likely
Backfield: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill

With Derrick Henry now aligning Jackson in the backfield, Baltimore should take a leap with their rushing production on paper. Given the state of their receiving corps and recent trends, Baltimore could lean even more on their running game in 2024, which may benefit Jackson's production as the top rushing quarterback in the league.

Their offensive line is a minor concern with essentially two rookies expected to start on day one. Andrew Vorhees will begin his second season in September but has yet to see a snap. Regardless of what happens up front, expect more of the same from Jackson, who threw for a career-high in passing yards in 2023.

4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

2023 rank: 1
Top weapons: Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Backfield: James Cook, Ray Davis (R)

Allen is in for a tough year after finishing as the QB1 in 2023. He loses top target Stefon Diggs to the Texans and his No. 2 option Gabe Davis to the Jaguars, making Khalil Shakir the team's de facto WR1. It is safe to say there will be a lot of pressure on the Wyoming product in his seventh season.

Positively, Dalton Kincaid should take a leap in his sophomore outing following an impressive rookie campaign. Where the Bills lack in standout talent at receiver they make up for in depth. Behind the expected starters, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool, Dawson Knox and Mack Hollins are all candidates to see significant playing time. Allen is still an elite, big-play quarterback, but the path back to QB1 status is steep.

3. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans

2023 rank: 11
Top weapons: Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, Dalton Schultz
Backfield: Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce

Stroud's rookie season was so successful that it makes it easy to forget the question marks surrounding his name in the preseason. After barely missing out on a top-10 finish in his inaugural professional year, 2024 could be a true breakout season for the former Buckeye, who has top-5 potential in his sophomore outing.

The off-the-field issues surrounding second-year receiver Tank Dell are mildly concerning but have been largely washed out by the acquisition of Stefon Diggs. Assuming Dell can at minimum repeat the potential he showed in his rookie year, this could be the best wide receiver trio in the league with Nico Collins, giving Stroud overall QB1 potential.

2. Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City Chiefs

2023 rank: 8
Top weapons: Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, Justin Watson
Backfield: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Barring an injury, there is no feasible reason why Mahomes should not at least finish in the top five. The receiving corps has been the primary criticism of this offense for the past two years and though Rashee Rice has provided some semblance of a reliable pass-catcher, the front office made an effort to acquire Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown.

With Isiah Pacheco expected to take another leap in his career, this offense is in its best shape since 2022. Entering his seventh year as a defending champion once again, the grass is only greener for Mahomes. He's only now entering his prime at 28 years old.

1. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

2023 rank: 2
Top weapons: AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Parris Campbell, Britain Covey
Backfield: Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell

Philadelphia's offensive line will be losing Jason Kelce but should not take too much of a hit with three starters still returning from the elite unit and former second-round pick Cam Jurgens expected to fill the void at center. Saquon Barkley is expected to provide a significant lift in the Eagles' running game with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith still anchoring the offense.

All in all, the situation provided gives no reason to believe Hurts will be worse in 2024 than his second-place finish in 2023. If he can repeat the production from his fourth year as a professional, that may be enough to take the crown.