Predicting the 2025 NFL Starting Quarterbacks: Key Moves for Derek Carr, Sam Darnold, and More
Explore our predictions for the Week 1 NFL starting quarterbacks in 2025, featuring insights on key players like Derek Carr and Sam Darnold.

Predicting the 2025 NFL Starting Quarterbacks
The NFL offseason is always filled with speculation and strategic moves, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, several teams are poised to make significant changes. Here’s a breakdown of what could unfold:
Cleveland Browns
Predicted 2025 starter: Kirk Cousins The Browns are likely to move on from Deshaun Watson and bring in Kirk Cousins. This move could be bolstered by trading Myles Garrett for draft capital, providing the team with more flexibility.
Las Vegas Raiders
Predicted 2025 starter: Shedeur Sanders After a disappointing 2024 season, the Raiders might take a gamble on rookie Shedeur Sanders to revitalize their quarterback position.
New Orleans Saints
Predicted 2025 starter: Justin Fields With a dire cap situation, the Saints may part ways with Derek Carr and opt for Justin Fields, who offers potential and cap relief.
New York Giants
Predicted 2025 starter: Cam Ward Desperate for a turnaround, the Giants could trade up to secure Cam Ward, ensuring they have a new quarterback to lead the team.
New York Jets
Predicted 2025 starter: Derek Carr After moving on from Aaron Rodgers, the Jets might pick up Derek Carr from the Saints, providing a steady hand for their offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted 2025 starter: Sam Darnold The Steelers could land Sam Darnold, the best free agent quarterback available, to lead their team under Mike Tomlin’s guidance.
Tennessee Titans
Predicted 2025 starter: Jacoby Brissett Jacoby Brissett could again serve as a bridge quarterback, mentoring a new signal-caller while providing stability.
Indianapolis Colts
Predicted 2025 starter: Anthony Richardson The Colts are likely to give Anthony Richardson another season to prove himself, despite some initial struggles in 2024.
Los Angeles Rams
Predicted 2025 starter: Matthew Stafford Matthew Stafford is expected to stay with the Rams, as the team continues to build around his experience and leadership.
Minnesota Vikings
Predicted 2025 starter: J.J. McCarthy With Sam Darnold’s inconsistent performance, the Vikings might turn to J.J. McCarthy as their new starting quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks
Predicted 2025 starter: Geno Smith Geno Smith is likely to remain the starter, but the Seahawks may draft a quarterback to prepare for the future.
Arizona Cardinals
Predicted 2025 starter: Kyler Murray Kyler Murray’s solid performance in 2024 has secured his position as the Cardinals’ starter.
Atlanta Falcons
Predicted 2025 starter: Michael Penix Jr. Michael Penix Jr. will take over as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, offering hope for a franchise in transition.
Baltimore Ravens
Predicted 2025 starter: Lamar Jackson Lamar Jackson continues to be the cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense, coming off another stellar season.
Buffalo Bills
Predicted 2025 starter: Josh Allen Josh Allen remains the Bills’ leader, providing a strong chance for success every season.
Carolina Panthers
Predicted 2025 starter: Bryce Young Bryce Young is set to continue as the Panthers’ starter, after turning his season around in 2024.
Chicago Bears
Predicted 2025 starter: Caleb Williams Caleb Williams will aim to improve under new head coach Ben Johnson, after a challenging rookie season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Predicted 2025 starter: Joe Burrow Joe Burrow is coming off his best NFL season and remains the Bengals’ primary quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys
Predicted 2025 starter: Dak Prescott Despite a disappointing 2024, Dak Prescott is expected to lead the Cowboys once again.
Denver Broncos
Predicted 2025 starter: Bo Nix Bo Nix showed promise in his rookie season and will continue to develop as the Broncos’ starter.
Detroit Lions
Predicted 2025 starter: Jared Goff Jared Goff’s efficient performance in 2024 ensures he remains the Lions’ starting quarterback.
Green Bay Packers
Predicted 2025 starter: Jordan Love Jordan Love had a quietly efficient 2024 and will continue to lead the Packers’ offense.
Houston Texans
Predicted 2025 starter: C.J. Stroud C.J. Stroud aims to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted 2025 starter: Trevor Lawrence Trevor Lawrence continues to develop, with hopes of a breakout season in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted 2025 starter: Patrick Mahomes Despite a down season by his standards, Patrick Mahomes remains the Chiefs’ leader.
Los Angeles Chargers
Predicted 2025 starter: Justin Herbert Justin Herbert’s arm strength and leadership keep him as the Chargers’ starter.
Miami Dolphins
Predicted 2025 starter: Tua Tagovailoa Tua Tagovailoa remains the Dolphins’ starter, but the team may look to improve their backup options.
New England Patriots
Predicted 2025 starter: Drake Maye Drake Maye brings hope to the Patriots, with potential to translate promise into production.
Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted 2025 starter: Jalen Hurts Jalen Hurts’ leadership and performance ensure he remains the Eagles’ starting quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers
Predicted 2025 starter: Brock Purdy Brock Purdy’s efficient play under Kyle Shanahan keeps him as the 49ers’ starter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted 2025 starter: Baker Mayfield Baker Mayfield’s success in Tampa Bay solidifies his position as the Buccaneers’ starter.
Washington Commanders
Predicted 2025 starter: Jayden Daniels Jayden Daniels’ impressive rookie season positions him as the Commanders’ franchise quarterback.