The NFL starting quarterback rankings following Week 3 of the 2026 season establish firm consistency at the top while highlighting Brock Purdy’s rapid ascent for the San Francisco 49ers. Established stars Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Matthew Stafford hold the first five positions in the league evaluation, according to data updated on September 29, 2026.
Brock Purdy Climbs to Eighth Following 3-0 Start
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy climbed to the eighth spot in the league rankings after directing his team to a 3-0 record. Purdy’s career statistics as a starter stand at 33 wins and 15 losses, with a 68.2 percent completion rate across 52 total appearances, including 48 starts. He has thrown 93 touchdown passes against 38 interceptions.
In a 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns. Through the opening three weeks of the season, he recorded one total turnover, zero sacks taken, nine touchdown passes, and a 10.8 percent touchdown rate while operating through an offense impacted by injuries to his teammates.
Baker Mayfield Sidelined as Tampa Bay Struggles at 0-3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield faces a minimum three-week absence due to a thumb injury sustained late in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, as stated by head coach Todd Bowles. Mayfield completed 17 of 34 passes for 217 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and six sacks before exiting the contest.
The Buccaneers sit at 0-3 with losses by margins of no more than six points. Following a three-year contract extension worth $165 million, Mayfield threw two touchdown passes in three games before his injury. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels will take over starting duties for the offense during Mayfield’s recovery.
Kirk Cousins Drives Las Vegas Raiders to Undefeated Start
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins guided the team to a 3-0 record to begin the season. At age 38, Cousins recorded nine touchdowns and three interceptions, alongside one lost fumble during a victory against the New Orleans Saints. Klint Kubiak’s offensive system, which Cousins previously worked within during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, provides the framework for the team’s early success.
The Raiders face an upcoming schedule featuring games against the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams. In Atlanta, the Falcons anticipated an offensive shift with the return of Michael Penix Jr. following his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
Week 3 Quarterback Performance Overview
| Player | Team | Record | Key Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | San Francisco 49ers | 3-0 | 9 passing TDs, 0 sacks, 10.8% TD rate |
| Baker Mayfield | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0-3 | 2 passing TDs, 6 sacks, thumb injury |
| Kirk Cousins | Las Vegas Raiders | 3-0 | 9 passing TDs, 3 interceptions |
Worth a look