Quarterbacks are the heartbeat of any NFL team, often feeling the weight of every win and loss on their shoulders. When they lead their teams to victory, they bask in praise; but the moment things go south, they become the target of relentless criticism. With the spotlight always shining bright, the evaluation of a quarterback’s performance often crystallizes by the end of their third season, striking a balance between potential and proven results.
As we look ahead to 2025, several quarterbacks are standing at a critical crossroads, facing significant pressure to deliver not just wins, but deep playoff runs—and ultimately, championships. Let’s break down the five signal-callers who need to step up this season.
1. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
It’s no surprise that Lamar Jackson tops this list. The two-time MVP has amassed accolades that many players only dream of, yet he finds himself without a championship ring to show for it. Despite his impressive resume, the glaring omission of an AFC Championship title haunts him. The Ravens have surrounded him with talent: first-round picks at wide receiver, a trade for All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, and even adding future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry to the backfield. However, Jackson’s legacy will hinge on his ability to translate this wealth of talent into playoff success. As the team’s fortunes ride on his shoulders, he needs to elevate his game and lead the Ravens deep into the postseason if he wants to shake the narrative surrounding his career.
2. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
After an impressive run to the Super Bowl in 2021, Joe Burrow has established himself as an elite quarterback, going toe-to-toe with the best. However, a disappointing 9-8 season last year saw the Bengals miss the playoffs, and much of that blame falls on the defense rather than Burrow’s shoulders. Yet, the quarterback’s demand during his Super Bowl Radio Row tour for the Bengals to secure long-term contracts for key offensive players puts him under the spotlight heading into 2025. If the front office answers his call, it raises the stakes for Burrow. He’s been given a pass the past two seasons due to various circumstances, but with talent in place, he now must demonstrate he can navigate the team back to playoff prominence and contend for the Lombardi Trophy once again.
3. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert’s trajectory has been clouded by the Chargers’ organizational struggles, yet the hiring of Jim Harbaugh has revitalized the franchise. After leading the Chargers to an 11-win season, expectations were sky-high, but Herbert stumbled in the playoffs, exposing weaknesses that have lingered throughout his early career. Despite impressive individual numbers, he has yet to win a playoff game or claim a division title—crucial benchmarks that define a quarterback’s career. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Herbert to change that narrative; with a better roster and coaching in place, it’s time for him to harness his talent and lead the Chargers to meaningful victories.
4. Jared Goff – Detroit Lions
Jared Goff’s resurgence in Detroit has been one of the league’s more inspiring stories. Once seen merely as a bridge quarterback, he has now secured a contract extension and led the Lions to back-to-back NFC North titles. However, his playoff performance last January raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure. In a crucial matchup against Washington, Goff’s turnovers became pivotal, and such gaffes can tarnish a reputation even among the most talented rosters. He has the tools and support around him, but the onus is on Goff to solidify his status as a premier quarterback by guiding the Lions toward their first Super Bowl.
5. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love has felt the pressure since the moment he was drafted as Aaron Rodgers’ successor. After two seasons as the full-time starter, he’s shown flashes of promise, taking the Packers to the playoffs in both years. However, his inconsistent performances against elite competition will weigh on him as he enters a pivotal third season. Though he’s rallied the team at times, he has also struggled—most notably in playoff scenarios. The Packers have given him the support needed to succeed, but Love must elevate his game to live up to expectations and prove he’s the right man to lead Green Bay into a new era.
As we approach the 2025 season, these quarterbacks find themselves in varying degrees of pressure—each carrying the hopes of their franchises. The combination of past achievements, current expectations, and future potential creates a compelling narrative, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the season unfolds.
